Is windows 11 worth it

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С вами Dedoimedo, и я хочу поделиться историей об очередном эпизоде мазохизма. Раз в несколько месяцев я запускаю свой тестовый ноутбук, на котором в качестве альтернативной системы стоит Windows 11, и проверяю, произошли ли в этой ОС какие-нибудь ощутимые изменения. Последняя такая авантюра была в сентябре, и тогда я столкнулся с кучей проблем.

Но не всё так страшно. Недавно я прочёл на The Register статью, в которой показано, что аудитория Windows 11 не просто не растёт, а сокращается. Как же прекрасно. Просто песня. Люблю читать бахвальные маркетинговые заявления высокопоставленных представителей компаний, особенно на фоне суровой проверки реальностью. Но в этом есть смысл.

Windows 11 бесполезна — файловый менеджер тормозной, раздел настройки не дотягивает до панели управления, а аппаратные требования зачастую препятствуют возможности апгрейда. Что тут сказать… Карма и всё такое…

Приступим?

▍ Небольшая присказка

Прежде чем переходить к итогам моего тестирования, чуть отвлечёмся на мантру Microsoft, посвящённую аппаратным требованиям. Очевидно, что в этой компании решили придерживаться бизнес-плана, чёртовы статисты. Здесь у нас эдакая игра «кто первый даст заднюю» — клиент или какой-нибудь TPM (Trusted Platform Module, доверенный модуль платформы). Теперь в Microsoft установили требование в виде минимально допустимой версии процессора, что, как мне кажется, вполне нормально. Но этот бред с TPM потенциально лишает возможности апгрейда даже почти новые и сверхмощные компьютеры.

Хотя работает такой подход не особо. Если и было что-то полезное в период с 2020 по 2021 годы, то это экономичность, которую люди научились проявлять в отношении электроники, ведь, очевидно, что даже очень старые ноутбуки способны отправлять электронную почту и открывать бесполезные презентации PowerPoint не хуже своих современных аналогов.

Как и многие технари, я читал статью Microsoft о том, что технология TPM 2.0 необходима для безопасности и всё в таком духе. *Зевок*… Знаете что, если не брать в расчёт маркетинг, то даже в случае абсолютной верности этой статьи и неоспоримой необходимости использования TPM, есть одна деталь, которая напрочь рушит весь нарратив. Вот она:

Проверьте состояние TPM ваших устройств

Как системный администратор, вы отвечаете за обеспечение безопасности IT-инфраструктуры вашей организации и выполнение ей всех требований.

Да, да… Но я не системный администратор, а домашний пользователь. Меня не волнует, что там происходит в инфраструктуре корпораций. И ведь я далеко не один. Есть огромное множество таких же простых пользователей, которых явно не касается и не интересует что-либо из той статьи. Для домашних пользователей значимость TPM не то что спорна, а вообще неактуальна.

Так что все эти высокопарные слова про безопасность, которая, кстати, часто переоценена, для рядовых юзеров ничего не значат. Кроме того, безопасность, как мы наблюдаем изо дня в день, опирается на инфраструктуру бэкенда — чтобы не взломали какого-нибудь оператора связи, например — а не домашних пользователей. Разве не так?

Всё же за мои тридцать лет работы с компьютерами, абсолютно все траблы с ними возникали из-за вальяжного отношения компаний к хранящимся в их «облаках» данным, а не какого-то хакерского нападения на мою локальную систему, как это бывает в кино.

Так действительно ли TPM необходимы? Вовсе нет. Может быть от них польза? Возможно, но сомневаюсь.

Однако в той статье есть и ещё одно противоречие — BitLocker использует TPM 2.0 для хранилища ключей шифрования. Невероятно, вот только, опять же, домашние пользователи при всём желании не смогут даже запустить этот BitLocker. Просто почитайте мою статью о печальном состоянии Windows, где я привожу множество прекрасных скриншотов этого нонсенса.

