Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 - What's the Difference
If you’re wondering whether to stick with your trusty Windows 10 or take the plunge into Windows 11, you’re not alone. Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 in October 2021 as the next big step after Windows 10, which had been a fan favorite since its debut in 2015. With a sleek new design, promises of better performance, and a handful of exciting features, Windows 11 has sparked plenty of curiosity and some debate. But how do these two operating systems really compare, and is the upgrade worth it for you?
In this blog, we’ll dig into the details, breaking down the major differences like the modern interface, system requirements, productivity tools, gaming upgrades, and more So, without further ado let’s jump in and explore difference between Windows 11 vs. Windows 10.
Note: Mirosoft Announced that they will stop the support of Windows 10 on 14 October 2025
Key Differences: Features
Before moving towards the detailed difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10, explore this table to get an overview of what actually changed in Windows 11.
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Fluent Design, redesigned Start Menu & Taskbar | Classic Start Menu & Taskbar |
| System Requirements | 64-bit processor, 2 cores, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage | 64-bit processor, 1 GHz clock speed, 2GB RAM, 20GB HDD |
| Widgets | Integrated Widgets for quick info access | No integrated widgets |
| Virtual Desktops | Improved with snap layouts and animations | Basic virtual desktops, limited functionality |
| Touch Controls | Enhanced for touch devices | Limited touch control features |
| Gaming Performance | Improved with Auto HDR and DirectStorage | Similar to Windows 11, no advanced features |
| Microsoft Store | Redesigned with Android app support | Traditional Microsoft Store |
| Security | Enhanced with TPM 2.0 and Windows Hello | Solid security, similar features to Windows 11 |
| Task Manager | More detailed with better performance tracking | Traditional Task Manager with fewer options |
| File Explorer | Redesigned with a fresh layout and new features | Classic File Explorer |
| Start Menu | New design with pinned and recommended apps | Classic Start Menu, fewer features |
| Cortana | Separated from search, no longer in Taskbar | Integrated in Taskbar |
| Updates | Fewer interruptions, better control over updates | Frequent updates, sometimes disruptive |
| Hardware Compatibility | Better compatibility with newer hardware | Compatible with older hardware |
AI Features (Copilot) | Built-in Copilot for AI assistance | No AI-powered Copilot |
1. User Interface
Windows 11: Features a clean, modern look with a Fluent Design that introduces a centered Start Menu and Taskbar. The design elements are more consistent, with rounded corners and improved animations for a more polished experience.
Windows 10: Retains the classic, familiar Start Menu and Taskbar that have been around since Windows 7. The interface is more traditional and functional but less modern in terms of design.
2. System Requirements
Windows 11: Requires powerful hardware with a 64-bit processor, at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Additionally, it requires a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) chip for enhanced security, which might require new hardware for compatibility.
Windows 10: Offers basic setup with a 64-bit processor, 1 GHz clock speed, 2GB RAM, and 20GB of storage. This makes it easier to run on older machines.
| Component | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores | 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores (64-bit) |
| RAM | 2 GB or more | 4 GB or more |
| Storage | 32 GB or more | 64 GB or more |
| Graphics | DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver | DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.0 driver |
3. Multitasking and Virtual Desktops
Windows 11: Offers Snap Layouts and Snap Groups which enhances multitasking experience for quickly arrange and manage apps. In addition, Virtual desktops have improved functionality with better animations and the ability to organize workspaces more intuitively.
Windows 10: Provides basic multitasking through Task View, but the snap features and virtual desktop functionality are not as advanced or flexible.
4. Microsoft Store and App Support
Windows 11: Features a redesigned Microsoft Store that now supports Android apps via the Amazon Appstore.
Windows 10: This version have the traditional Microsoft Store and lacks support for Android apps with limited applications.
5. Security
Windows 11: Upgraded with significant boost in security (TPM 2.0 and Windows Hello) for biometric authentication. These features make it a more secure platform, especially for users with high-security needs.
Windows 10: Offers solid security features like BitLocker and Windows Defender, it lacks the newer security protocols found in Windows 11.
