Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Which OS Offers Better Gaming Performance?

The debate surrounding the performance of Windows 10 versus Windows 11 in gaming has been ongoing among tech enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. With Windows 10 still holding a significant market share, many users are keen to know whether upgrading to Windows 11 is beneficial for gaming performance. In this article, we delve into a recent benchmarking study conducted by TechSpot, which tested both operating systems across various gaming titles and hardware configurations, allowing us to explore which version offers the superior gaming experience.

The Context of the Study​

The study provides a timely update to the performance comparisons of Windows 10 and Windows 11, three years after TechSpot's last analysis on the matter. How has gaming performance evolved with new releases like "Starfield" and "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty"? The findings of this latest test could inform whether sticking with Windows 10 or making the transition to Windows 11 is worth it.

Configuration and Methodology​

TechSpot's testing involved four different hardware setups to benchmark 13 popular games. Each operating system was installed fresh, ensuring that any potential system bloat or background processes did not interfere with the results. The key modifications included disabling the 'Core Isolation' feature in Windows 11, which is enabled by default. This feature, designed to enhance security, can inadvertently degrade performance by consuming system resources. Windows 10 does not activate this feature out of the box, which may have contributed significantly to the performance variances observed. The namespaces for this study involved AMD's Ryzen 7000 series processors as well as Intel's 12th and 14th generation chips, ensuring a fair analysis across different architectures.

Key Benchmark Results​

1. Baldur's Gate 3: There were no noticeable performance differences in this title, irrespective of whether the system was running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
2. The Last of Us Part 1: Results were marginally in favor of Windows 10, yielding a 1-2% performance boost.
3. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: Strikingly, the 7800X3D showed a 10% increase in performance under Windows 10. Conversely, the 7700X showed only a 3% improvement. The Intel processors exhibited similar results, with an average of a 6-7% performance boost over Windows 11.
4. Hogwarts Legacy and Assetto Corsa Competizione: Found no significant discrepancies in performance between the two operating systems.
5. Homeworld 3: Windows 10 offered a 6% boost for the 7800X3D and about a 4% improvement for the 7700X.
6. A Plague Tale: Requiem: Again, Windows 10 showcased considerable gains, with performance increases in the 10% range for the 7800X3D.
7. Counter-Strike 2: Approximately a 10% performance improvement was noticed on the 7700X using Windows 10.
8. Starfield: Another title favoring Windows 10, yielding a 2-4% improvement depending on the CPU architecture.
9. Horizon Forbidden West: No notable performance differences between the two operating systems were evident in this tested title.
10. Hitman 3 and Watch Dogs: Legion: Showed minimal performance variance, with differences under 2%.

    Summary of Findings​

    TechSpot's tests revealed that out of 13 games tested, 5 showed a clear performance advantage when played on Windows 10. This data contradicts earlier findings where Windows 11 generally performed better. So, what is the takeaway for gamers?
    • Performance Context: Although Windows 10 occasionally outperformed Windows 11, the differences were frequently under 5%—insignificant yet noteworthy for competitive gamers.
    • Why the Variances?: The notable improvements of Windows 10 may stem from the default system settings in Windows 11, notably the memory integrity feature. This setting significantly strains CPU resources, potentially impacting the performance of CPU-intensive games.
    • Practical Recommendations: Users currently content with Windows 10 may have little reason to upgrade, especially if they are actively gaming. Conversely, if performance is paramount, those running Windows 10 should consider the impact of memory integrity and possibly disable it for gaming by carefully evaluating their system's security needs.

      Conclusion​

      While neither Windows 10 nor Windows 11 seems to universally outperform the other in gaming scenarios, the new study from TechSpot arguably tilts the scale in favor of Windows 10 for select titles under specific configurations. For gamers undecided about upgrading to Windows 11, this evidence suggests pausing on the decision, especially if current hardware setup is performing satisfactorily. Ultimately, whether to upgrade depends on individual gaming needs and the level of comfort with system performance optimization. Windows 11 still comes with many modern features that may appeal to users beyond gaming, such as improved multitasking capabilities and security features—hence, the choice is as much about gaming performance as it is about personal preference. For further reading and detailed breakdowns on performance results, refer to the original post at TechSpot: Which is Faster for Gaming, Windows 10 or Windows 11?