Choose Windows 10 or 11 based on your needs.
Choose Windows 10 or 11 based on your needs.
I just got my new PC and right away chose Windows 10 since that’s what I’m familiar with. I’ve heard mixed reviews about Windows 11, and I’m wondering what others think. How challenging is it to learn one versus the other? Which would be more advantageous for me—upgrading or downgrading?
It's quite similar in terms of operating system, almost nothing needs re-learning. I think it makes sense to upgrade now—you'll likely need to do so within about two years to remain compatible with supported versions, and there are some useful features like autoHDR.
Windows 11 is now the usual choice, with little change to grasp. If you're comfortable with version 10, you're set for version 11. On the surface, some features look slightly different, but underneath it stays consistent. (reminder: similar discussions appear at least once each week, and we consistently provide the same response)
It's Windows. There isn't anything to learn with 11. It's like buying a 2010 car and then a 2023 car. You drive. And yes, 11 is better for gaming or will be as the years pass.
From my testing, the main benefit of Windows 11 is its solid performance with updates and drivers... but there are a few issues I find bothersome:
- The centered taskbar is distracting, though left alignment in settings helps somewhat.
- Bing integration feels intrusive.
- The start menu looks less polished.
- Rounded corners reduce visibility by cutting pixels from the screen.
- Search functionality is poor; I recommend using PowerToys for better results.
- Overall, the experience is less than ideal compared to other options.
In short, don’t rush to upgrade to Windows 11. You’ve likely experienced enough failed upgrades to know the importance of backups, and at that point, a clean slate might be smarter.
I discovered eleven extremely hard-to-use updates, poor UI changes everywhere, then returned to version ten and everything worked again... (P.S., 1809 btw, the GOAT)
Windows 11 was quite frustrating, so I moved to Linux. Haha! If you intend to use Windows later, learning W11 and its oddities is essential. Eventually, you'll adapt. My main reason for switching came from our differing beliefs about the operating system.
Well, I don't like Windows 11 at all. First of all, the Start Menu is a big deal because it's where you begin using your PC. You can't launch anything from that menu. On my Windows 10, the Start Menu has handy shortcuts and apps that I don't want on my desktop and I don't want to hunt for them in "Start -> Apps." Nothing new in Windows 11 except a nicer interface. Yeah, they're watching you nonstop. Also, Windows 10 keeps monitoring you 24/7. If you get what I mean...