Windows 11 Performance Boosts: What You Need to Know Before Upgrading

Upgrading to Windows 11 has been touted by Microsoft as a game-changing move, not only for its promised security enhancements and updated user experience, but also for claims of dramatically improved performance. According to a bold statement from Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, new Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 systems—a headline that has fueled debate across the tech community and caught the attention of users facing the impending Windows 10 end-of-support deadline.

Analysing the 2.3x Performance Claim​

At first glance, the notion of doubling your PC’s performance by simply upgrading to Windows 11 sounds almost too good to be true. But, as is often the case with headline-grabbing statistics, the reality is more nuanced. The 2.3x speed increase cited by Microsoft relies on benchmarking via Geekbench 6, pitting multi-core results from new Windows 11 laptops against much older Windows 10-powered machines. It’s a marketing move that casts the best possible light on upgrading, but which can be misleading if not properly understood.

Context Behind the Comparison​

The benchmark comparisons do not involve the same hardware running both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Instead, they measure the latest Windows 11 devices—often featuring next-gen processors, higher speed memory, and new designs—against Windows 10 devices that, in some cases, are nearly a decade old. This is a crucial detail because much of the performance improvement comes from hardware advancements, not solely from the operating system itself.
In order to fairly assess the gains provided by Windows 11 alone, ideally, tests should use identical hardware running both operating systems. Independent reviewers and enthusiasts who have done such side-by-side comparisons generally report that while Windows 11 brings some performance improvements, they are often incremental rather than revolutionary—typically ranging from a few percentage points up to, in select workloads, 10–15%. In real-world day-to-day tasks, most users on capable hardware won’t experience a doubling of speed by merely upgrading to the latest OS.

Benchmarking and Real-World Usage​

Geekbench 6, the tool used in Microsoft’s highlighted figures, is widely respected but typically reflects raw CPU and memory capabilities in synthetic tests. These numbers, while useful for comparison, do not always translate directly into perceivable speed boosts in daily workflows like web browsing, using productivity apps, or gaming. Many reviewers, including those at trusted tech publications such as PCWorld, The Verge, and AnandTech, consistently find that real-world improvements are subtle for existing hardware, while new PCs equipped for Windows 11 can deliver much more snappy performance—but largely because of their upgraded components.

Not All Devices Can Upgrade​

A key factor in this performance equation is that not all existing Windows 10 PCs are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. Since its launch, Windows 11 has maintained strict hardware requirements, including support for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and modern processors. These requirements have proved controversial, primarily because they leave hundreds of millions of older PCs ineligible for the free update.
Some industry estimates warn that up to 240 million devices in active use could be left behind without support—even as Microsoft urges users to make 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.” This reality exposes the other side of the 2.3x performance claim: it’s not just the OS making a machine feel faster, but the new, compliant hardware that comes bundled with it.

The Ticking Clock: Windows 10 End of Support​

As Windows 10 nears its end-of-support date—October 14, 2025—the pressure mounts on users and organizations to make a decision. After this deadline, Microsoft will no longer issue free patches for security vulnerabilities, bugs, or system glitches. For those unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft will offer an extra year of critical security updates, but at a fee (£22, or about $25, per machine, per year).
For businesses with fleets of legacy PCs, these costs can add up quickly, and there are growing fears of a potential mass “device landfill” event if millions of systems are scrapped because they can’t run Windows 11. Environmental concerns, as well as financial and technical hurdles, factor heavily into upgrade decisions—putting additional scrutiny on claims of superior performance and efficiency.

Windows 11: What’s Actually New?​

Beyond performance claims, Windows 11 brings several genuine enhancements and new features, some of which are only fully unlocked with capable hardware:

Improved User Interface and Productivity Features​

• Refined Taskbar and Start Menu: Windows 11 introduces a streamlined, centered Start Menu and Taskbar, offering a modern look and an improved touch experience for hybrid devices.
• Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops: These tools make multitasking easier, helping users organize windows and switch between workspaces with new speed and flexibility.
• Integrated Widgets: Personalized feeds provide quick access to news, weather, calendar, and other information.

Security and Compliance​

• Hardware-based Security: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now mandatory, providing enhanced protection against firmware and ransomware attacks.
• Memory Integrity: Features like Microsoft Defender’s Memory Integrity (HVCI) are on by default, aiming to stop malicious code before it can do damage.

System Performance and Energy Efficiency​

• Better Power Management: Battery life improvements and increased efficiency are attainable, particularly on laptops running the latest Intel, AMD, or ARM silicon.
• Support for New Hardware Technologies: Windows 11 natively supports emerging standards like Wi-Fi 6E, DirectStorage for faster gaming load times, and AI-powered task acceleration—although these benefits require corresponding supported hardware.

AI Features and Ecosystem Integration​

• Copilot AI and Smart Search: New builds of Windows 11 offer tighter integration with Microsoft Copilot, bringing AI assistance directly into the OS. This includes generative summaries, on-device voice commands, and smart search features that streamline productivity.
• App Ecosystem Advances: By leveraging the latest Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Android emulation, developers and tinkerers have access to a richer app ecosystem.

