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Windows 11 has been around since October 2021, so it’s time to settle the debate on whether you should make the switch. Whether you use Windows for gaming, business, or technical work, new updates have steadily improved the performance and reliability of the new Windows and we can no longer resist.
Apart from the fact that Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025, there are other strong reasons why we recommend upgrading to Windows 11:
Let’s explore the key differences between Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems in detail. We will also address common concerns about performance, security, gaming, and app support in Windows 11.
Whether you’re a casual user, a power user, or a professional, this guide will help you answer the all-important question: is it time to upgrade to Windows 11?
Source: Microsoft
Windows 11 is not just a visual refresh of Windows 10. It introduces several enhancements and new features designed to improve efficiency, security, and user experience. Here’s a more detailed look at what’s changed.
As you go through the new changes, remember that performance may vary based on your computer hardware. Windows 11 works best with the latest processor, graphics, and memory technology for the best performance in gaming, business, and productivity.
If you would also like to upgrade your computer, PCLiquidations offers a wide range of affordable, Windows 11-compatible devices. That way, you don’t need to worry about compatibility since your new PC comes with Windows 11 already installed.
Windows 11 introduces a completely redesigned interface. The Start Menu, which was located at the bottom left corner in Windows 10, is now centered on the taskbar in Windows 11. This new design is sleek and modern, providing a pleasing new look.
What we like most is that Windows 11 has finally dropped the Start Menu live tiles feature. Instead, it focuses on a more streamlined approach, adding pinned apps and a "Recommended" section that displays your recently opened files.
The Taskbar has also undergone significant changes; it's now more simplified with icons centered by default, including a distinct search icon for quicker access to queries. Windows 10 had options to align the Task Bar to the left, center, or right.
What we will miss from Windows 10 is the ability to position the Task Bar to the left, right, or top of the screen. That functionality is no longer available in Windows 11 unless you use a paid app.
Windows 11 significantly enhances the way you manage and organize open windows with its Snap Layouts and Snap Groups features, building on the capabilities introduced in Windows 10.
In Windows 10, the Snap feature allows you to quickly tile windows side by side in a few basic configurations, such as half-screen and quarter-screen.
Windows 11 takes this functionality to a new level by providing more sophisticated layouts directly accessible from the maximize button on each window. You can choose from several patterns, such as having three windows open in columns, or one large window on one side with two stacked on the other.
Snap Groups further streamline your workflow by letting you switch between sets of apps that you use together without rearranging them each time. If you often work with specific groups of applications, Windows 11 remembers these groups and lets you switch back to them through the taskbar.
This is especially useful if you frequently disconnect and reconnect multiple displays, as it allows you to restore your workflow effortlessly.
Windows 11 enhances your collaborative experience by directly integrating Microsoft Teams. Unlike Windows 10, where Teams might require a separate app installation and startup process, Windows 11 includes Teams right out of the box, embedded seamlessly into the taskbar.
This means you can start chats, video calls, or team meetings right from the taskbar. It also shows notifications and status updates, making your daily workflow smoother.
This integration goes deeper than this. In Windows 11, features like eye contact adjustments and automatic framing are part of the broader enhancements to video conferencing within the OS.
Eye contact adjustments use AI to simulate eye contact with the camera, making interactions feel more natural even when you're looking at the screen.
Automatic framing adjusts the camera focus in real time to keep you centered during video calls, accommodating movement to ensure you remain in the frame.
These features leverage advanced camera technologies and software algorithms to enhance remote communication and make it more engaging.
News and Interests was an annoying feature in Windows 10, right? In any case, Microsoft has replaced it with Widgets, a new feature that slides over your screen with a swipe or click.
Widgets show personalized feeds like news updates, weather, and calendar events, just like its predecessor. The only difference is that Widgets displays more content in tiles categorized by topic, including news, weather, calendar, and sports.
In Windows 11, the Microsoft Store has undergone a significant overhaul, making it not only faster but also more user-friendly than ever before.
This redesign enhances the user experience with a streamlined interface that makes it easier to navigate and find the apps you need. Beyond aesthetic and performance improvements, the new Microsoft Store in Windows 11 has broadened its horizons by welcoming more third-party developers.
You can now get a wider variety of apps, including options such as niche software tools, popular games, and productivity apps. For those in the know, this is a significant shift in strategy, aiming to make Microsoft services more competitive and appealing for third-party developers.
Windows 11 even came with Amazon Appstore integration, but Microsoft removed the feature due to low usage and will deprecate it in March 2025.
