Harvey / 18 September 2025 / Categories: Product and Brands, Specialist, Electronics

Top 8 Laptops for Upgrading to Windows 11: Best Picks for Gaming, Work & Everyday Use

My Top 8 Laptop Picks for Upgrading to Windows 11: From Gaming Powerhouses to Budget-Friendly Choices

As the end of support for Windows 10 looms on the horizon, slated for October 14, 2025, many users are facing the necessity to upgrade their hardware to be compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft has set specific system requirements for the new operating system, which include a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, among others. This has spurred a demand for newer, more capable laptops that can handle the upgraded system smoothly.

Whenever I have to replace high value items like my laptop, I look to the US to do my research. I don't go to PC World, Currys and let the sales person persuade me. I've been a Dell guy for quite a few years, you pay a bit more but I've found them to be extremely reliable bits of kit and my dell Latitude E5520 Series cost a lot when I bought it but with a couple of memory upgrades and a replacement battery pack and charger which were pretty inexpensive it's worked really well for 7 or 8 years.

Now I have to upgrade because this machine won't support the necessary upgrade to Windows 11. I do quite a bit of reading starting with the editors at PC Magazine and PC World. These people review kit everyday and are considered the very best influencers by hardware manufacturers and software publishers a like so the people at the top of these businesses work very hard to impress them. Like a top food writer can make or break a new restaurant the Editors Choice award at a top US publication like PC Magazine is the stuff dreams are made of from a PR stand point for tech businesses and over the years they have never steered me wrong. The experts in the USA are way more advanced and in the know than other countries so it always the best place to start for the best know how.

Shopping in the US for tech is going to be cheaper for sure, it's a way more competitive market if you are visiting on business or holiday however the savings you make on exchange rate and bundling deals may be eroded by import duty and shipping charges plus insurance so if you are importing your tech you need to really do your homework to make sure the sums add up. I have kept the prices in dollars for this exercise so you'll have to covert to your local currency depending where you are in the world.

In this article, I have curated a list of the 8 best laptops I think you should consider if you're planning to make the switch to Windows 11, catering to various needs and budgets, from high-end gaming powerhouses to economical choices for everyday use.

1. MSI Raider 18HX AI

- Processor: Intel Core i9

- RAM: 64GB

- Storage: 2TB SSD

- Price: $3,499

- Highlights: A top-tier gaming laptop with exceptional processing power and graphics, perfect for both gaming and professional graphics work.

2. Dell Precision 5690

- Processor: Intel Xeon

- RAM: 32GB

- Storage: 1TB SSD

- Price: $2,659

- Highlights: Designed as a workstation, it offers robust performance for professional applications like CAD and data science.

3. Asus ProArt PX13

- Processor: Intel Core i7

- RAM: 32GB

- Storage: 1TB SSD

- Price: $1,999

- Highlights: Tailored for creators with a focus on colour accuracy and rendering efficiency, ideal for video editing and graphic design.

4. Dell Pro 14 Plus PB14250

- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5

- RAM: 16GB

- Storage: Options from 512GB to 1TB SSD

- Price: $1,450

- Highlights: A solid all-rounder with ample performance for business and personal use, with a sleek design and reliable build.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 13 Aura Edition

- Processor: Intel Core i7

- RAM: 16GB

- Storage: 1TB SSD

- Price: $1,399

- Highlights: Known for its durability and security features, it’s perfect for business professionals who need a reliable work tool.

6. Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)

- Processor:Intel Core i5

- RAM: 16GB

- Storage: 512GB SSD

- Price: $1,050

- Highlights: A budget-friendly gaming laptop that delivers solid performance and a great display, suitable for casual gamers.

7. Acer Chromebook Spin 714

- Processor: Intel Core i5

- RAM: 8GB

- Storage:256GB SSD

- Price: $629

- Highlights: Versatile and portable with a 360-degree hinge, offering a smooth experience for everyday tasks and entertainment.

8. Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)

- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3

- RAM: 8GB

- Storage: 256GB SSD

- Price: $429

- Highlights: An affordable option for students and home users, providing adequate performance for everyday computing needs.

These laptops provide a range of options depending on whether your priority lies in gaming, professional work, or general use. When choosing a new laptop, especially with the forthcoming transition to Windows 11, it's crucial to consider not only the system specifications but also the intended use-case to ensure compatibility and performance. Whether you're editing high-resolution videos, managing complex databases, or just streaming movies, there's a laptop on this list that can meet your needs as we step into the new era of Windows 11.

I am going for number 4 on the list. In the mid price range. Yep it's another Dell, The pro 14 Plus PB14250 with a 14" screen. I've upped the RAM to 32 as I like the extra speed but 512GB of storage is fine for me as I use one drive and icloud for additional storage. It is not as sleek and lightweight as some of the others on the list but I don't mind that. If you want a highly portable option this might not be the best choice for you.

I have included the Windows "check for compatability" link at the end of the snoop so if you are Windows you'll be able to see if your current machine can take the Windows 11 upgrade simply and easily of if like me you have to upgrade your PC or Laptop as well.