Windows 11 Version 25H2: What to Expect​

Microsoft continues to iterate on its flagship OS, and the next major update—Windows 11 version 25H2—is scheduled for release in the second half of the year. Unlike previous upgrades, 25H2 will use an “enablement package” approach. This method, already familiar to Windows 10 users, means the update shares the same codebase as the previous version (24H2) and is activated via a small, fast patch, rather than a massive, time-consuming overhaul.
Jason Leznek, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, highlighted in a recent forum post that moving from version 24H2 to 25H2 should require little more than a single restart for most users. Downloading occurs in the background, and the new features “light up” after a quick reboot—a significant contrast to earlier feature upgrades that could tie up older machines for hours. This refinement signals Microsoft’s renewed commitment to minimizing user disruption, especially for those maintaining large device fleets.

Advantages of the Enablement Package Approach​

• Faster Installation: Minimal downtime for users, as the new code is present but dormant until enabled.
• Reduced Risk: Less chance of update-related instability, as the device is already running the target codebase.
• Simpler Rollback: In the unlikely event of issues, reverting to the prior state is much more straightforward.

Strengths and Genuine Gains​

Measurable Security Advancements​

The most convincing case for Windows 11 isn’t pure speed, but improved security. Microsoft’s new baseline for device compliance—TPM, Secure Boot, memory integrity, and more—sets a higher bar for protection against evolving threats. In the current cybersecurity climate, with attacks growing more sophisticated each year, these improvements are critical, especially for enterprise environments.

Enhanced User Experience​

For users on new hardware, Windows 11 brings perceptible benefits—snappier wake-from-sleep, more consistent battery life in ultrabooks, and a modernized interface. Power users also benefit from gaming improvements (DirectStorage and Auto HDR), speedier app launches, and smoother Window snapping.

Forward-Looking Compatibility​

The platform is clearly built with the next decade in mind. By setting higher hardware requirements and integrating support for technologies like AI acceleration and high-bandwidth storage, Windows 11 is positioned as the foundation for future innovation in PCs.

Cautions, Caveats, and Potential Risks​

Performance Gains Are Not Universal​

The much-advertised “2x faster” claim is only likely to be true if you are moving from an old Windows 10 laptop to a brand-new, high-end Windows 11 PC. Simply upgrading the OS on your existing (eligible) device will not unlock these leaps in speed. For those with mid-range or older hardware that just meets Windows 11’s requirements, the difference in performance may be negligible or even, in rare cases, negative—especially if background features like memory integrity place additional demands on system resources.

Strict Hardware Requirements and E-Waste​

Microsoft’s stringent requirements mean millions of working PCs cannot run Windows 11. This situation is leading to headlines about a looming “PC landfill crisis,” as organizations face the choice of paying for extended support, running increasingly vulnerable Windows 10 setups, or scrapping otherwise functional hardware. The environmental impact of mass upgrades is a legitimate concern, and Microsoft’s responsibility here has been called into question by sustainability advocates.

Upgrade Path Limitations​

While the process of moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is straightforward for supported devices, those on the fence may find themselves navigating a maze of compatibility checks, BIOS updates, and potential driver issues. The promise of a “seamless upgrade” occasionally falls short, especially in business settings with diverse hardware fleets and custom software dependencies.

Potential for Software Compatibility Issues​

Anecdotal reports from early adopters and enterprise IT professionals indicate that some legacy applications—particularly those reliant on undocumented Windows APIs or tightly coupled with hardware—may require updates or workarounds to function as intended on Windows 11. It’s crucial for businesses to test mission-critical apps before a wholesale OS rollout.

Should You Upgrade Based on Performance Claims?​

For most users, the decision to move to Windows 11 should be grounded in more than just the lure of “double” the speed. The prospect of continued security updates at no cost is a powerful motivator, but unless your computational workload stands to benefit directly from the latest hardware and OS features, don’t expect miracles just from the upgrade process itself.
If you are considering a device refresh in 2025, the transition to Windows 11 will almost certainly bring tangible improvements—especially if you jump from a 5- to 10-year-old PC to one of this year’s models. If you are content with your current system and it performs well, there is less urgency—although the end of free Windows 10 support makes planning ahead a necessity.

Making the Upgrade Decision: Key Takeaways​

• Windows 11 excels on new hardware: Most speed improvements stem from modern PCs, not solely the operating system.
• Security is the standout upgrade: Enhanced baseline requirements help protect users from modern threats.
• Strict upgrade requirements: Not all Windows 10 PCs will make the jump, fueling concerns over e-waste and upgrade costs.
• 25H2 brings a smoother update path: The upcoming enablement package model minimizes downtime and user disruption.
• Verify critical app compatibility: Especially in business environments, test thoroughly before rollout.

Conclusion​

Microsoft’s claims about the performance leap with Windows 11 are partially accurate—but require careful interpretation. For consumers and organizations still on Windows 10, the real value of upgrading lies in future-proofing security, accessing modern features, and unlocking the full potential of new hardware. The move to Windows 11, much like all major platform shifts, is best managed with clear-eyed planning, attention to compatibility, and balanced expectations about what the upgrade can realistically deliver.
Ultimately, Windows 11 is steadily becoming the de facto choice for the modern PC era. But as with all technology decisions, users should look past the marketing and base their upgrade decisions on a careful analysis of needs, hardware readiness, and the genuine advantages—not just promises of doubled speed.

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Source: GB News Upgrade to Windows 11 and DOUBLE performance? PCs powered by new software are 2x faster than Windows 10