Is Windows 11 Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Gaming Performance

As Windows 10 bows out gracefully from the limelight of supported operating systems, it’s time to scrutinize its successor, Windows 11. In a world where operating systems can create as many fans as they do foes, Windows 11 has found its way into the hearts (and desktops) of many. Yes, I’m here to convince you that Windows 11 really isn’t that bad, as suggested by a fresh take from PC Gamer.

A Deep Dive into Windows 11​

With nearly ubiquitous adoption in the PC market—where buying a new laptop or desktop typically comes with Windows 11 pre-installed—this operating system stands on a precipice of perspectives. At the time of writing, over 207,000 titles on Steam are compatible with Windows, overshadowing other operating systems like macOS and SteamOS. This alone makes it a go-to choice for gamers, who often find their experiences tied to the software they run.

The Initial Boot Camp​

Upon its debut, Windows 11 didn’t enter the scene unscathed. Critics aimed their digital pitchforks at its redesign—the relocation of the Start button to the center of the taskbar and other aesthetic changes. While these may seem trivial, they stirred passionate debates among users who very much preferred the "classic" look and feel of Windows.As an Epic Games fan biting into a new expansion pack, gaming preferences can be subjective!
Moreover, the separation of the Settings app from the Control Panel has led many users to throw their hands in the air, wondering why Microsoft added confusion to the mix. As for customization, let's just say that options feel a bit too confined for some users' tastes, with the taskbar's placement remaining static in a world where freedom can mean drag-and-drop.

Security Over Convenience​

Microsoft’s new hardware security requirements raised eyebrows faster than a game of hide-and-seek with a mouse. Old hardware enthusiasts found themselves alienated, but this adjustment—though annoying—pushes users towards improved security practices such as Secure Boot, shielding them from malware. It's a good shift, albeit difficult for those attached to their trusty, if aging, PCs.
While nostalgically reminiscing about your old hardware, remember that Windows XP once had to make similarly controversial changes when introducing enhanced security features. Change is hard, but security should, ideally, be paramount.

The Elephant in the Room: Performance​

Let’s shift gears—from aesthetics to what really matters: performance. Windows 11 offers several modern gaming enhancements like Auto HDR, a core scheduler tailored for newer Intel architectures, and smoother windowed gaming experiences. If only we could automate our handling of tangled cables too!
PC Gamer’s own tests suggest that in raw frame rates, Windows 11 often matches or exceeds the performance of competing operating systems, including streams on the Steam Deck. Additionally, it seamlessly coexists with dual-boots and can run side-by-side with other operating systems, giving users the freedom to experiment. Nothing like the flavor of choice, right?

Throwing Shade: Microsoft’s Data Practices​

On the flip side, the notorious reputation of Windows 11 isn't solely driven by its performance but also by privacy concerns. Critics have raised issues surrounding the operating system’s telemetry and ads that can feel a bit intrusive, especially during setups. You can simply turn off the Widgets feature in Taskbar Settings, but the shadow of potential data mining lingers ominously.

Real World Rules: Windows 11’s Growing Pains​

The reality is that not every user’s experience is equally positive. Yet, with over 48% of users already transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it’s clear that the new system is steadily gaining traction. Gaming development and driver support are increasingly centered on Windows 11, thus entrenching it as the mainstay in today’s gaming ecosystem.
And while you may hear rumblings about colorful performance issues or the latest security patch feeling lackluster, it’s essential to keep in mind that no operating system is without its glitches.

Conclusion: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?​

Sure, Windows 11 isn’t without flaws, but neither is it the fiend some critics have painted. The combination of improved gaming functionalities, robust security measures, and increasing adoption rates suggests you're not barking up the wrong tree by diving into Windows 11.
As we stand on the precipice of a new year, it’s essential to weigh these considerations carefully. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a casual PC user, or just someone hoping to keep your spreadsheets organized while tending to your vegetable garden (a subtle nod to PC Gamer's writer, Ian Evenden), there’s something exciting about what Windows 11 offers.
So let’s raise a cup of cocoa to Windows 11—not as a herald of doom, but as another chapter in the ever-evolving saga of computing. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? At the very least, you can always go back to playing "old faithful" on Windows 10—until that ship officially sinks below the waves of support, that is.

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Source: PC Gamer Windows 11 really isn't that bad