Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Should You Upgrade?

Microsoft's Windows 10 was supposed to be "the last version of Windows." Then Windows 11 arrived, bringing a fresh design, new features, and—for many users—a big question: is it worth upgrading? The answer isn't as simple as "newer is better."

After using both operating systems extensively, I can tell you that Windows 11 is genuinely good, but Windows 10 remains perfectly capable. Let's break down the real differences so you can make an informed decision.

The Visual Overhaul

The most obvious difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10 is how they look. Windows 11 represents Microsoft's biggest design change since Windows 8.

Windows 11's New Look

• Centered Taskbar: Icons sit in the middle by default (can be moved left)
• Rounded Corners: Every window, menu, and button has soft edges
• New Icons: Refreshed iconography throughout the system
• Mica and Acrylic: Translucent, layered visual effects
• Simplified Context Menus: Cleaner right-click menus (controversial)
• New Sounds: Subtle, calming audio cues

Windows 10's Familiar Interface

• Left-aligned Taskbar: Traditional Windows layout
• Square Corners: Sharp, utilitarian design
• Live Tiles: Start menu with updating tiles (removed in 11)
• Full Context Menus: All options visible immediately
• Classic Sounds: The sounds you've heard for years

Windows 11's design is polarizing. Some love the clean, modern aesthetic. Others find it style over substance, especially the simplified context menus that add an extra click to reach common options.

Performance Differences

Does Windows 11 run better than Windows 10? The answer is nuanced.

General Performance

In most benchmarks, Windows 10 and 11 perform nearly identically on the same hardware. You won't notice a speed difference in everyday tasks like browsing, office work, or media consumption.

Gaming Performance

Windows 11 includes features that can improve gaming:

• DirectStorage: Faster game loading by letting GPUs access storage directly
• Auto HDR: Adds HDR to older games automatically
• Optimizations: Some games run slightly better on Windows 11

However, these benefits are marginal for most users. DirectStorage requires compatible hardware and games that support it. Auto HDR requires an HDR monitor.

Memory and Resource Usage

Windows 11 uses slightly more RAM at idle than Windows 10—typically 200-500MB more. On systems with 8GB+ RAM, this is negligible. On 4GB systems (which don't officially support Windows 11 anyway), it could matter.

Boot Times

Both operating systems boot quickly on SSDs. Windows 11 may have a slight edge due to optimizations, but we're talking seconds, not minutes.

Feature Comparison

Beyond looks, Windows 11 adds genuinely useful features—and removes some things people liked.

New in Windows 11

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups: Hover over the maximize button to see layout options. Snap windows into predefined arrangements. Windows remembers your groups when you reconnect monitors.

Widgets: A dedicated panel for news, weather, calendar, and more. Accessed via taskbar icon or Win+W.

Teams Integration: Microsoft Teams is built into the taskbar for quick video calls and chat.

Android Apps: Run Android apps via the Amazon Appstore (limited selection, requires specific hardware).

Virtual Desktops: Improved with individual wallpapers and easier switching.

New Microsoft Store: Redesigned, faster, and now includes traditional Win32 apps.

Removed or Changed in Windows 11

Taskbar Limitations:

• Can't move taskbar to sides or top
• Can't resize taskbar
• No drag-and-drop to taskbar icons
• Fewer customization options

Timeline Removed: The feature that showed your activity history is gone.

Cortana Demoted: No longer pinned to taskbar or integrated into search.

Internet Explorer: Completely removed (Edge's IE mode remains).

Live Tiles: The updating Start menu tiles are gone.

For more on optimizing your Windows experience, check out our guide on dual monitor setup.

System Requirements

This is where things get controversial. Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements that exclude many capable PCs.

Windows 11 Requirements

• Processor: 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit compatible
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 64 GB minimum
• TPM: Version 2.0 required
• Secure Boot: Must be capable
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 720p, 9" diagonal minimum

Windows 10 Requirements

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Storage: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphics: DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver

The TPM Controversy

The TPM 2.0 requirement is the biggest barrier. Many PCs from 2017 and earlier lack TPM 2.0, even if they're otherwise powerful enough. Microsoft says this is for security, but it effectively forces hardware upgrades for millions of users.

Checking Your PC:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type `tpm.msc` and press Enter
3. Look for "TPM Manufacturer Information"

If you see "TPM 2.0," you're good. If not, check your BIOS—some PCs have TPM disabled by default.