▍ Ну а теперь к тестам…

Итак, я всегда начинаю с обновлений. Как ни странно, но на сей раз этот процесс прошёл быстро и относительно безболезненно. Обошлось без мучений, которые присутствовали ещё три месяца назад. Честно говоря, меня даже приятно удивило то, насколько быстро всё произошло.

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Ещё один плюс в том, что мне не пришлось корректировать настройки конфиденциальности. Они сохранились.

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К примеру, я полностью вычистил Windows Defender, загрузившись из-под Linux и удалив все его каталоги — после чего он не переустановился. Собственно, как и должно быть. Хотя, если подумать, то в «умно» настроенной системе с TPM и шифрованием такой роскоши свободного удаления ненужного ПО у вас нет.

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Но, но, но… расслабляться нельзя. Теперь у приложений есть возможность переопределения вашего местоположения. Ведь вы же должны отправлять свои данные «Большому Брату», чтобы проходить подобающий анализ и профилирование. Вы же не хотите, чтобы крупные компании теряли из-за вас свою прибыль, не хотите же, непослушные вы нерды?

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Да и на кой такая опция вообще нужна? Зачем разрешать приложениям переопределять настройки PRIVACY? Это как сказать официанту, что у вас аллергия на арахис, но при этом РАЗРЕШИТЬ ему игнорировать сей факт. Всё это становится настолько нелепо, что я уже не нахожу слов, способных описать моё тяжёлое презрение и неприязнь к этим играм от недалёкого ума.

▍ Изучаем патчи

Я пару раз писал о том, как повысить скорость и отзывчивость Windows Explorer. Первое время вы могли просто переключиться на старый добрый механизм. Теперь так нельзя. Я испробовал всякие хитрости и уловки с реестром, но безрезультатно. Вы обречены пользоваться новым проводником с его тормозным и тупым интерфейсом.

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Вам интересно, почему я так негативно настроен? Что ж, вот ответ:

• Строка заголовка окон проводника в Windows 11 вне зависимости от цветовой темы всегда окрашена в депрессивный серый, в результате чего отличить активное окно от фоновых нереально. Быть может, это баг, но всё равно серьёзная проблема дизайна. Я хочу цвета, хочу отчётливость, хочу хорошую эргономику, но ничего этого нет.
• Проводник в Windows 11 тормозит. Откройте его, и вы увидите, как отрисовываются элементы окна. Откройте новую вкладку, и вы также будете видеть её отрисовку. Каждый раз… На полноценное отображение UI уходит секунда, а то и больше. Это какое-то издевательство. Мой тестовый ноутбук довольно мощный, и система работает на SSD (не то, чтобы это в данном случае было существенно, так как все эти элементы должны загружаться в ОЗУ).

  Сразу вспоминается старый проводник, такой простецкий и всего с одной вкладкой… Тот открывался буквально по щелчку. На фоне этого новый «вкладочный» интерфейс выглядит провалом невероятных масштабов. Прибавьте сюда задержку и угловатый дизайн, получится просто ужас.

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Ну хотя бы Open-Shell работает исправно, и обновления её не снесли.

▍ Раздражающие моменты

Конечно, хорошо, что теперь можно отключать в настройках «уведомления», хотя бы большинство из них. Но всё же, в целом, «недалёкий» подход сохраняется.

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Например, вот скриншот основной страницы настроек:

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Только взгляните на эти бездушные маркетинговые слоганы. «Всё здесь». Что здесь? Чума? Вандалы? Испанская инквизиция? Что?? «Подключите ваши…приложения к вашему устройству». Чего? Что это вообще значит на простом человеческом языке? Это вообще предложение? Подключите? Как можно подключить софт к железу?

