Windows 11 was released in October 2021, but if you’re like the vast majority of other Windows users, you may not have taken the leap and upgraded just yet.
While new Windows versions typically offer attractive features missing in their predecessors, there are often concerns about upgrades, for example, a steep learning curve or the potential for system bugs.
Knowing what’s in store for you with the Windows 11 upgrade should help ease some of that anxiety. If you know the types of changes to expect, you can prepare to tackle any issues that arise, and maybe even recruit some help in the form of a family member or friend to help guide you along the way.
In this post, we explain the major changes to expect in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 and reveal some top tips for getting the most out of this latest version. Let’s jump in!
Key Changes in Windows 11
In general Windows 10 and 11 are very similar, although users will notice distinct changes to the interface design. Here, we’ll explain the differences that will impact users the most:
Performance: The performance in Windows 11 is better than in Windows 10 so you should see apps loading faster and your PC will wake up quicker from sleep mode.
Start menu: The Start menu will look quite different from Windows 10. It has a more simplistic layout with a static list of apps and most frequented documents. The Live Tiles from Windows 10 are also missing.
Taskbar: The taskbar is different, too. It can no longer be pinned to the right or left of the screen, the search box is collapsed to an icon, and the Cortana function is absent by default (you can still download the app), among other minor changes.
Teams calls: Windows 11 brings some features to improve Microsoft Teams calls including background blur and eye contact adjustments.
Gaming: Gamers will be happy about exclusive Windows 11 features such as Auto HDR (improving the appearance of images) and DirectStorage (which promises to load games in under a second).
Missing features: Several Windows 10 features have been removed or replaced in Windows 11, for example, Internet Explorer is replaced with Microsoft Edge, the math input panel is replaced with Math Recognizer, and 3D Viewer, Paint 3D, OneNote for Windows 10, and Skype have been removed (but can still be downloaded from the store).
Microsoft provides a full overview of the key changes you’ll see when you install Windows 11.
Should You Update to Windows 11?
Updating to the latest version of Windows offers several benefits. New versions include security updates that can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. Plus, updates often include performance enhancements and new features that can improve your overall experience. Another reason to update is that by running the latest version of Windows, you can ensure compatibility with other software and hardware.
In spite of there being several good reasons to update to the latest Windows version, uptake on Windows 11 has been very slow. In early December 2021, two months after its release, it was estimated that Windows 11 was installed on around 9 percent of “modern PCs.” And businesses were even slower with Lansweeper data showing that in April 2022, only 1.44 percent of its surveyed users had adopted the new system.
One of the biggest issues appears to be the hefty requirements to install the new operating systems. Computers must have a 1GHz or faster processor which is similar to Windows 10. However, the RAM requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB (up from 1–2GB in Windows 10) and Windows 11 requires a 64GB or larger hard drive (up from 16–32GB). Put simply, many devices just can’t handle the upgrade.
Another reason for slow adoption is the fact that Windows 10 is supported up until 2025. This means that there’s no rush to install the new version. As with any upgrade, adoption is also likely hampered by fear of missing or altered features and dealing with the learning curve of using a new operating system.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to a couple of key questions:
Do the additional features in Windows 11 appeal to you enough that you’d like to make the switch sooner rather than later?
Can your device handle the new operating system or are you willing to upgrade to one that can?
If the answer to both is yes, then you should go ahead and install the update.
Top Tips for Using Windows 11
If you do decide to upgrade, here are some tips to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible:
Make sure your system meets the requirements before attempting to update.
If you decide to update, use an official Microsoft installer (not a third-party) as these may contain malware.
Note that once you upgrade, you only have 10 days to perform a simple reversion back to Windows 10 if you decide Windows 11 isn’t for you. It is possible to revert back past that time period, but the process is much trickier.
As with any new software install, you should make sure your privacy settings are up to date. For example, Windows tracks lots of activity by default such as your location activity and browsing and search history, but you can control this data collection in the Privacy Settings screen.
Worried about having to learn a whole new system? Overall, the differences between interacting with Windows 10 and 11 are not significant and you should be able to get used to the new setup fairly quickly. Ideally you can ask a friend or family member to help you get started or consult the wealth of online guides available.
Wrapping Up
Windows 11 offers some advantages over Windows 10, including better performance and an enhanced experience for activities like video calls and gaming. That said, switching will mean having to get used to a new design and the loss or replacement of some default features. Plus, many systems won’t meet the requirements for the upgrade.
If you’re thinking about switching to Windows 11, review the information above and determine if it’s worth giving it a try. After all, you do have 10 days to revert back to Windows 10 if it doesn’t seem like a good fit. And you never know, you might be surprised how much you love the new features.