Security Improvements

Windows 11's stricter requirements enable better security features.

Security Features in Windows 11

• TPM 2.0: Hardware-based security for encryption and authentication
• Secure Boot: Prevents malware from loading during startup
• VBS (Virtualization-Based Security): Isolates critical processes
• HVCI: Hardware-enforced code integrity
• Smart App Control: Blocks untrusted applications (new installs only)

Windows 10 Security

Windows 10 is still secure with regular updates. It supports many of the same features but doesn't require them. You can enable TPM, Secure Boot, and VBS on Windows 10 if your hardware supports them.

The Bottom Line on Security

Windows 11 is more secure by default because it requires security hardware. Windows 10 can be equally secure if you enable the same features manually. Neither is inherently unsafe with current updates.

Update and Support Timeline

This is increasingly important as Windows 10 approaches end of life.

Windows 10 Support

• End of Support: October 14, 2025
• After that: No more security updates (unless you pay for Extended Security Updates)
• Current Status: Receiving security updates only, no new features

Windows 11 Support

• Feature Updates: Annual major updates
• Security Updates: Monthly, ongoing
• Support Duration: Each version supported for 24 months (Home/Pro)

What End of Support Means

After October 2025, Windows 10 won't receive security patches. Your PC will still work, but vulnerabilities won't be fixed. For most users, this means upgrading to Windows 11 or a new PC before then.

Who Should Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrade If:

• Your PC meets the requirements
• You want the latest features and security
• You're buying a new PC (it'll come with Windows 11)
• You like the new design
• You want Android app support
• You use Snap Layouts frequently

Stay on Windows 10 If:

• Your PC doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements
• You rely on taskbar customization
• You prefer the traditional Windows look
• You have software compatibility concerns
• You want to wait until Windows 11 matures further
• You're comfortable upgrading before October 2025

Consider Your Workflow

• Gamers: Windows 11 offers slight advantages but isn't essential
• Productivity Users: Snap Layouts are genuinely useful
• Creative Professionals: Check software compatibility first
• Casual Users: Either works fine; upgrade when convenient

How to Upgrade

If you decide to upgrade, here's how to do it safely.

Before Upgrading

1. Check compatibility: Run PC Health Check app from Microsoft
2. Back up everything: Use File History or a third-party backup tool
3. Note your software: Make a list of installed programs
4. Check for updates: Update Windows 10 and drivers first

Upgrade Process

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. If eligible, you'll see "Upgrade to Windows 11"
3. Click Download and install
4. Follow the prompts
5. Your PC will restart several times

After Upgrading

• Verify your files and programs work
• Reinstall any software that didn't survive
• Customize settings to your preference
• Consider moving the taskbar icons left if you prefer

Rolling Back

If you hate Windows 11, you can go back to Windows 10 within 10 days:

1. Settings → System → Recovery
2. Click "Go back" under Previous version of Windows

After 10 days, you'd need to do a clean install of Windows 10.

Got Questions About Windows 11 vs Windows 10? Let's Clear Things Up.

Is Windows 11 faster than Windows 10?

In most real-world scenarios, they perform identically. Benchmarks show negligible differences. Windows 11 has some gaming optimizations (DirectStorage, Auto HDR) that can help in specific situations, but you won't notice a speed difference in everyday use.

Can I install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC?

Technically yes, through workarounds, but Microsoft doesn't recommend it. Unsupported PCs may not receive all updates and could have stability issues. If your PC doesn't meet requirements, it's probably better to stay on Windows 10 until you upgrade hardware.

Will my programs work on Windows 11?

Almost certainly. Windows 11 has excellent backward compatibility. Most software that runs on Windows 10 runs on Windows 11 without issues. Very old software (designed for Windows 7 or earlier) might have problems, but that's rare.

Is Windows 11 more secure than Windows 10?

By default, yes, because it requires security hardware (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot). However, Windows 10 with the same features enabled is equally secure. The difference is that Windows 11 enforces these requirements; Windows 10 makes them optional.

Should I wait for Windows 12?

Rumors suggest Windows 12 could arrive in 2024-2025. If your PC runs Windows 10 fine and doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, waiting might make sense. But if you're buying a new PC or your current one supports Windows 11, there's no reason to wait—you can always upgrade later.

Still deciding? Explore more tech guides and comparisons at Celmin to make informed decisions about your devices. https://celmin.ca