При этом степень «настойчивости» по сбору ваших данных близка к фанатизму. «Авторизуйтесь» (Sign In), какая-то Bluetooth-щина… Я не верю в теории заговоров, но вся эта перепись наших душ в Web 2.0/3.0 крайне возмутительна, бессмысленна и глупа. Мне плевать. Я не хочу быть частью безмозглого улья. Оставьте меня в покое.

▍ Что-то ещё?

Ничего особенного. Я не стал углубляться в систему, так как это вызывает у меня чувство тупости. Основная функциональность вроде работает, но это не тот уровень, к которому стоило бы стремиться. Отзывчивость «современных» фич остаётся ужасной. Проводник, новый системный трей. «Кликни и ожидай» пока отрисуется всё необходимое. Ужасная оптимизация, ужасный код. Да и эргономика ни к чёрту. В целом, это просто очередная итерация провала. Итерация… это слово любят использовать современные разработчики, и значит оно, что вместо качественной реализации задачи с первого раза, вы проделываете посредственную работу многократно.

▍ Итоги

Пора закруглять очередную весёлую статью. Что мы узнали сегодня? Вроде немного, но и немало. Тупость торжествует. Windows 11 остаётся всё такой же бесполезной, новый проводник с вкладками проваливает большинство базовых тестов, система по-прежнему полна бреда и бессмысленных фич, и ничем это не компенсируется.

Собственно, это и отражает сокращение доли рынка, это я и предрекал. О да, я упиваюсь своим филистёрством. У Windows 10 по-прежнему вдвое больше пользователей, причём их число растёт. Думаю, это всё, что вам нужно знать об этом современном провале операционной системы. Буквально всё.

После применения декабрьских патчей я не сталкивался с серьёзными проблемами. Обновление прошло быстро, что определённо радует. Мои установки конфиденциальности не сбросились. Хотя в системе всё ещё присутствуют подвохи, так что необходимо сохранять бдительность. Если ранее вы патчили свой проводник, то он больше работать не будет. Сбоев нет, но и улучшений тоже. В общем и целом, получилась бессмысленная глава в бессмысленной истории.
Удачи.

Telegram-канал со скидками, розыгрышами призов и новостями IT 💻

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Want to know about Is Windows 11 worth It?

If yes then you are in the right place.

As Windows 11 is launched and you don’t know whether to install it or not.

Although, everyone is talking about its new attractive features especially the gamer out there because there are some major add-ons in gaming features of Windows 11.

It is also well equipped with a new User Interface, features that will make your computer process faster. And It will also use your CPU in the most efficient manner.

But there are so many users who are still thinking “should I switch to it?” or “is it worth upgrading to Windows 11?”.

And if you are also one of them then this post is definitely for you.

So, let’s get started…

Is Windows 11 Worth it to Upgrade?

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Here, I will be sharing 4 Important features of Windows 11 which help you to find out if it is a worthy upgrade for you or not. Moreover, we will be talking about each feature in detail and then at the end, we will discuss it accordingly.

But before that, you can also check out How much is Windows 11?

So, let’s dive in further…

Multitasking Features

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Snap layout feature is too useful for multitaskers, developers, and content creators. And for this snap layout feature, Microsoft has also added the Snap groups feature to this operating system. Snap group is basically grouping different snap layouts for improving productivity. Windows 11 has 6 snap layouts options and you can choose any of them accordingly.

Coders will love this feature too. Now, you can run different stuff on different layouts at the same time. This feature can also be a good reason for upgrading to Windows 11.

Android Apps Support

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One of the major changes is, Windows 11 supports android applications. Yes, you heard it correctly you can now use the same apps you are using on your android device. You can also play android games as well. This is a big change as there is not any other operating system in the market that supports android apps.

And the best part is that now you can easily run android apps on your PC without using any Android Emulator.

Gaming Performance

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Microsoft has focused very much on improving the gaming performance of Windows 11. And to improve this, they have added lots of new features which everyone is talking about and most of the users are surprised too. You will be getting Auto-HDR, DirectX 12 Ultimate, DirectStorage, Xbox Controller support, so that you can get Xbox like gaming experience on your Windows PC. There will be no more buffering and low refresh rate issues in the game.

