Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Which One Should You Use in 2025?

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 is one of the major debates in the online tech community. Almost every user wants to know if it is advisable to upgrade to Windows 11.

Upgrading to a new operating system can feel overwhelming, especially if you are already comfortable using the existing system. I have used Windows 10 for a very long time, and I have also tested Windows 11 to explore its offerings.

In this guide, I will try to help you by comparing Windows 10 vs Windows 11 software compatibility, performance, speed, security, gaming, interface, and other aspects.

A Brief Overview of Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 and Windows 11 are the latest operating systems of Microsoft. The latest OS came out in 2021, and Windows 10 in 2015. Before comparing them in detail by looking at the different factors, let’s take a look at a simple comparison of the two:

Basis	Windows 10	Windows 11
User Interface	Traditional Taskbar and Start menu	Modern look with a new Taskbar and Start menu
Touch Controls	Limited touch support	Optimized for touch devices
Gaming Experience	Good, but lacks advanced features	Auto HDR and DirectStorage features
Widgets	No widgets	Built-in widgets for quick info
Microsoft Store	Older version	Redesigned and supports Android apps
Security	Decent, but slightly less advanced	Stronger with TPM 2.0 and Windows Hello
Updates	More frequent and sometimes intrusive	Fewer disruptions
Virtual Desktops	Basic functions	Advanced features like snap layouts
AI Features	No AI features	Comes with AI-powered Copilot

System Requirements of Win 10 vs Win 11

Here’s the table of Win 11 vs 10 minimum system requirements for better comparison:

Feature	Windows 11	Windows 10
RAM	4 GB	2 GB
Processor	1 GHz with at least 2 cores (64-bit)	1 GHz with at least 2 cores
Storage	64 GB	32 GB
Graphics	DirectX 12 with WDDM 2.0 driver	DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver

Windows 11 needs a modern and more powerful system. It requires a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage. It also requires a TPM 2.0 chip for better security, which may not be available on your old devices.

On the other hand, Windows 10 needs a 64-bit processor running at 1GHz, 2GB of RAM, and 20 GB of storage. This makes it more accessible for older devices.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Performance and Speed

When we compare Windows 10 vs Windows 11 performance, Win 11 is designed to manage memory efficiently. It prioritizes the programs you are actively using to give them more processing power.

It also improves wake-up time by keeping some data in memory while your device is in sleep. This makes it 25% faster than Windows 10. Since its launch, Microsoft has added performance upgrades, such as improved SSD speeds in 2022. 

In my opinion – while it is faster and more responsive, the difference in everyday use is fairly small.

Windows 11 vs 10: Design and User Interface 

Windows 10 has a simple and user-friendly design. The Start menu combines a classic list with an app tile, making it easy to navigate, and the settings are also well-organized.

While Windows 11 introduces a fresh and modern design. The Start menu and Taskbar are in the center of the desktop, giving it a sleek and polished look, similar to macOS.

With rounded corners, stylish visuals, and updated icons, it looks like a big step forward. Personally, I like the new design of Windows 11 better than Windows 10.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Software Compatibility

I could not find a big difference while comparing Win10 vs Win11 software compatibility. Most software and devices work seamlessly with Windows 10. It is a well-established system, and developers have updated their programs to run smoothly on it.

While most apps work well on Windows 11, some older apps were facing some trouble first. Thankfully, all major developers have released updates to fix these issues and compatibility is better now.

So, both of them are compatible with almost every software. Moving on, let’s compare the two OS on security and updates. 

Windows 10 vs 11: Security and Updates

Windows 11 is designed to be more secure than Windows 10. This is an obvious thing, as all developers are working to provide new systems with advanced security features.

Windows 11 uses TPM 2.0 to ensure the device, firmware, and boot process are safe. It also has built-in tools to protect against online phishing attacks. Windows Defender App Control (WDAC) can block untrusted apps and scripting attacks.

Additionally, the configuration lock feature can stop authorized changes to system settings by local admin users. 

If we compare Win 11 vs Win 10 in terms of updates, the new OS is more efficient and gives greater control. Plus, it uses 40% less bandwidth compared to Windows 10. 

Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Gaming Experience

Gaming has become a crucial factor in judging the performance and utility of a new-age system. So, let’s compare Windows 10 vs Windows 11 gaming performance.

Both operating systems offer excellent gaming performance, including the DirectStorage feature that helps in loading games instantly. However, if gaming is your priority, you should consider upgrading to Windows 11.

Microsoft has focused on gaming with this Windows, fixing many performance issues found in Windows 10. They have also added new features like Auto HDR, which improves colors and brightness for a sharper and more vibrant display.

Additional Features of Windows 11

Windows 11 has introduced several new features to make work simple. In this section, I will briefly talk about the additional features present in the new Windows. Here are the major ones:

• Snap layouts and Snap groups can help you organize multiple windows for multitasking.

• Virtual desktops have now become more customizable with improved animations.

• Widgets have been introduced to give you quick access to personalized content like news and weather.

• Cortona is now available as a separate app, and it’s no longer integrated with the Taskbar.

• Copilot offers intelligent assistance across various apps. It can help you compose emails, create charts, and summarize different documents.

Furthermore, the redesigned Start menu offers a simple and centered layout featuring pinned and recommended apps.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade in 2025? 

Windows 11 vs Windows 10 – what should you choose in 2025? Well, it completely depends on your personal requirements. However, they are different in performance and features yet there are many things that are the same. For instance, you can take a screenshot in windows 11 and 10 both with the same method. 

Windows 11 offers a fresh, modern design with improved performance and a better gaming experience. It is perfect for those who want the latest tech and a sleek design.

Windows 10 is still a reliable and stable option that is easy to use, widely compatible and well-supported. If you prefer consistency and familiarity, you should go with it.

If you ask me whether I should upgrade to Windows 11, I would recommend you to upgrade to Windows 11 because of its clean interface, and powerful security features. Overall, it offers a more polished and efficient experience.