Windows 11 vs Windows 10: The Real Differences That Matter

Summary

In this video, Leo Notenboom compares Windows 10 and Windows 11, focusing on key differences and what users might care about. The biggest change is Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which exclude older devices. Other differences include a centered Start menu, removed features like Cortana and WordPad, and new additions such as Widgets and enhanced security. While Windows 11 offers visual upgrades and gaming optimizations, it’s essentially a substantial update rather than a complete overhaul. With Windows 10’s support ending in October 2025, upgrading to Windows 11 may be necessary for long-term security.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows 11's new security-related hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and a compatible 64-bit processor, are the most controversial changes compared to Windows 10.
• 😀 Windows 11 eliminates support for 32-bit processors, requires at least 4GB of RAM, and increases minimum disk space from 20GB to 64GB.
• 😀 The Start menu in Windows 11 is centered by default, but users can move it to the left; however, the taskbar can't be placed anywhere other than the bottom.
• 😀 Cosmetic changes in Windows 11 include rounded corners, softer colors, new animations, and transparency effects.
• 😀 Cortana is removed in Windows 11, and several apps such as WordPad, Wallet, and Mixed Reality Portal are also gone.
• 😀 Windows 11 no longer supports traditional features like live tiles, tablet mode, and named groups/folders in the Start menu.
• 😀 The new Windows File Explorer, Snipping Tool, and updated security features such as Smart Screen and reputation-based installation blocks are among the notable changes in Windows 11.
• 😀 Gaming performance is a major focus in Windows 11, with optimizations for gaming interaction, though performance improvements for non-gaming tasks are unclear.
• 😀 Virtualization-based security and kernel DMA protection are among the enhanced security features in Windows 11.
• 😀 Windows 10 will no longer be officially supported after October 2025, while Windows 11 will continue to receive support for many years.
• 😀 The changes in Windows 11 are considered a substantial upgrade rather than a major new version, with some users noticing subtle differences in usage but not a dramatic shift in functionality.

Q & A

What are the key hardware requirements for Windows 11 compared to Windows 10?

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, UEFI, Secure Boot, a compatible 64-bit processor, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of disk space. Additionally, it requires DirectX 12 graphics and a minimum screen resolution of 1280x720.

Why has Windows 11 introduced higher hardware requirements, and what impact does this have?

The increased hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, are intended to enhance security. However, these requirements mean that many older machines, which lack these features, cannot upgrade to Windows 11.

What major UI change in Windows 11 has sparked controversy among users?

The most controversial change is the Start menu being centered on the taskbar by default. While users can move it to the left, the taskbar itself is fixed at the bottom and cannot be moved to other parts of the screen, unlike in Windows 10.

What are some key features removed in Windows 11 that were available in Windows 10?

Some notable features removed in Windows 11 include Cortana, Tablet Mode, WordPad, and Live Tiles in the Start Menu. Additionally, Internet Explorer 11 is replaced by Microsoft Edge with IE Mode, and Mixed Reality apps are removed.

How does the performance of Windows 11 compare to Windows 10 for non-gaming tasks?

For non-gaming tasks, performance between Windows 10 and Windows 11 appears to be similar. While Windows 11 introduces security and performance improvements, they may not significantly impact non-gaming use cases.

What are some of the new features introduced in Windows 11?

Windows 11 introduces features such as widgets, passkeys for Windows Hello, and reputation-based installation blocks for better security. It also comes with a revamped File Explorer and Snipping Tool, among other enhancements.

What are 'virtualization-based security' and 'kernel DMA protection' in Windows 11?

These are security enhancements aimed at protecting the system from advanced threats. Virtualization-based security isolates critical parts of the system, while kernel DMA protection safeguards against attacks through external devices connected to the computer.

Why does Windows 11 no longer support 32-bit versions of the OS?

Windows 11 no longer supports 32-bit versions to focus on modern hardware with better performance, security, and support for newer technologies, such as 64-bit processors, which can handle more RAM and process data more efficiently.

What does Leo Notenboom mean when he says Windows 11 is more of an upgrade than a major new version?

Leo suggests that Windows 11 is essentially a large upgrade, similar to a service pack, rather than a revolutionary new version of Windows. The changes, while noticeable, are not a dramatic departure from Windows 10.

When does support for Windows 10 end, and why is that significant for users considering Windows 11?

Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. This makes upgrading to Windows 11 important for users who want to continue receiving updates and support, as Windows 10 will no longer be officially supported after that date.