And if you are a gamer, then you should definitely give it a try to this new operating system and it will be worth it.

Microsoft Store

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Microsoft store is completely changed with Windows 11 update and you will be seeing better and more useful applications in the store. If you are using the original windows 11 then you may not need to pay for downloading apps from the Microsoft store. Amazon app store is also introduced through which we will be getting the android apps on our PC.

Now taking all these features into consideration, here is our answer.

Is Windows 11 Worth the Upgrade?

Yes, Windows 11 is worth upgrading. If you are a gamer, developer, or content creator, then you should definitely upgrade to it. Because all these features are going to help you a lot and are worthy in improving productivity.

And if you don’t believe that, then check out Is Windows 11 faster than Windows 10? Where I have written a detailed comparison with benchmarks and find out how well it is performing.

Now let’s move to the next part…

Windows 11 Pros and Cons

Everything in this universe has its pros and cons, so Windows 11 also has. Let’s talk about them. Although, in my recent posts I have already talked about them, where I compared Windows 11 vs Windows 10 and also shared some major differences and upgrades which we will be getting.

First, we will be talking about the Pros and then about the Cons.

User Interface and Visual Effects

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The User Interface of Windows 11 is completely new and very different from Windows 10. The taskbar is changed, you will see the start button and all other things on the taskbar in the center rather than any corner. Some icons are also changed. You can not move the taskbar elements to any side, they are fixed in the center. Many users are liking this change and some are saying that it looks like a macOS home screen.

Multi-Desktop Support

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This feature is only for the multitaskers out there, this will make their life easy though. Now, you can easily organize Windows and assign them different shapes at your convenience. Snap layouts are also for them. Now, you can just go to the multitasking mode whenever you need and the settings will be saved the first time. You can work on the second screen without configuring anything.

Improved Tablet Mode

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New tablet mode has been added to Windows 11. This mode was also in windows 10 but it was not up to the mark. Now, you will experience iPad-like stuff on your touch screen laptops. Touch screen gestures and voice typing have been added for a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you have a touch screen laptop and usually use it as a tablet then this improved tablet mode can become worth upgrading to Windows 11.

Cortana & Timeline Removed

Cortana has been removed in Windows 11. Some users are sad because of this as they used to enjoy Cortana. Timeline and Cortana will not be there in the Taskbar or Start menu. These apps will not come as pre-installed but you can download these easily. Users are disappointed with these removals.

Other Removed Apps

There are some more removals of applications in this new operating system. Many useful applications are removed from windows 11 such as Paint 3D, OneNote, 3D viewer. Skype is also removed but you will be getting Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Edge will be there in place of Internet explorer. You can download these applications from the app store easily.

I know because of these removals many users are disappointed because I also used to use the Paint 3D app which was an advanced version of the old paint for me.

Now it’s your call whether to take it or not. But if you are still confused then check out our detailed post on Should I upgrade to Windows 11? where I have also some Good or Bad things about this OS.

Now let’s move to the next part…

Why Windows 11 is Not Worthy for Everyone?

As everything has pros and cons, in the same way, everything is not worthy for everyone. There is not any fast rule for Windows 11 worthful only for some users. If you are just a normal user and don’t play any games or do any work like editing, multitasking, programming then I think you don’t need to upgrade it but since you are getting a free Windows 11 upgrade then you can give it a try.

But if you want to get rid of all these bugs and issues which every user will be experiencing in starting then you can avoid it. Because Microsoft has officially stated that the Windows 10 will be gettings all featured updates till 2025 at least. And if you are a normal user then just don’t upgrade and save your time from all this upgrade process.

That’s it for now…

Conclusion

So, that’s all about the worth of the windows 11 update and how beneficial it will going to average users as well as gamers. Also, as the trend of gaming is increasing, Microsoft is also trying to make their PC compatible and more powerful with all these games and application.

