Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Should You Upgrade?

Windows 10 and Windows 11 are both operating systems for Microsoft computers and other devices. Operating systems are a necessary type of computer software that supports your device’s basic functions, including user interface navigation, app accessibility and performance features. Microsoft first released Windows 10 in 2015 and then released its successor, Windows 11, in 2021.

There's only 1 SKU, so I don't know if we want to link to this. I'm also surprised that there isn't a first facet for Windows 11 yet. If there were, I think that would make more sense to link to because there are several SKUs.

If you want your Microsoft Windows device to have better performance capabilities, an upgrade may be advantageous. At its core, Windows 10 and Windows 11 have very similar performance mechanisms, but Windows 11 does have a few key upgrades.

Your computer’s performance abilities are usually dictated by your device’s memory (RAM) and Central Processing Units (CPUs). However, the right operating system can allow your PC to use its RAM and CPU more efficiently. For example, Windows 11 ensures your device focuses its performance capabilities on the apps and windows you have up and running. This means you don’t have to waste your CPU power on tools you aren’t using in the moment, resulting in quicker response times and overall superior function. For this reason, Windows 11 is an ideal choice for anyone with a Windows laptop or desktop with lower RAM and CPU power.

Some of the most recent updates to Windows 11 also offer quicker wakeup times from sleep mode and boosted speeds for solid-state drives (SSDs). But beyond these improvements, Windows 10 and Windows 11 have comparable performance capabilities.

Starting with the basics, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are both capable of providing a great PC gaming experience. For example, both operating systems come with the DirectStorage feature, which allows PC games to load in less than one second.

But if you’re planning on doing a lot of gaming on your PC, you’ll definitely want to consider upgrading to Windows 11. With this new operating system, Microsoft has made gaming a big focus. They’ve worked out many of the performance bugs you might experience with Windows 10 gaming and added new features. With Windows 11 gaming, you can optimize running games in windowed mode with Auto HDR activated, which automatically increases your game’s color range and brightness on the gaming monitor for a higher-quality image.

Your user interface is what you use to navigate and interact with your computer. This can include your desktop layout, display screens, keyboards, apps and more. The user interface layout is also where you’ll notice several differences between Windows 10 and 11.

The Windows 11 user interface comes with several new features. So, what does Windows 11 look like on the computer screen? Most notable is the new design for the Start menu and Taskbar. Rather than have these features on the left side of your screen (like with Windows 10), Windows 11 centers these features at the bottom of your screen. But don’t worry — if you prefer the old setup, Windows 11 gives you the option to reposition to the left. You’ll also notice other visual changes to the user interface when using Windows 11, like browsing windows with rounded corners, simplified Start menus, and more choices for emojis.

Windows 11 also comes with a few innovative features that aren’t available on Windows 10. For example, with Windows 11, you can put your computer into Focus mode with customized notification settings. Windows 11 also allows you to use their Virtual Desktop so you can access your desktop from another device. Or if you just want to connect an additional monitor to your PC, Windows 11 allows you to customize and save your setup, so your extra screen will be configured to your preferences every time you log on.

Windows 10 offers plenty of compatible apps to use on your computer, but Windows 11 takes app usage to the next level. Most notably, Windows 11 now provides a selection of Android apps that you can easily add to your device. You can find Windows 11 Android apps in your computer’s app store, so you can have more choices when customizing your PC’s apps. Additionally, you can find Android app versions of Firefox, Chrome, Spotify and more.

Depending on which app you use, you may also notice an improvement in app features when using Windows 11. For example, if you like to use collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams (and other Microsoft 365 apps) for chatting with coworkers or working on group projects, Windows 11 has features for background blur, automatic framing and eye contact adjustments. While you can still use Microsoft Teams with Windows 10, you won’t have access to these new useful features unless you upgrade to Windows 11.