Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Is the upgrade worth it?

Windows 11 debuted in 2021 as Microsoft’s answer to a world where even operating systems were becoming a service. It came as the successor to Windows 10, introduced in 2015, marking the longest period between successive releases of Microsoft Windows operating systems, beating the previous longest period between the release of Windows XP and Windows Vista.

With Windows 11, Microsoft hinted at the idea of putting an end to major new Windows releases and switching to regular updates instead. While it walked back on a part of that statement, the software giant has stayed true to releasing periodic updates for its latest release. Microsoft also offers Windows 11 as a free upgrade to Windows 10 devices that meet the minimum system requirements.

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If you have been on the fence as far as upgrading to Windows 11 is concerned, we won’t blame you. With an install base of 25.65 per cent as of May 2024, Windows 11 remains the second most popular version of Windows behind Windows 10, but it is growing and Microsoft is adding new AI features that might tip the scale in its favour. Here’s how Windows 11 differs from Windows 10 and whether the upgrade is worth it.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Key differences you must know

Windows 11 is nothing more than a refined version of Windows 10, but some new features are enough to set it apart. The most striking change is in terms of aesthetics with Windows 11 borrowing from the design language of macOS, but there are also improvements to gaming. Here are the key differences you must know.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Metro to Fluent Design Language

The biggest difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10 is in the design language. Microsoft is moving away from Metro Design Language to Fluent, where the Taskbar and the Start menu are centred like macOS and ChromeOS. With Windows 11, Microsoft is forcing the Taskbar to stay on the bottom and cannot be moved to the right or the left of the screen.

Windows 11 also adopts rounded corners for Windows and app icons and File Explorer has received a major update to support tabs. Other Windows 11 features include live captions for your browser and Focus mode designed to boost productivity. There is native support for virtual desktops to maintain separate work, gaming, and personal computing. One thing is certain, Microsoft wants you to touch this OS as much as using a keyboard and mouse.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Start menu and Taskbar

The most striking difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10 can be seen with the Start menu and the Taskbar. With Windows 11, Microsoft’s core design language has moved towards simplicity and mobility. With the Start menu on Windows 11, you will only see a static list of apps, which replaces the Lives Tiles seen on Windows 10. With a simpler set of apps followed by your most frequent documents, Microsoft has made the Start menu look tidier than before.

Microsoft has also simplified the Taskbar with the search box turned into an icon while the Cortana function is completely removed. There is a dedicated icon for Microsoft Teams but you can remove it if you don’t like. There are other Taskbar items like Copilot in Windows and Task view, which can be enabled or disabled from settings. The News and Interests in Windows 10 has been replaced by Widgets, which is again something you can remove from the Taskbar.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Multitasking

Windows has never been sluggish when it comes to multitasking and with Windows 11, Microsoft is adding more exclusive improvements. The first change is that your snap layouts are automatically saved to the taskbar. Windows 11 makes it extremely easy to access your snap layouts and there are more configurations available as part of snap layouts as well.

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The multitasking improvements also extend to multi-monitor setups. The new version of Windows remembers how you had your windows arranged on your external monitor. It saves them in that state when you disconnect from a monitor and then plug it back in. This has been a major annoyance with multi-monitor setup on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is addressing it as part of multitasking improvements.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Improved tablet mode

With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a tablet mode that made your PC go to a full-screen Start menu experience. Windows 11 drops that experience in favour of an iPad-esque approach, where the dedicated button for tablet mode is gone and the UI becomes touch-friendly. Microsoft has added new gestures for opening the Start menu and closing windows in tablet mode.

The tablet mode enhancement also includes deeper functionality for stylus or pen input. In addition to using Whiteboard to collaborate, you can also add up to four app shortcuts through your pen. Touch is not the only winner with this improved tablet mode. Voice navigation has been improved allowing users to use their voice to launch apps, control the OS, and even for keyboard and mouse inputs.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Performance and Gaming

Microsoft claims Windows 11 wakes from sleep 25 per cent faster than Windows 10. The Seattle-based company has also improved memory management to ensure that your open app windows get more CPU power to keep them running in the foreground. Those who switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, they immediately notice the snappiness of the latter thanks to small but useful performance improvements.

Windows has always been the go-to platform for desktop gaming and Windows 11 brings optimisation for running games in windowed mode. Windows 11 brings support for high refresh rate monitors and supports features like AutoHDR and DirectStorage.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Is the upgrade worth it

For most PC gamers, Windows 11 has become a no-brainer when it comes to upgrading from Windows 10. For others, Windows 11 is a worthy upgrade thanks to the range of features, design and performance improvements it brings to the fore. When people upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, they immediately notice the snappiness in performance and simplicity of user experience.

ALSO READ: How to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

With Microsoft’s shifting attention towards Copilot in Windows and Windows 11 clearly being the preferred platform to showcase AI in PCs, the operating system gains another edge in terms of features. Regardless of these features, Windows 11 kills more bugs than presents them, and there isn’t much risk in upgrading. However, if you don’t like Windows 11, Microsoft offers you the option to downgrade to Windows 10 in 10 days.