The new version of Microsoft's operating system is here, and it's inevitable that users are asking themselves the question: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11. What are the differences between them? Is the new version really better, or are there any drawbacks we should be aware of?
From the outset, it must be said that Windows 11 comes with a new user interface, an improved application distribution, and more additions focused on the issue of security. In addition, this latest version of the operating system offers many improvements to the application and several very interesting features for gamers.
Windows 11 was officially released just a few days ago, on October 5, 2021. It arrived as a free update through Windows Update from Windows 10 for computers that meet certain compatible technical specifications.
It is curious to see how Microsoft has broken its word, since when it launched Windows 10 it solemnly announced that it was going to be the last version of Windows. We already see that it has not been so.
Compatibility and requirements
Windows 11 compatibility requirements
But before thinking about upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 , the first thing we need to do is check that our computer is compatible with the new version. Microsoft has designed a specific tool for this task: Windows PC Health Check . To use it, you must first enroll as a Windows Insider.
The truth is that the requirements for installing Windows 11 on our computer are relatively demanding. They are as follows:
- CPU: 1 GHz or more, 2 cores or more, and compatible 64-bit processor.
- Storage: 64 GB or higher.
- RAM: minimum 4GB.
- Screen: 720 inch 9p screen.
- Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot Capability.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
Broadly speaking, they are the same requirements as for Windows 1st, except for the TPM chip. Some users may have trouble running the update because of this device.
In any case, Microsoft has made it very clear that the installation of Windows 11 will not be allowed on devices that do not meet the required hardware requirements. All for safety, they say.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11: similarities
The interface of Windows 11 does not present major changes with respect to that of Windows 10
Windows 11 hasn't arrived to usher in a radical change or revolution in the operating system. On the contrary, it could be said that it's a commitment to continuity : almost all the applications we use in Windows 10 will be able to continue using in Windows 11 without any problems.
Anyone who installs the new version on their computer (after meeting the necessary requirements) will have no major difficulty navigating the new interface. The window system is the same, and the menus are easy to find. Obviously the aesthetic is something different, but the changes are not radical.
The image above, a screenshot from Windows 11, perfectly illustrates this: aesthetic and structural continuity. Everything found in Windows 10 will also be available in Windows 11.
Windosws 10 vs Windows 11: differences
But the most interesting thing about Windows 11 is the new elements it incorporates, which we are going to review in detail below:
New Design
Rounder windows and other Windows 11 design changes
As we've already mentioned, the interface is easily recognizable, as it doesn't deviate from the parameters of the previous version. However, Microsoft has updated the appearance of all the windows , making them more rounded and attractive.
The same can be said about the context menu and File Explorer. The latter now has a much cleaner look than before, with the most common commands available in the new toolbar. As a result, Windows 11 File Explorer looks considerably more organized. In addition, it also offers a new set of icons.
More changes: the taskbar is now centered (it looks a bit like macOS's), while the Start menu also has rounded corners, offering fewer visible options. To find all your apps, you have to go to a specific section, well hidden from view behind the "All apps" button . Furthermore, the new Start menu is minimalist , much more concise than Windows 10's.
Widget panel
The new Windows 11 widget panel
One of the most significant changes introduced in Windows 11 is the removal of Live Tiles . But that's no problem, as it has incorporated a series of widgets that perform the same function. However, you won't find them in the Start menu, since they have their own dedicated panel.
In this way, through the widgets panel we can add, move or disable widgets in Windows 11 in the simplest way.
Improvements in the multitasking area
Snap designs to work with multiple applications at the same time
Windows 11's Snap layouts take working with multiple open windows on your computer screen to a whole new level. With this feature, you can choose from six available layouts to better organize your open applications. Furthermore, Windows 11 will remember which applications are open so you can easily return to that layout at any time.
Simply place the cursor over the application on the taskbar and we can choose the Snap design associated with it and restore it along with all the applications we were working with.
Virtual desktops have also been improved. For example, they now allow us to customize the background of each one. And if we work with external monitors , there's another very interesting feature: Windows 11 will now remember the windows and automatically restore them when we connect our PC to an external monitor. This way, we can continue exactly where we left off.
Enhanced touch screen function
Windows 11 touchscreen enhancements
Windows 11 focuses heavily on touchscreen functionality . In touch mode, the Start menu disappears and the icons become larger, making them easier to tap.
For easier navigation, several new touch gestures have been added , allowing you to easily switch to the last used application, return to the desktop, or restore open application windows. You can also open Task View with gestures and switch between application windows and virtual desktops.
The touch keyboard offers improved customization, with a wide variety of themes to choose from. Pen input has also been enhanced. It now features a "pen menu" in the taskbar, allowing for quick access to applications. Furthermore, these pens provide haptic feedback, so you can feel vibrations while using them—a realistic touch.
Finally, it's worth highlighting the inclusion of voice input support . With it, you can enter any text simply by using the microphone.
Android app integration
Android application integration in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers native support for Android apps thanks to Intel Bridge technology. Even though it's Intel technology, AMD users should also be able to run Android apps without issues.
Since Microsoft has partnered with Amazon for app delivery, we'll be able to download and run apps from the Amazon Appstore , provided our computer is compatible . This is a completely new feature. In Windows 10, users had to rely on Android emulators to run apps. This will be overcome with Windows 11, although it remains to be seen whether compatibility issues will arise.
Games
Xbox Game Pass for Windows 11
Attention, gamers: Windows 11 incorporates many features from the latest Xbox Series X to give players the best possible experience. For example, DirectStorage makes games load faster from NVMe SSDs. Furthermore, AutoHDR allows you to add HDR enhancements to games that are based on DirectX 11 or higher.
However, the most exciting improvement is the introduction of Xbox Game Pass , which lets you play new titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda. This means having access to over 100 different games right from the start.
Conclusion
Windows 10 vs Windows 11. Is it a significant improvement to the operating system? Is it worth upgrading? The answer is yes, provided your computer meets the hardware requirements; installing Windows 11 is a great idea.
However, it's also worth noting that this change is likely to cause some compatibility issues with older software and hardware. This is something that can always happen when upgrading from a previous version to a newer one. We should also have faith in the work of Microsoft's developers, who fixed the vast majority of bugs present in the Windows 10 release.
Therefore, the wisest course of action when migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is to wait a while. Not too long, just a few weeks, maybe a few months. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, most of the initial problems will most likely be resolved.