Windows 10 vs Windows 11. Advantages and disadvantages of an upgrade

On October 5, 2021 it was also released in Italy, and each of us asked ourselves "if we were better before" and if we would have gained or lost from the Windows 10 vs Windows 11 comparison.

Now that a few months have passed and Windows 11 is starting to be installed on some computers, it's time to make some comparisons.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11. Advantages and disadvantages of this "obligatory" step.

But first a bit of history.

Windows 10.

Evolution of Windows 8.1, born on July 29, 2015. Considered by many as the true evolution of Windows 7, version 10 combines the best of this successful version with the positive ideas derived from Windows 8 . Version 10 in fact embraces the design of Metro-style apps and sees for the first time the creation and support of universal apps, applications designed to be used equally on PCs, tablets, smartphones and X-Box.

Windows 10 was also the first operating system to support the Edge browser. In the last year of its "life", this operating system has finally managed to overcome the diffusion of the previous Windows 7 and seems to have managed to reach Microsoft's ambitious target of being installed on one billion devices.

Windows 11.

Windows 11, heir to version 10, was presented online for the first time in June 2021 and then officially released in October. Compared to the previous version, there are many developments and range from those relating to design, up to the complete elimination of Internet Explorer for the first time in years.

Moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

The update for the transition from Windows 10 to 11 is free for all PCs compatible with this new version of the operating system. In order to facilitate the upgrade procedure, Microsoft has prepared a specific app, called PC Health Check , whose function is to verify that the hardware characteristics are suitable for the new operating system.

In this regard, cases have already been reported in which the app reported the impossibility of proceeding with the upgrade, but these were often false positives or limitations given by software blocks (especially regarding TPM version 2).

In fact, there are already unofficial bypass solutions that avoid this block.

Hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11.

Microsoft has also released a list of mini requirements which according to many users and experts is relatively stringent and selective. Here she is:

• At least 1 gigahertz (GHz) processor with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC;

• RAM of at least 4 GB;

• At least 64GB memory;

• UEFI firmware, Secure Boot compatible;

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0;

• DirectX 12+ or later compatible video card with WDDM 2.0 driver;

• High definition screen (720p) with a diagonal greater than 9 inches, 8 bits per color channel.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11.

Let's start with some good news, most third-party applications and their drivers should continue to work without problems. Among other things, although Windows 11 has been released, the switch to it is not mandatory, at least immediately, as Windows 10 remains actively supported by Microsoft until October 14, 2025.

However, there are many new features in Windows 11 and they could really entice many business and end users to proceed with this update. Let's see them:

Design and interface

Already at the start the innovations are evident. The new version of the operating system in fact presents a new design that winks at Apple. In fact, we find a centered Start menu and a new taskbar that is somewhat reminiscent of the Macintosh world. The colors and shapes have also been revised, with rounded silhouettes and soft shades.

Integration with Android App

Android Apps are now fully available for Windows 11 via specially designed stores. This will make some third-party functions already present in Windows 10 native. The complete implementation will therefore lead to further integration between mobile devices and laptops, with the aim of allowing immediate and direct switching from one device to another.

New Store

The entire Microsoft Store has been redesigned to make it easier to navigate and search for content. The redesign of the store is "universal", so users who maintain Windows 10 will also benefit from this reorganization.

Virtual desktops

It will be much easier to manage virtual desktops in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. The new version of Microsoft's operating system will allow you to switch between desktops easily.

Evolution in the management of the external monitor on laptops

Windows 11 has listened to the needs of professionals who connect their laptops to fixed monitors in the office and then remove them when they need to go back to working on the move. To facilitate them, Windows 11 has implemented some interesting functions that allow the management of open apps and the transition from internal monitor to external monitor without moving the position of the icons.

Microsoft Teams

The messaging application for work use is now integrated directly into the operating system, making it easier to access and use. Microsoft Teams has been further "opened" to other operating systems (Android, iOS etc.) to allow for more widespread use of the same.

New Widget management

Present, even if in an embryonic way starting from Windows Vista, the management of widgets has been completely revised. You can now access widgets from the taskbar and customize modes and views.

What's new for tablets

Tablets with Windows 10 have never managed to achieve massive diffusion due to an operating system that seemed "not designed" for them. Microsoft aims to resolve this problem with Windows 11. In this new version, in fact, a new display view is combined with an improvement in the management of the touchscreen and voice and pen input.

News also for games

The gaming experience obtained with Xbox is transported at least in part to Windows 11. Some interesting functions present on the console, such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage have in fact been brought to Windows 11, with the aim of improving the gaming experience.

Performance improvements

The new operating system is faster at startup and running. The part relating to updates has also been speeded up thanks to a decisive lightening of the same. For laptop users, improvements in battery life are also expected.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11.

A mandatory step, which could really bring many advantages to users. A step that can be done immediately given the interesting features of the new operating system or an update that can be postponed for a few more months if you prefer more peace of mind.