Many PC users find themselves hesitating at the thought of upgrading—is Windows 11 better than Windows 10? You’ve invested time customizing Windows 10, mastered its quirks, and worry a major update could disrupt your workflow. The conflicting reviews online only add to the confusion, leaving you uncertain whether the promised design refresh and security enhancements truly outweigh potential compatibility headaches. In this article, we’ll cut through the noise by comparing key aspects—design, performance, security, gaming, and requirements—to help you decide if Windows 11 is the solution you’ve been waiting for.
The core purpose of the Surface Copilot PC is to provide an elevated computing experience that blends performance, security, and intelligent features.
Design and User Interface
Refined, Centered Start Menu
Windows 11 introduces a centered Start menu and taskbar, reducing mouse travel and giving a cleaner look. Unlike Windows 10’s left‑aligned layout, this adjustment feels more modern and can boost focus when switching between apps.
3 VPNs That Pass All Tests (2025)
NordVPN: Zero leaks in tests, RAM-only servers, and Threat Protection to block malware.
Surfshark: Unlimited devices, Camouflage Mode for bypassing VPN blocks, and CleanWeb ad-blocker.
ExpressVPN: Trusted Server tech (data wiped on reboot) and consistent streaming access.
Integrated Widgets and Snap Layouts
While Windows 10 offered News & Interests, Windows 11 expands this into fully customizable Widgets that adapt to your preferences—weather, calendar, and stocks at a glance.
Beyond widgets, Snap layouts let you group and recall window arrangements (e.g., side‑by‑side editing and research tabs), improving multitasking. Try snapping Excel and Word in a two‑column view—Windows 11 remembers it even after docking and undocking an external monitor.
Case Study: A freelance designer reported cutting daily context‑switching time by 15% thanks to Snap layouts, allowing more uninterrupted creative work.
(Ad)
Performance and Productivity
Speed and Responsiveness
Under the hood, Windows 11 prioritizes foreground apps, allocating CPU and memory for smoother performance. Many users notice 5–10% faster app launch times compared to Windows 10 on similar hardware.
Smart Recommendations
The Start menu and File Explorer now surface smart recommendations—frequently used documents and apps—so you waste less time searching long folder trees. This subtle AI‑driven tweak keeps your most important files one click away.
Virtual Desktops and Touch Enhancements
Unlike Windows 10’s basic desktop support, Windows 11 lets you rename and personalize virtual desktops, ideal for separating work, creative, and leisure environments. For touchscreen users, gestures feel more fluid with improved spacing and “touch-first” design, making tablet modes genuinely usable.
Transformation of the Blue Screen of Death Error Message in Windows 11
Security Enhancements
Mandatory TPM 2.0
Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, ensuring hardware‑level encryption and secure boot, which greatly reduces firmware‑level exploits. While this means some older PCs aren’t eligible, the added security outweighs the cost for many businesses and privacy‑conscious users. Microsoft
Passkeys & Windows Hello
Building on Windows 10’s Hello biometric support, Windows 11 integrates passkeys, aiming to replace passwords with cryptographic keys managed via Windows Hello. This cross‑platform feature works in Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, streamlining secure sign‑in without ever typing a password.
Smart App Control & Energy Recommendations
Smart App Control only allows trusted apps to run, minimizing risks from malware. Meanwhile, new Energy recommendations identify power‑hungry settings, helping laptop users extend battery life by up to 10% via simple tweaks in Settings.
How to Choose the Best PC Tune-Up Software for Your Needs
Gaming and Multimedia
Auto HDR & DirectStorage
Gamers upgrading from Windows 10 will appreciate Auto HDR, which enriches color ranges in older titles without developer intervention. Coupled with DirectStorage, load times drop significantly on NVMe SSDs, delivering near‑instantaneous world rendering in supported games.
Controller Bar & Dynamic Lighting
A Controller Bar allows quick access to Xbox Game Pass games, while Dynamic Lighting syncs RGB peripherals for an immersive experience—features not available in Windows 10. These add‑ons transform gaming sessions, making Windows 11 the preferable platform for today’s PC gamers.
MacBooks vs Windows PCs in 2025: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Next Laptop
Compatibility and Upgrade Considerations
System Requirements
To upgrade, your PC must have:
4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
1 GHz × 2‑core 64‑bit CPU
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capability
DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver Microsoft
If your device falls short, consider the cost of a new PC versus sticking with Windows 10, which will be supported until October 14, 2025. For organizations, phased rollouts via Windows Update for Business can minimize disruptions.
Software and Driver Support
Most mainstream applications and drivers are Windows 11‑ready. However, niche enterprise or legacy software might need compatibility testing. We recommend running the PC Health Check tool and trialing Windows 11 in a virtual machine before full deployment.
Unique Perspective: AI‑Driven Workflows on Copilot+ PCs
As Windows 11 evolves, Microsoft is merging AI capabilities directly into the OS on Copilot+ PCs—neural processing units (NPUs) that enable generative fill in Paint, advanced live captions, and recall features. This hardware‑accelerated AI layer, exclusive to high‑end devices, foreshadows a future where context‑aware assistance becomes native. Early adopters have reported 20% faster image editing workflows with AI‑powered tools, suggesting Windows 11 is laying groundwork for a new era of PC productivity.
How to Record Screen in Windows 11 Using Snipping Tool?
Key Takeaways to understand, Is Windows 11 Better Than Windows 10?
Design Refresh: Centered UI and Snap layouts enhance focus and multimonitor workflows.
Performance Boost: Prioritized resource allocation and AI‑driven recommendations speed up everyday tasks.
Stronger Security: Mandatory TPM 2.0, passkeys, and Smart App Control tighten defenses.
Gaming Edge: Auto HDR and DirectStorage deliver richer visuals and faster load times.
Upgrade Trade‑offs: New system requirements exclude some older devices; evaluate costs vs. benefits.
AI Future: Copilot+ features signal Windows 11’s shift toward integrated, hardware‑accelerated AI.
FAQs
Q: Will my Windows 10 apps run on Windows 11?
Yes—Windows 11 maintains app compatibility with most Windows 10 applications. Use the PC Health Check tool to verify compatibility.
Q: How long will Windows 10 receive support?
Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which security updates cease.
Q: Can I roll back to Windows 10 after upgrading?
Within 10 days of upgrading, you can revert to Windows 10 via Settings → System → Recovery. After that, you’ll need a clean install.
Q: Is Windows 11 free for existing Windows 10 users?
Yes—if your device meets the system requirements, the upgrade through Windows Update in Settings is free.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Windows 11 brings a sleek interface, tangible productivity gains, and robust security—but requires modern hardware. If your PC meets the specs and you crave smoother multitasking, richer gaming, and a glimpse at AI‑infused workflows, Windows 11 is a worthy evolution. Ready to experience the upgrade? Head over to our Windows 11 Tips & Tricks guide to make the transition seamless, and subscribe for the latest SmashingApps insights.
Now loading...
