Is Windows 11 Hurting CPU Performance? Benchmark Insights for 2025

In an unexpected twist in the world of PC performance, benchmarking tool PassMark has recently released data suggesting that average CPU performance for Windows PCs has taken a downward turn in 2025. This surprising finding has sparked a new round of speculation: Is Windows 11 to blame compared to its predecessor, Windows 10?

The Benchmarking Breakdown​

PassMark, known for its reliable PerformanceTest benchmarks, gathered data from thousands of user-submitted tests spanning various versions—from PerformanceTest V5 to the latest V11. Their latest graph, updated bi-weekly, reveals a consistent decline in overall CPU performance metrics. For a tech-savvy audience, this is particularly alarming because it’s not something the benchmark providers have seen before.
Several explanations have been floated in the community:

• The Windows 11 Factor: Despite Microsoft's claims of faster performance and productivity improvements with Windows 11, some studies (and our own anecdotal experiences) indicate that Windows 10 might sometimes outperform Windows 11, whether in fresh installations or through in-place upgrades.
• Bloatware Concerns: The possibility that newer systems—with either more pre-installed applications or unnecessary background processes—could be dragging down performance.
• Hardware Trends: Another theory points to changing hardware trends. With many users sticking to CPUs with eight cores or fewer, the collective performance may not be keeping pace with expected improvements if high-core count components aren’t being widely adopted.
• Design Trade-offs: There might be a shift in the reliance on GPU-accelerated tasks as high-resolution gaming and graphically demanding applications drive performance requirements away from raw CPU stats.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: The Ongoing Debate​

Despite Microsoft's best efforts to highlight Windows 11's speed, the results from independent benchmarks have not been unanimously supportive of these assertions. In fact, a closer look at our internal tests reveals:

• Windows 10 still holds its own: In multiple performance benchmarks, Windows 10 has exhibited superior responsiveness in some scenarios, possibly due to its mature, less intrusive system processes.
• Upgrade Path Challenges: Users undertaking an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may not experience the performance gains that were promised. In some tests, clean installs of Windows 10 rendered better results.
• Benchmark Saturation: With gaming and professional applications leaning more towards GPU performance and hardware acceleration, the traditional emphasis on CPU metrics might need to be reevaluated. New software paradigms could be reducing the direct benefit of high-thread count CPUs. PassMark’s data even shows that the percentage of systems equipped with more than eight cores remains unchanged since 2020, a crucial point in understanding current industry trends.

Understanding the Technical Nuances​

For those not intimately familiar with the workings of modern CPUs and operating systems, here's a simplified breakdown:

• Single-Thread vs. Multi-Thread Performance: PassMark’s early measurements began collecting single-thread performance in 2012, an important metric for applications that don't scale well with multiple cores. However, increased reliance on multi-threading in modern computing means that the overall performance dip could be more complex than simply "how fast does each core run."
• Bloat and Background Tasks: Windows 11 introduces a host of graphical features and integrations that, while enhancing visual appeal, may add background processing tasks. These extra tasks can contribute to the perceived performance dip, especially on older or lower-powered systems.
• Hardware Acceleration Trends: As applications, including games and productivity software, increasingly leverage GPU hardware acceleration, the dependency on CPU core counts diminishes. This might explain why even with fewer cores, the end-user experience in some scenarios remains largely unaffected.

What Does This Mean for Windows Users?​

For everyday Windows users and enthusiasts alike, these findings provoke a few immediate questions:

• Should You Upgrade? If you’re holding out for peak performance, consider that your hardware might be just as critical as the operating system version. Running Windows 10 might still yield superior performance on older machines.
• Is It the Operating System or the Ecosystem? The performance dip could also be due to a shifting landscape in hardware trends, where users opt for cost-effective solutions that do not push the envelope in terms of processing power.
• Real-World Impact: In gaming, streaming, and professional tasks, many users might not notice the change drastically because software is increasingly optimized for multi-thread performance and GPU acceleration. However, enthusiasts should evaluate their specific use cases before committing to a platform.

The Future of PC Performance in 2025​

As we continue to monitor these trends, it's clear that the integration between hardware and software is at a critical juncture. The conversation is not solely about which operating system runs faster—it’s about balancing user expectations, hardware limitations, and the evolving demands of modern software.
Whether you're a dedicated gamer, heavy multitasker, or someone who needs a reliable machine for day-to-day activities, the decision between Windows 10 and Windows 11 should be guided by your specific needs and the nature of your applications.

Join the Discussion​

What are your thoughts on this emerging performance debate? Are you noticing any performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on your own machine? Share your experiences and join our discussion on WindowsForum.com. Let’s dive deep into the data, challenge assumptions, and navigate the ever-evolving world of PC performance together!

---

Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on the latest Windows updates and performance trends—from security patch advisories to the newest industry benchmarks—right here at WindowsForum.com.

---

Source: Neowin Poor PC performance in 2025 leads to Windows 11 vs Windows 10 culprit speculation