Key Takeaways
1. Upgrading to Windows 11 offers a more secure operating system and a cleaner user interface, as well as better compatibility with AI-driven applications.
2. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs, but this is based on a potentially misleading benchmark comparing different Intel processor generations.
3. Actual performance may vary depending on device settings, with many experts suggesting that a fairer comparison involves similar hardware for both operating systems.
4. Users may face significant costs when upgrading to Windows 11, especially if their current hardware does not meet the new system requirements.
5. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, to help users transition.
Microsoft has recently shared a blog post that talks about the advantages of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The company claims that users will have a more secure operating system with a cleaner user interface and better compatibility with applications driven by AI. However, the claim that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs” is what has caught the most attention. Critics quickly pointed out that this statement is based on a possibly misleading benchmark.
Benchmark Details
The article mentions a Geekbench 6 multi-core test in the footnotes. Yet, the comparison is made between different Intel processor generations. Windows 10 PCs equipped with 6th, 8th, and 10th-generation CPUs are compared to Windows 11 systems that use 12th and 13th-generation processors. As noted by PC Gamer, some of these CPUs are up to nine years older than Intel’s newest offerings.
Performance Variability
The benchmark from December 2024 adds a note that actual performance can differ based on the device and its settings. Still, many observers feel that a fairer comparison would involve Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs with the same hardware. Unfortunately for Microsoft, most comparisons show that the performance boost with the new operating system is quite small.
Microsoft may be getting anxious to persuade users who have not yet upgraded to Windows 10. Gamers would be eager for the promise of 2.3x better performance, but they are smart enough to recognize that the new OS isn’t as groundbreaking as it sounds. Furthermore, these users have pointed out that the cumbersome nature of Windows 11 focuses on features that do not necessarily enhance frame rates.
Upgrade Costs
For those who do not frequently upgrade their PC’s hardware, the transition also brings along considerable costs. Customers who have a legitimate Windows 10 license can move to Windows 11 without any extra charges. However, the requirements for Windows 11 exclude older processors that lack support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Consequently, some users find themselves needing to buy new desktops or laptops that come with Windows 11 already installed.
Microsoft has recently rolled out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This initiative will prolong support for Windows 10 for an additional year. Otherwise, security updates will cease on October 14, 2025, which could leave PCs exposed to malware threats.
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