[ConcernedCitizen]

I have a similar laptop, sadly 10th gen only

In terms of running Windows 11, It's no different to the 11th gen.

I'm more worried about how it might break programs that have finicky environments (xilinx, self made python stuff, powershell scripts...)

Is Windows 10 your current OS?

If so and given your tools are running smoothly, I don't see why there'd be compatibility Issues and/or loss of functionality when executed In Windows 11.

Correct. WIndows 11 is a bunch of "enhancements" that don't really change the behavior of (most) things.
It does however make everything a floating app, and completely destroy the UI by doing so, in my eyes.
I much prefer Win10 (still, yuck) for work and "personal malware-related hobbies."

As for specifically Python and other languages/libraries, there is no notable change in behavior.