Ultimately, we will all have to make the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. While both operating systems are packed with the same features and have similar user interfaces, there are minor differences. The most important thing to consider when upgrading Windows is whether your PC and software support Windows 11.
Windows 11 has new hardware features that may be useful to some, but Windows 10’s longevity gives it stability and sophistication. Choosing between the two operating systems ultimately comes down to UI preferences.
Hardware and software support
Credit: Intel
Intel and AMD’s x86 processors can run both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Currently, Microsoft requires Windows 11 machines to have a TPM 2.0 module, which provides hardware-based security features that older PCs may not have. Most laptops and desktops built in the last five years have one, but you should check if your PC’s specs are supported on Microsoft’s support page.
If you are an Apple PC user, moving from Windows 10 to 11 can be tricky. Apple’s PCs do not have TPM modules, so Windows users have to emulate the module to make Windows 11 work.
Meanwhile, Windows 10 is not usable on the newer Macs with Apple Silicon processors; Windows 10 and 11 require x86 processors to run, meaning an Intel or AMD chip. Laptops with the ARM version of Windows are slowly coming to market, which is excellent news for ARM-based systems with a TPM module (in other words, still no Apple PCs), but not nearly as widespread as their Macs. counterparts.
Hardware Optimization
Credit: Microsoft
Windows 10 is officially supported until 2025.
On the other hand, Windows 11 is much more user-friendly for Windows tablets and touch-based devices. Switching between vertical and horizontal mode is a smooth process, icons are large enough to click easily, and Windows 11 Ink support works seamlessly. While Windows 10 is perfectly usable on touch devices, Windows 11’s design is more intuitive.
If you’re a gamer, Windows 11 offers some significant improvements over Windows 10. DirectStorage allows Windows 11 to load graphics data directly from storage to the graphics processor without routing through the central processor. This improves graphics performance, especially for games, and it carries over from Microsoft’s improvements to the Xbox Series X console.
Similarly, Microsoft has made firmware improvements to optimize SSD speeds, fast boot from sleep, and processor resource distribution to help your PC run more efficiently.
Microsoft’s refined key windows and display management features
Windows has always had excellent window management, but Windows 11 goes further. Snap layouts allow you to instantly snap a window to a quadrant or a third of the screen by simply hovering over the desired layout. Windows 10 is good at split screen by dragging the window to the extreme left or right edge, but you would have to manually resize windows to get them in other configurations.
Support for multiple monitors and virtual desktops is also better than ever. Windows 11 remembers the layout of each monitor, so you don’t have to reorganize a monitor’s desktop if you disconnect and reconnect it later. Windows 10’s virtual desktops were already fleshed out, but Windows 11 goes one step further. Separating apps and windows by virtual desktop is a drag-and-drop process, making it easy to keep your monitor organized. Meanwhile, virtual desktops can have different backgrounds, and switching between them is a breeze with the taskbar.
Windows 11’s interface is a bit too clean
Credit: Microsoft
Windows 11 cleans up the user interface for virtual desktops, so organizing windows is a seamless process.
Visually, Windows 11 is striking. It’s rounder, softer and more discreet than Windows 10. But the streamlining might be going too far for users who are used to Windows 10’s in-your-face design attitude. Right-clicking items doesn’t bring up a full menu of options – you have to click on ‘more options’ to see everything.
Copy, paste, and rename in File Explorer have all been replaced with icons instead of their command names (seriously, why not both Microsoft?). The taskbar is centered and the start menu shows pinned and suggested apps. The search bar is not displayed by default, and there are many more such customizations. All the functionality of Windows 10 is still there, but it’s more hidden in favor of highlighting the most used or necessary commands across the operating system.
Both versions are fully supported so there is no rush
Windows 10 will officially get full support and updates until at least 2025. While Windows 11 is Microsoft’s priority, both operating systems are regularly updated with new features, bug fixes, better hardware optimization, improved security, and more.
Windows 11 has some updated features, but in everyday use, the two operating systems are very similar and share 99% of each other’s functionality. You really should go for the operating system that has the most comfortable user interface for you.
Who needs to upgrade soon?
Credit: Microsoft
Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 module to run, but most PCs built in the last 5 years already have one.
If you have a touch device or do a lot of gaming, Windows 11 has some great improvements in store. However, the core functionality of Windows is the same in both versions and Windows 10 will be around for a few more years.
Windows 11 is smoother for general operations, but it takes more steps to reach the advanced features like managing battery life or screen refresh rate. Windows 10 prefers to put everything on the screen, which can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and the implementation of window and desktop layouts isn’t quite as fully featured.
If your PC doesn’t support Windows 11, there’s little reason to upgrade it just for the new OS. If it can run Windows 11 then you should go for the OS with the more attractive UI.
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