Windows 11 introduces significant enhancements in how it handles touch, pen, and voice inputs, making interactions smoother and more intuitive than in previous versions.
The touch experience now features larger touch targets for easier navigation and subtle visual cues for seamless interactions. There’s even a new handwriting panel that features better text recognition and editing capabilities.
If you use the stylus for note-taking, drawing, or navigating the interface, you will love the enhanced touch inputs. For voice typing and commands, new improvements add automatic punctuation and a more responsive voice command.
Windows 11 has higher system requirements compared to Windows 10. For instance, it requires a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM (or more), and 64 GB of storage (or more). It also requires a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card or integrated GPU, and a display with at least a 720p resolution.
These are just a few of the differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. The new operating system offers a fresh look and feel, with several features designed to improve productivity, collaboration, and gaming.
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💡 Did you know? The startup sound makes a comeback in Windows 11, after being absent in Windows 10. The soothing, slightly futuristic chime is designed to evoke a sense of calm and readiness as you get back on your computer. New soothing system sounds are a new and welcome feature of Windows 11. |
Image source: microsoft.com
The easiest way to check if your PC can run Windows 11 upgrade is to use the Microsoft website to automatically check for Windows 11 compatibility and available updates.
You can also use the PC Health Check Tool to quickly assess whether your current PC can run Windows 11. The tool checks your PC’s hardware against the minimum system requirements and provides a comprehensive report indicating whether your PC is eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11.
If your PC doesn’t meet the requirements, the tool will specify which requirements aren’t met.
Alternatively, go the manual route and check off your system’s hardware specifications against the provided list of system requirements for Windows 11. Minimum requirements for Windows 11 include a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage.
For the system firmware, Windows 11 requires a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card or integrated GPU, a display with at least 720p resolution, support for Secure Boot, as well as a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0 or better.
To find such advanced system information, press the Windows key + R, then type msinfo32 and click enter. Alternatively, you can search “msinfo32” from the search bar and run the System Information app.
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Tip: Even if your PC meets the minimum system requirements, this doesn’t guarantee that all features of Windows 11 will be available. Some features, such as the ability to run Android apps, require specific hardware or software configurations. A better idea is to get a Windows 11 PC from PCLiquidations, so that you can have guaranteed hardware and software compatibility. |
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Windows 11 is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of existing software and Windows apps that currently run on Windows 10. This includes both Microsoft’s software, such as Office and Edge, as well as third-party software from other vendors.
However, there may be exceptions, particularly for older software or apps that are no longer supported by their developers. In some cases, you may need to update your software or apps to the latest version to ensure compatibility with Windows 11.
For example, Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 called Auto HDR, which automatically improves the visual quality of many games. However, not all games will benefit from this feature, and some may even experience issues.
For enterprise users, Microsoft provides a tool called Windows App Assure that can help businesses identify potential compatibility issues with their existing apps. The tool also helps to resolve common compatibility issues.
Here is a general guideline for software and app compatibility:
The best way to ensure software compatibility is to check with the software vendor or use Microsoft’s compatibility tools to ensure a smooth transition.
From a technical and practical perspective, Windows 11 is better than Windows 10. Windows 11 offers a more modern interface, improved multitasking and productivity features, as well as stricter security requirements.
Best of all, Windows 11 is optimized for newer hardware, potentially offering better performance in areas like gaming. However, Windows 10 is still a robust option, supports older hardware, and remains a good choice until its scheduled end of life date in 2025.
The table below summarizes some of the main features.
|
Feature |
Windows 10 |
Windows 11 |
|
Start Menu |
Left-aligned with live tiles |
Centered with no live tiles, simplified design |
|
Taskbar |
Customizable, can be moved to different screen positions |
Centered, less customizable, locked to screen bottom |
|
Firmware |
No TPM chip required, supports older CPUs, DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM driver |
TPM 2.0 required, DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
|
Display (minimum) |
800×600 resolution |
HD (720p), wider than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
|
Window Management |
Basic snap assist features |
Advanced Snap Layouts and Groups |
|
Cortana |
Integrated into Task Bar |
Separate from Search and Task Bar |
|
Security |
Secure but less integrated hardware requirements |
Enhanced with hardware-based security features |
Some people may feel that the classic look and features available in Windows 10 make it a better choice. In that case, it comes down to a matter of preferences. Let’s explore how Windows 11 is faster, more secure, and feature-rich than Windows 10. Let’s get into the details.