For me android support is a big thing, tell me yours via comments.

Stay tuned for the next post…

Feel free to share your thoughts and also tell us if you liked this post on Is Windows 11 Worth It? [ Installing or Upgrading Now ].

If you liked this post, don’t forget to share…

Is Windows 11 Worth It? An In-Depth Exploration

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the operating systems that power our everyday devices. The latest iteration from Microsoft, Windows 11, was announced with much fanfare and is now making its way into the hands of users worldwide. But this begs the question—Is it worth upgrading to Windows 11? In this comprehensive discussion, we will delve into the features, performance enhancements, user experiences, and potential drawbacks of Windows 11 to help you determine if upgrading is right for you.

New Features of Windows 11

Windows 11 comes packed with a variety of new features designed to enhance user experience, streamline workflows, and increase productivity. Key enhancements include:

1. Revamped User Interface
   One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the redesigned UI. The start menu has been centered on the taskbar, with a clean aesthetic that prioritizes simplicity and usability. Rounded corners, new icons, and updated typography give Windows 11 a more modern look, reminiscent of a blend between Windows 10 and macOS. The new Snap Layouts and Snap Groups features allow users to organize multiple windows on their desktop seamlessly.

2. Performance Improvements
   Windows 11 has been optimized for speed and efficiency. Microsoft claims that the operating system is faster and more responsive than its predecessor, with significant improvements in wake-from-sleep times and overall system responsiveness. Additionally, Windows 11 has been fine-tuned to run efficiently on newer hardware, making the best use of multi-core processors and SSDs for improved performance.

3. Integrated Microsoft Teams
   In a response to the surge in remote work and online collaboration, Windows 11 has integrated Microsoft Teams directly into the operating system. This integration brings easy access for video calls, messaging, and collaboration, making it simpler for users to connect with colleagues, friends, and family.

4. Gaming Enhancements
   For gamers, Windows 11 offers several noteworthy features, including DirectStorage, which allows for faster load times in games, and Auto HDR, which enhances the visual quality of older titles. The Xbox Game Pass integration also gives players access to a vast library of games, making Windows 11 an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts.

5. Virtual Desktops and Widgets
   Windows 11 enhances productivity with improved virtual desktops that allow users to create tailored workspaces. Widgets, which offer quick access to news, weather, calendar events, and other personalized content, are also a prominent feature, helping users stay informed without distraction.

System Requirements and Compatibility

One of the most significant changes with Windows 11 is its system requirements. The operating system demands more than Windows 10, requiring features like TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. The new minimum specifications include:

• A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz and 2 cores or more.
• 4 GB of RAM minimum.
• 64 GB storage or larger.
• TPM version 2.0 compliance.
• A DirectX 12-compatible graphics card.

These requirements mean that not all older devices can upgrade to Windows 11. Before making a decision, it is essential to check whether your hardware meets these specifications.

User Experience and Community Feedback

The rollout of Windows 11 has sparked varied responses from users. Early adopters have reported a range of experiences, from excitement over the new UI to frustrations with compatibility issues and bugs that often accompany the introduction of a new operating system.

Many users appreciate the aesthetic changes and the focus on productivity through features like Snap Layouts. However, some have expressed a desire for more customization options, feeling that the streamlined approach limits personal flair. There have been mixed feelings about the centered Start Menu, with some users loving the fresh look while others prefer the traditional left-aligned version.

Additionally, community forums and tech sites have noted performance improvements with Windows 11 when running intensive applications, particularly for gamers. Nevertheless, the lack of certain features present in Windows 10—such as Live Tiles in the Start Menu—has received criticism from loyal Windows users.