Security Feature: Comparison Chart (Win 10 vs. Win 11)
| Security Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| TPM (Trusted Platform Module) | Not required | TPM 2.0 required for installation and enhanced security |
| BitLocker | Available for encrypting disks | Available, but better integration with TPM 2.0 for encryption |
| Secure Boot | Supported with UEFI | Enhanced UEFI Secure Boot, required for installing Windows 11 |
| Windows Hello | Available for facial recognition and PIN | Improved Windows Hello with faster and more secure facial recognition, fingerprint, and PIN |
| Device Encryption | Available on certain devices | Better device encryption with TPM 2.0 for hardware-backed protection |
| Ransomware Protection | Supported with controlled folder access | Enhanced ransomware protection with newer security algorithms |
| Application Guard | Available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions | Improved with better isolation for web browsing and apps, providing greater protection against attacks |
| Windows Sandbox | Available on Pro and Enterprise editions | Improved Windows Sandbox for running apps in an isolated environment without affecting the main OS |
6. Start Menu & Cortana
Windows 11: The Start Menu is completely redesigned with a simplified, centered layout, featuring pinned and recommended apps.
Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, is no longer integrated into the taskbar and is now a separate app.
Windows 10: Retains the traditional tile-based layout with limited options for customization in the Start Menu. Also, the Cortana is integrated directly into the taskbar, but its functionality is less advanced compared to Windows 11.
7. Copilot
Windows 11: Copilot integrates directly into the OS, offering intelligent assistance across a variety of apps and services such as Mail Composure, Creating charts, Documents Summarization and much more.
Windows 10: Does not supports Copilot feature.
Performance Difference of Windows 11 and Windows 10
Well, we know that GUI matters, but what about the performance? Here in this section we have created a table that provides you the performance matrices of Windows 11 and Windows 10. So if you are planning to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, then keep these performance matrices in your mind.
Performance Aspect | Windows 11 Rating | Windows 10 Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Boot Time | 9 | 8 | Windows 11 generally boots faster, especially on modern hardware with SSDs and UEFI support. Windows 10 performs well but lacks some of the newer optimizations. |
Application Launch Speed | 8 | 8 | Both operating systems launch applications at similar speeds. Windows 11 has minor improvements in task scheduling, but the difference is often negligible. |
Multitasking Efficiency | 9 | 7 | Windows 11 introduces enhanced features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, making multitasking more intuitive and efficient compared to Windows 10’s simpler tools. |
Gaming Performance | 8 | 8 | Gaming performance is nearly identical on both OSes. Windows 11 supports newer technologies like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, but these don’t yet provide a significant edge in most games. |
Overall System Responsiveness | 8 | 8 | Both OSes feel responsive during everyday tasks. Windows 11’s updated UI and animations give a perception of smoothness, though this can vary by hardware. |
Overall Ratings
- Windows 10: Average = (8 + 8 + 7 + 8 + 8) / 5 = 7.8 / 10
- Windows 11: Average = (9 + 8 + 9 + 8 + 8) / 5 = 8.4 / 10
Note: In our testing, Windows 11 scored 8.4 overall, outperforming Windows 10's 7.8. However, these scores may vary depending on your hardware, so be sure to assess performance on your specific system as well.
8. Gaming Experience
Windows 11: Offers advanced gaming features such as Auto HDR for improved visuals, DirectStorage for faster loading times, and better integration.
Windows 10: It also provides a good gaming experience, (excluding gaming technologies). It provides solid performance but lacks the latest gaming innovations.
Gaming Experience: Comparison Chart (Win 10 and Win 11)
| Gaming Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Game Load Times | Standard load times | DirectStorage for faster load times, reducing bottlenecks |
| Graphics Quality | Standard HDR (if supported) | Auto HDR for better visual experience, even in older games |
| Game Performance | Standard DirectX 12 support | DirectStorage for faster and smoother loading of large open-world games |
| Frame Rate Optimization | Basic frame rate stability | Enhanced performance with higher and more stable frame rates, especially for higher-end GPUs |
| Gaming UI | Classic taskbar and notifications | Gaming Widgets for real-time performance monitoring, Xbox Game Bar enhancements |
| Gaming Features | Limited support for next-gen gaming features | Xbox Game Pass integration; Enhanced Game Mode and support for next-gen hardware |
| Multiplayer Gaming | Standard multiplayer experience | Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and better networking support for seamless multiplayer |
| VR/AR Support | Basic VR/AR support | Advanced VR and AR support with better GPU utilization and performance tuning |
Conclusion
Comparing Windows 10 and 11 is solely depends upon the requirement of the user. As we've discussed that Windows 11 offers modern features like Copilot and enhancement in, Windows 10 remains a reliable and compatible option for users who may have older hardware or prefer a traditional interface.
