Windows 10 vs Windows 11. Advantages and disadvantages of this “mandatory” step.
But first a little history.
Windows 10.
Evolution of Windows 8.1, born on 29 July 2015. Considered by many to be the true evolution of Windows 7, version 10 combines the best of this successful version with the positive insights gained from Windows 8 . Version 10 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 indifferently on PCs, tablets, smartphones and X-Boxes.
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 spread of the previous Windows 7 and seems to have managed to reach Microsoft’s ambitious target, that of being installed on a 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, the evolutions are many and range from those relating to design, up to, for the first time in years, the complete elimination of Internet Explorer.
Switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The upgrade 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 characteristics of the hardware 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 they were often false positives or limitations given by software blocks (especially as regards the 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 that many users and experts believe to be 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;
Memory of at least 64 GB;
UEFI firmware, compatible with Secure Boot;
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0;
DirectX 12+ or later compatible video card with WDDM 2.0 driver;
High definition (720p) screen with a larger diagonal of 9 inches, 8 bits per color channel.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11.
Let’s start with the good news, most third-party applications and their drivers should continue to run smoothly. Among other things, despite the release of Windows 11, the transition to the same is not mandatory, at least in the immediate future, as Windows 10 remains actively supported by Microsoft until October 14, 2025.
However, the news of Windows 11 are many and 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 news are evident. The new version of the operating system 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 through specially designed stores. This will make some functions already present, of third parties 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 passage from one device to another.
New Store
The entire Microsoft Store has been redesigned to make it easier to browse and search for content. The store redesign is “universal”, so users who keep Windows 10 will benefit from this reorganization.
Virtual desktops
It will be much easier to manage virtual desktops in Windows 11 than in 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 laptop
Windows 11 listened to the needs of professionals in the office who connect their laptops to fixed monitors and then remove them when they need to return to work on the go. 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 business 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 a 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. Now you can access widgets from the taskbar and customize modes and views.
News for tablets
Tablets with Windows 10 have never managed to achieve massive diffusion due to an operating system that seemed “not meant” for them. Microsoft aims to solve 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 inputs.
News also for games
The gaming experience obtained with Xbox is carried at least in part in Windows 11. Some interesting features on the console, such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage have in fact been ported to Windows 11, with the aim of improving the gaming experience.
Performance improvements
The new operating system is faster at startup and running. Even the part relating to updates has been speeded up thanks to a decisive lightening of the same. Improvements in battery life are also expected for users with laptops.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11.
A mandatory step, which could really bring many benefits 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.