Malware and Security Enhancements

As digital threats continue to evolve, Microsoft has placed a strong emphasis on security in Windows 11. The inclusion of tools like Windows Hello and BitLocker is aimed at providing a more secure environment for users. The requirement for TPM 2.0 is particularly significant, as it helps to safeguard sensitive data through hardware-based security.

The new operating system also offers enhanced protection against malware and phishing attempts through Microsoft Defender. For businesses, Windows 11 provides enterprise-grade security options that are vital for protecting sensitive company information.

Comparing Windows 11 to Windows 10

When considering whether to upgrade, it’s crucial to compare Windows 11 with its predecessor, Windows 10. While Windows 10 brought numerous updates and improvements over Windows 7 and 8, Windows 11 is a more significant departure, with many tweaks designed from the ground up.

User Interface and Aesthetics

Windows 10 follows a more traditional Windows interface, while Windows 11 has embraced a modern design philosophy. The rounded edges, new icons, and centered Start Menu give it a cleaner and more contemporary feel, which can be appealing to new users but may be a jarring shift for long-time Windows 10 users.

Features and Functionality

Windows 10 provides a robust ecosystem of features, including the Cortana virtual assistant, Live Tiles, and strong gaming capabilities. Windows 11 takes this a step further with tools like Snap Layouts and built-in Teams functionality but simplifies certain features, which some users may find limiting.

Performance

Users upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may experience notable performance improvements, particularly if they have compatible hardware. However, older hardware may struggle with the new OS, whereas users with solid configurations can expect a smoother, faster experience.

Potential Drawbacks of Upgrading

Despite the numerous advantages of Windows 11, potential drawbacks still warrant consideration.

1. Compatibility Issues
   As mentioned, the stringent hardware requirements might exclude some devices from the upgrade path, necessitating costly hardware upgrades or replacements.

2. Learning Curve
   With a completely redesigned user interface, users accustomed to Windows 10 may experience a learning curve when adapting to Windows 11. This may lead to initial productivity dips as users familiarize themselves with the new layout and features.

3. Bugs and Stability
   As with any new operating system, early versions of Windows 11 may be prone to bugs and stability issues. Users should be prepared for potential troubleshooting and software updates that come in the months following the release.

4. Loss of Features
   Some users may find the removal of certain features from Windows 10, such as Live Tiles, to be a step backward. This loss of functionality can frustrate those who relied on these features for their daily tasks.

Conclusion: Is Windows 11 Worth It?

Ultimately, the answer to whether Windows 11 is worth it depends on individual needs and circumstances.

For users with newer hardware seeking a modern, streamlined interface and enhanced productivity features, Windows 11 represents an exciting upgrade. The integration of gaming features and security improvements also makes it appealing for gamers and businesses alike.

Conversely, those with older devices or a preference for familiarity may want to consider sticking with Windows 10 until a more compelling reason to upgrade arises. Additionally, users hesitant about adjusting to new workflows or requiring specific features from Windows 10 may find themselves better served by staying put for the time being.

In a world where technological advancements are ever-accelerating, the transition to Windows 11 carries both promise and uncertainty. As Microsoft continues to update and refine Windows 11, it may quickly solidify its place as a must-have for many users. For now, the decision rests firmly in your hands—assess your own needs, weigh the pros and cons, and determine if the upgrade aligns with your personal or professional goals.

While Windows 11 offers a fresh take on the operating system, that’s ultimately just one factor in the broader equation of productivity, performance, and user preference that defines the Windows experience.

After its release, Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest OS, has captivated techies. Windows OS 11 promises new features, performance improvements, and a sleek redesign as the successor to Windows 10. Users must decide whether to upgrade or keep their operating system with every software update.

To help you choose a Windows OS, we will tell you its key features in this guide. We will compare Microsoft Windows 11 to its predecessor and discuss new features and drawbacks. After reading this article, you will know if upgrading to Windows 11 OS is right for you.

What are the major upgrades for Windows 11?

