Windows 11 vs Windows 10 - What's the difference?

If you are on the fence about upgrading to Windows 11, this Windows 11 vs Windows 10 guide will hopefully help you decide if it is time for a change.

The Windows 11 2022 Update has now rolled out and it brought with it some new features and improvements to the initial release. The latest OS from Microsoft now seems more stable and efficient, tempting users to give it a try.

In this article, we'll take a look at Windows 11 and see what makes it better than its predecessor, Windows 10.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 - Features

Windows 11 introduces some new aesthetic elements to your desktop, which makes it look more streamlined and modern, although the user interface remains largely unchanged.

Everything from the Start menu and Taskbar to the System Tray and Action Center have essentially been rebuilt from the ground up to provide a fresh and simple user experience. New animations, iconography, and sounds are a breath of fresh air.

Many of the in-box apps such as Paint, Clock, Photos, Notepad, Media Player, Mail, and so on have been updated with some improvements and new features. While Widgets made a comeback in Windows 11, Timeline and Live Tiles bid farewell.

Windows Store has gotten a significant revamp. Android apps are now available through the Microsoft Store, via the Amazon Appstore, allowing users to run Android apps on PC with Windows 11.

Here is a quick run-down of the most notable features in Windows 11:

• A brand-new, more Mac-like interface
• Widgets
• Snap Layouts
• Auto HDR and Dynamic Refresh Rate
• Integrated Microsoft Teams
• A revamped Microsoft Store
• Redesigned File Explorer
• Ability to natively run Android apps
• Focus sessions
• Voice typing
• System-wide live captions

You may assume that the new Windows incorporates all the features from Windows 10, but that's not the case. There are a few features that didn't make the jump to Windows 11, and the most notable are integrated Cortana and the Tablet Mode.

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 - Performance & Speed

Microsoft has boasted about the performance improvements that come with Windows 10, but the reality is that you may not notice a huge improvement.

A performance test run by the team at PCMag reveals that only a slight difference can be found between Windows 10 and Windows 11 in terms of comparative raw performance.

Windows 11 is just a bit faster than its predecessor and there are certain scenarios where you can notice that little edge, such as when browsing the web or when loading games.

The company also claims that Windows updates will be 40% smaller, meaning you will have a much faster Windows update process, which is good news for everyone.

Read more: What's the difference between Windows 11 Pro And Home

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 - Gaming

The upgrade brings Dynamic Refresh Rate and Auto HDR, which will improve visual quality while playing games. Another new feature called DirectStorage will allow super-fast, near-instant loading times for your games.

Moreover, on Windows 11, you can run Xbox Game Pass games and Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported in the Xbox app. That means every PC is now essentially an Xbox as well as a PC, which is kinda awesome.

Overall, PC gaming should be better on Windows 11.

Is it worth upgrading to Windows 11?

It's time to answer that question once and for all.

With the 2022 update, we think, Windows 11 is worth an upgrade. The new UI design and improved functionality will make it easier for you to work and play with ease and efficiency.

Although slight, the performance improvement is a definite plus. And if you are a gamer, the new features that are said to enhance the gaming experience will make it worthwhile for you to upgrade to Windows 11.

Overall, Windows 11 should deliver better usability and efficiency than Windows 10, and that's enough to convince most users to upgrade.