Time (for me) to move to Windows 11?
Time (for me) to move to Windows 11?
CyberCPU Tech's video highlights the main benefit of Windows 11 that reminded me why I returned to Windows 10: the ability to show and combine labels. Apart from the downgrade, I didn't perceive significant differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 for my needs. The only drawbacks were performance issues on my Pentium Gold Surface Go 2 and some unwanted gestures when switching apps. They're planning to reintroduce the label feature and add RAR file extraction. This sounds promising. I'm considering upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on my desktop (12th gen Core i5, 8GB RAM), but I'm still undecided. Would native RAR support and Android app compatibility be valuable? Would I need more RAM? I'm also thinking about switching to Windows 11 on the Surface Go 2 (Pentium Gold 4425Y, 8GB RAM), though I found it slower in Windows 11. Any advice?
In my view, you only need W11 if you want to take full advantage of the newest Intel CPUs with P and E cores, though they are now compatible with W10 as well. It seems unusual to limit it this way. Using WinRAR or better 7-Zip would be a better option. I wouldn’t consider it a major feature. I’d be more concerned about removing WordPad from both versions. W11 also consumes more resources. Whether it’s worth updating is up to you. I’m not unless it’s necessary. If you’re using the latest 13th generation Intel processor or AMD Zen 4, W11 could be a good fit. Why would you bother running it on an older system like that?
I've been using Windows 11 Pro on both my home and work computers. It doesn’t seem to cause any major issues. I don’t think there’s a clear reason to pick one over the other right now. I just switch to any machine that supports Windows 11 Pro, since it helps me identify which devices need replacement. I’ve worked with coworkers who were less tech-savvy and forced them to install Windows 11; they didn’t complain, so from a usability standpoint, even the most difficult users can adapt. Apart from a slight difference in appearance—like a more Mac-like look and rounded corners—it’s essentially the same overall. On the side of advanced users, some features can be frustrating, such as menus that are harder to navigate or now only accessible through the Settings menu instead of the Control Panel. Concerning system specifications and usage, if it’s running the newest Windows 10 update, it won’t differ much from the latest Windows 11 update.
@Applefreak and @Agall, I'll remember those notes while thinking about this. It seems another point is that I haven't been asked to switch to Windows 11 lately, so maybe I'll have to wait for that again. Anyway, Windows 10 works just fine. The main issue I notice with it is that some apps behave oddly when the window changes size—especially on the tablet mode. Since Windows 11 doesn’t really offer a proper tablet experience (it mostly optimizes for tablets), it doesn’t suddenly jump back to the start screen after entering full screen, unlike what happened with the Surface Go 2.
If you tap 'optional updates' or something similar, you could locate it there. Honestly, I haven't personally relied on Windows tablets much since a Surface 3 I handed over to my dad about four years ago after several years of use. Prior to that, I frequently used them during the Windows 8/10 era.
I believe I located it on the right side of the Windows Update page in settings. My first Windows tablet was a Surface 3. After that, I received the Surface Go 1, which Microsoft claimed fixed but delivered a Surface Go 2 instead. I must admit I prefer them except for the case type. I’ve tried many different cases, more than I’d like to count. One arrived damaged, brand new from Microsoft. I also faced issues with the port on the table where the stylus connects, so I had to return it for repairs. The repair cost nearly matched the price of a brand new tablet, though I ended up getting a Surface Go 2. I dislike how the stylus tips break easily and since Microsoft only offers three styles, I often discard two just to get one tip for three. Additionally, inexpensive eBay and Amazon stylus tips wear out quickly. I’m unsure what tablet I’ll receive next because I use my device frequently. Perhaps a two-in-one model is on its way. Hopefully Framework will bring a two-in-one option. Otherwise, I might opt for a laptop, maybe an iPad, or an Eyemoo.
I'm considering reverting to Windows 10 once more. There was a microphone problem on my Surface Go 2, so restoring Windows helped but removed the Android Subsystem. That was the main reason I stayed on Windows 11 because it had the only app I needed daily that wasn't available on the Amazon App Store. Now the Android Subsystem isn't listed in the Windows Store, and Microsoft plans to stop supporting it soon. Windows 11 feels slower for my tablet compared to Windows 10, and the menu layout is more confusing. I also miss the start menu icons from Windows 10. It might be a trend with Windows 11, but I notice more ads now that I'm using it. After reinstalling Windows 11 completely, all my apps were gone, so switching back to Windows 10 could save me time and restore my files before they get overwritten.