A Fresh Look: Windows 11’s Redesigned Interface

The revamped user interface is the most noticeable change in Win 11. The new Start menu and taskbar are no longer where they used to be; now they have gone from the left-aligned layout to a more centralized, sleek design. The Start menu now has a simplified layout, and in the list of pinned apps and recent documents, the taskbar has centred icons for a clearer look. In addition, the 11th version of Windows displays rounded corners and other improvements that are very subtle but enable the UI to be characterized as modern and polished.

Speed and Efficiency: Performance Boosts You’ll Notice

The new and innovative Windows 11 provides an array of performance upgrades for the user’s delight. One of the remarkable achievements is the shorter time of wake-up from sleep, getting users right back into their tasks. Also, Microsoft has introduced improved memory management tech, which in turn makes the system resource allocation more efficient. All of these performance improvements will result in the user’s experience being more lively and responsive even in the case of older hardware.

Levelling Up Gaming: Features Gamers Will Love

Win 11 OS provides gamers with some thrilling new features. The introduction of DirectStorage (a technology that was first introduced on Xbox) helps in decreasing game load times by allowing the GPU to communicate with the SSD and bypass the CPU. Consequently, devices are burdened less as a result of more quick loadings and higher game efficiency. Furthermore, the Auto HDR feature of Windows 11 can automatically offer more colour and contrast in games to bring a vibrant, good experience. The Xbox app integrated into the Windows 11 platform makes it even easier to access the Xbox Game Pass and connect with not only friends who are using Windows but with those from other platforms as well.

Work Smarter: Productivity Tools for Better Multitasking

Windows 11 comes with some new features that are designed to increase people’s efficiency and multitasking. For instance, Snap Layouts and Snap Groups provide users with the ability to easily arrange and switch between many windows as well as apps. Using Snap Layouts, the users can try different window arrangements created before, while Snap Groups allow them to create and save specific window configurations for later recalling. Virtual Desktops are also among the features that have been enhanced, with navigation that is more intuitive and the possibility of setting different backgrounds for every desktop. These tools of productivity are useful to people who often cooperate with many applications and intend to find a suitable method for managing their desktop space more effectively.

Some Drawbacks of Win 11

Hardware Requirements

One drawback of the Windows 11 OS is its stricter hardware requirements compared to its predecessor. To run Windows 11, devices must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip and meet specific CPU requirements. This means that some older devices may not be compatible with Windows 11, forcing users to either upgrade their hardware or stick with Windows 10. These requirements have sparked controversy, as many users feel they are unnecessarily restrictive and limit the upgradability of their devices.

Learning Curve

With the redesigned user interface and changes to familiar features, some users may face a learning curve when transitioning to Windows 11. The centralized Start menu and taskbar may take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to the traditional left-aligned layout. Additionally, certain features may have been moved or modified, requiring users to adapt to new workflows. While these changes are intended to improve the overall user experience, they may initially cause confusion and frustration for some users.

Compatibility and App Support

Android App Integration

Windows 11 is coming with some of the most sought-after features, like the inclusion of the Amazon Appstore application and Android apps and operating systems. This is the collaboration that has allowed users to use Android apps on Windows devices by launching them as native applications. This is the factor that extended the range of apps that people could use. However, the variety of applications may be more limited compared to the Google Play Store, and some apps may not be optimized for desktop use. On top of that, the future of this feature depends on the continued partnership between Amazon and Microsoft, which could affect its long-term availability.

Software Compatibility

When changing the operating system to an updated one, the main challenge is the compatibility of the software. Among the goals of Win 11 is to comply with almost all programs made for Windows 10; hence, most users will experience a smooth shift. However, some old or less popular applications may experience problems when run on Windows 11. So, users need to check the compatibility of their key software versions to know if these are supported. The latter, in turn, might also require updating device drivers to ensure proper functionality. This is especially true for specialized or older hardware.

