Should I use Windows 10 or Windows 11 on this older PC?

You can try Windows 11 for a while, but it was likely installed by bypassing the hardware checks. That can lead to update problems, driver issues, or higher resource usage. Keep a bootable installer available and test the system, but do not depend on an unsupported installation for an important primary computer.

Linux Mint or Zorin OS would be worth considering because both are relatively friendly for people coming from Windows and should run comfortably on this hardware. Many older games work through compatibility tools, though newer games, anti-cheat systems, and some work software may still require Windows. You can test Linux from a USB drive before installing it.

Windows 11 may run, but this processor is outside Microsoft's supported hardware list, so future updates and compatibility are not guaranteed. Windows 10 is lighter and may feel better on this system, but standard Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, so it is not a good long-term choice unless you have an appropriate extended-support option. If you can still return the computer, replacing it with newer hardware would be the safest decision.

For gaming and modding, Windows is usually the simpler option because game launchers, mod managers, and anti-cheat support are more consistent. However, this PC is quite old, and the bigger concern may be the hardware itself rather than choosing between Windows versions. Check the return policy before spending time setting it up.