Source: Microsoft
In terms of performance, Windows 11 is not very different from Windows 10. However, it has significant performance improvements in specific uses, especially gaming.
These include:
Auto-HDR expands the range of colors and brightness, making visuals more vivid and realistic without the need for manual adjustments or special hardware compatibility, so long as the display used is HDR-capable.
If you have an older computer, you will love how Windows 11 prioritizes foreground apps. It doesn’t run Skype or OneDrive in the background like Windows 10, which improves CPU and memory performance.
This is good because you don’t need to buy a brand-new computer to get Windows 11. You can get a refurbished computer from PCLiquidations and we’ll install Windows 11 for you, good as new!
Windows 11 also adds a host of efficiency features to help improve your workflow. For example, Task Manager now has an efficiency mode where you can limit how many resources each app can use. You can even turn on Focus Mode to reduce distractions from notifications.
There are many other improvements to applications such as File Explorer, Clock, Photos, Settings app, Media Player, and Teams that make Windows 11 one of the best operating systems today.
Windows 11 significantly enhances security over its predecessor, Windows 10, aiming to create a safer environment for users. Key to these advancements is mandatory hardware-based security, requiring a TPM 2.0 chip to safeguard sensitive data against attacks and theft.
Additional features like Hardware-Enforced Stack Protection further defend against complex threats, while Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Antivirus offer robust protection against unsafe content and malware.
Another popular Windows 11 feature is Windows Hello. While it’s also present in Windows 10, the improved Windows 11 Microsoft account feature takes it a step further and enables easy, fast passwordless sign-ins.
Windows 11 It also comes with upgraded BitLocker encryption for superior data encryption and security. However, these features require internet connectivity to work.
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💡 Fun Fact: Borrowing a leaf from the MacOS playbook, Windows 11 enhances Virtual Desktops, allowing you to create separate desktops for different purposes (work, personal, gaming). You can even customize them with distinct wallpapers to organize your digital life more efficiently. |
While Microsoft has made efforts to ensure a smooth transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, users may still encounter some challenges.
Some of the early adopters found issues with performance bugs. For example, early versions had glitches when using multiple monitors and with installing updates. Microsoft has been releasing regular security patches to solve these issues and make Windows 11 stable.
Older software and applications may not perform as expected on Windows 11, especially if they haven't been updated recently or were designed for earlier versions of Windows.
It's recommended to check for and install any updates from the software manufacturer that ensure compatibility with Windows 11.
After upgrading to Windows 11, you might find that some hardware drivers, such as those for printers or graphics cards, do not function properly.
Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers that are specifically designed to be compatible with Windows 11.
Some Windows 11 users may notice a decrease in performance, which can be due to incompatible drivers or not having enough system resources. One common problem is slow performance due to hard disk fragmentation.
Possible solutions include upgrading your PC to an SSD, using the Defragment Tool, or in the worst circumstances, performing a clean install of Windows 11. However, that last option will wipe all your data, so make sure you back it up first.
You might encounter problems during the installation of Windows 11, such as the installation process getting stuck, displaying error messages, or the system failing to boot afterward.
To prevent and solve such an error, follow Microsoft's troubleshooting steps, confirm that your system meets all Windows 11 requirements, or attempt a clean installation if problems persist.
Source: Microsoft
Some Windows users may find the latest interface challenging. In particular, changes to the Start Menu and Taskbar may require some time to get accustomed to new design and navigation features.
Microsoft uses the latest evolution of its Fluent design system that features rounded corners, a tile-based interface, and a cleaner, minimalist look and feel.
Luckily, you can customize the interface settings to better suit your preferences or use third-party tools to revert to more familiar designs.
This is a major area of concern for many Windows users, especially since Microsoft Windows 10 introduced an unprecedented level of data collection and usage tracking. We suggest that you adjust the privacy settings in Windows 11 to align with your personal security preferences. These include settings for location, camera, microphone, and usage reports.
Deciding to upgrade to Windows 11 might seem like a straightforward decision. However, we recommend taking some time to assess your current system's capabilities, your personal and professional needs, and whether the new features align with your computing habits.
The aesthetic and efficiency features in Windows 11 are certainly alluring, but it’s critical to know what you’re getting yourself into when you make the switch from Windows 10. Also, remember that Windows will no longer provide security updates for Windows 10 starting from October 14, 2025.
Ultimately, we recommend that you upgrade both your computer and your operating system to get the best performance features available for work, entertainment, and personal computing. PCLiquidations is here to bring you unbeatable deals on new and refurbished computers as you upgrade your life.
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