Security and Privacy

Enhanced Security Features

Windows 11 prioritizes security by incorporating several improved features. While controversial, the TPM and Secure Boot requirements contribute to a more secure boot process and help protect against unauthorized access and malware. Also enhanced in Windows 11, Microsoft’s biometric authentication system, Windows Hello, now provides more dependable and efficient fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. The objective of these security improvements is to mitigate the risk of data breaches and cyber threats by offering users a more secure computing experience.

Privacy Concerns

Windows 11 fixes some of the problems that users have had with privacy. Others, though, still do not agree with Microsoft’s rules on collecting data. Some privacy settings in Windows 11 let users change what information is collected, but Windows 11 still collects some information to make the product better and make it more personal. It is also harder to make a local account during setup now that Microsoft has made it easier to use a Microsoft account. Some people may see this as an invasion of privacy. Some users may need to go through extra steps to make their settings right and limit the amount of data that is collected.

Upgrade Process and Considerations

Free Upgrade Eligibility

Windows 10 users can have a free Windows 11 upgrade thanks to the offering of Microsoft. This will be a significant drawcard for those who qualify. It is important to confirm that your device fulfils the minimum hardware requirements before you try upgrading.

Backup and Preparation Steps

Before the installation of a new operating system, the user must make a full backup of the data to avoid any data loss. The material that should be copied consists of documents, photos, videos, and all the other important files. Besides, making sure your device has sufficient storage space and that all drivers and software are properly updated is also a good way to avoid complications.

Rollback Options

Microsoft offers customers rollback options to return to Windows 10 if they find Windows 11 difficult to use or just don’t like it. In the ten days following the upgrade, users will have the choice to return to Windows 10 keeping the files and settings. This allows them to decide whether to use Windows 11 during the rollback window and if not, they would need to reinstall Windows 10 manually after this period.

Feature Comparison

Taking into account the upgrade options, it’s crucial to check the features that have been added to Windows 11 as well as those from Windows 10. The redesigned appearance, the improved performance, and the productivity tools are among the many Windows 11 benefits. At the same time, Windows 10 is still suitable and provides a familiar experience to the users. The key elements of the new version of the OS (like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, DirectStorage for gaming, etc.) may not be crucial and attractive to all users. To start with, one needs to figure out which features truly matter and can directly impact their workflow.

Performance Benchmarks 

Performance is one of the essential factors to be considered when comparing operating systems. Windows 11 is optimized for faster wake-from-sleep times and enhancements of memory management, and the outcome is that users get a more responsive interaction. However, the performance improvements may not be noticeable if your hardware or driver configuration is not fully compatible. Benchmark tests of Windows 11 show that it has some functional improvements in specific fields, such as faster file transfers and slightly better gaming performance. Besides this, ordinary users are unlikely to notice these differences, as they may not even be relevant for common users. You might want to think whether such development is reasonable on the equipment you have, especially if your hardware is older.

Long-term Support Timelines

Other than the maintainable updates’ availability, the other point that may decide your choice is the support and update cycle of Microsoft for each OS. Microsoft has officially announced that it will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025, which includes providing some updates and maintaining the operating system’s security. Windows 11 will likely have a longer support lifecycle, with Microsoft continuing to provide updates and support for many years to come. On the other hand, Microsoft has not yet announced an official end-of-support date for Win 11. Some users who put long-term reliability and support over personal preference will, most likely, choose to stay with Windows 10 till the end of its life.

Is Windows 11 Worth It?

We can conclude that Windows 11 will only offer an improved user experience compared to its predecessor if the user’s hardware meets the official system requirements. However, if you are satisfied with the stability and performance of Windows 10 then it seems that there is no compelling reason to upgrade that OS so you can stick with your current release and use it most effectively.

The decision to upgrade to Windows 11 is a decision you make based on your individual needs and desires. The possibilities, the downsides, and the compatibility issues are three factors that could be taken into account as far as your decision goes to make the best choice for your needs.