I spent a week side‑by‑side with Windows 10 and Windows 11 to see whether the new OS really improves the day‑to‑day experience — and came away surprised: Windows 11 is a clearer, more modern platform in many places, but Microsoft’s marketing and some design choices make the upgrade feel like a tradeoff rather than a straight win. The OS brings genuinely helpful advances — File Explorer tabs, a faster Settings experience, built‑in OCR in Snipping Tool, modern bundled apps like Clipchamp and Copilot — but it also doubles down on ecosystem lock‑ins, nudges toward ads and Microsoft accounts, and rearranges old muscle‑memory interactions (Start, taskbar, right‑click menus) in ways that frustrate longtime Windows users. The practical upshot is simple: for most users, Windows 11 is worth adopting — eventually — but it’s not a hands‑free decision. Below is a detailed, verifiable look at what’s better, what’s worse, and how to navigate the switch without losing productivity or privacy.
Microsoft designed Windows 11 as a visual and functional refresh of Windows, but its rollout has been uneven: security and AI features are now central to the product narrative, while interface changes have polarized power users. Microsoft has actively encouraged migration to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its official end of support: security updates for Windows 10 stop on October 14, 2025 (with limited Extended Security Updates available afterward). That deadline changes the risk calculus for staying put.
Consumer messaging from Microsoft emphasizes improved security, AI features (Copilot), and hardware‑accelerated performance on modern machines. Those claims have some merit — if you accept the caveat that much of the “faster” narrative reflects newer hardware as well as software optimizations. Independent reporting and analysis show Microsoft’s headline “up to 2.3× faster” figure is derived from benchmark comparisons across different generations of machines, not apples‑to‑apples installs of Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 on the same hardware. That distinction matters.
This article summarizes the concrete user‑facing changes you’ll notice, verifies the major technical claims against authoritative sources, analyzes design and privacy tradeoffs, and gives pragmatic recommendations for individuals and small IT teams.
Benefits:
What to take away: you’ll likely see better performance if you’re on modern hardware, but upgrading the OS alone on an older machine won’t magically deliver a 2× speedup.
Alongside sign‑in nudges, the OS surfaces promotional prompts (OneDrive backups, Microsoft 365 suggestions) in places that used to be neutral. For privacy‑conscious users, this is a real change in the OS’s tone and defaults.
Why this matters:
For individuals and IT teams, the wise approach is deliberate planning: verify hardware compatibility, back up data, make a staged rollout plan, and take time to lock down privacy defaults after upgrade. Microsoft’s platform is moving forward; the question for users isn’t just “Is Windows 11 better?” but “Which tradeoffs am I willing to accept for the gains?” The answer will vary by user, but the good news is Windows 11 gives you real technical and productivity advantages — just not for free of choice.
Source: pcworld.com 11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10
Microsoft designed Windows 11 as a visual and functional refresh of Windows, but its rollout has been uneven: security and AI features are now central to the product narrative, while interface changes have polarized power users. Microsoft has actively encouraged migration to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its official end of support: security updates for Windows 10 stop on October 14, 2025 (with limited Extended Security Updates available afterward). That deadline changes the risk calculus for staying put.Consumer messaging from Microsoft emphasizes improved security, AI features (Copilot), and hardware‑accelerated performance on modern machines. Those claims have some merit — if you accept the caveat that much of the “faster” narrative reflects newer hardware as well as software optimizations. Independent reporting and analysis show Microsoft’s headline “up to 2.3× faster” figure is derived from benchmark comparisons across different generations of machines, not apples‑to‑apples installs of Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 on the same hardware. That distinction matters.
This article summarizes the concrete user‑facing changes you’ll notice, verifies the major technical claims against authoritative sources, analyzes design and privacy tradeoffs, and gives pragmatic recommendations for individuals and small IT teams.
What you’ll love: thoughtful, modern improvements
File Explorer: tabs and a cleaner filing flow
- File Explorer finally supports tabs, which is the single biggest productivity improvement for users who keep multiple folders open. Tabs are a native feature in modern Windows 11 builds and were exposed to Insiders and production releases through 22H2 and subsequent enablement packages; the capability has matured across updates. Tabs let you reduce desktop clutter and manage related folders in a single window — a long‑overdue quality‑of‑life win.
- Caveat: the initial tab implementation didn’t behave exactly like browser tabs (links/open‑folder actions sometimes spawn new windows), and some stability quirks appeared on early builds. Microsoft iterated quickly after Insider feedback, so most of those pain points are shrinking in recent releases.
Settings app: faster, less confusing
Windows 11’s Settings redesign continues the long transition away from the Control Panel. The Settings app is more discoverable, logically organized, and visually consistent with the rest of Windows 11, making routine tasks like personalization, privacy toggles, and update controls easier to find and use. Users migrating from Windows 10 report the Settings UX as noticeably smoother.Snipping Tool: built‑in OCR and improved screen capture
Windows 11’s Snipping Tool now includes Text Actions (OCR): capture part of the screen, ask the tool to extract text, copy it, or redact phone numbers and emails. Microsoft rolled this into the Snipping Tool and announced the feature in Insider channels before pushing wider updates; independent how‑tos and coverage confirm it’s now broadly available in modern builds. For anyone who frequently copies text from images, PDF screenshots, or presentations, built‑in OCR makes a real difference.Benefits:
- Copy text from images without third‑party tools.
- Quickly redact sensitive data in captured images.
- Works offline in many implementations (privacy benefit).
New inbox apps: Clipchamp, Copilot, Photos and more
Windows 11 ships with modern, Microsoft‑developed apps that are more ambitious than their Windows 10 predecessors:- Clipchamp is bundled as the default video editor on Windows 11 and gives casual editors a timeline‑style editor without hunting for third‑party software. It’s available on Windows 10 too, but its deeper integration in Windows 11 matters for future feature parity.
- Copilot is Microsoft’s integrated AI assistant for Windows 11. Copilot has been evolving into a windowed/web‑app experience that offers text and visual assistance in‑context; some Copilot features are being gated to specific Copilot+ hardware tiers, and rollout timing varies. Expect Copilot features to expand, especially on devices with on‑board NPUs (Copilot+ PCs).
Perceived speed gains — with an important asterisk
Microsoft’s messaging that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3× faster than Windows 10 PCs” turned heads and generated headlines. That number is based on Geekbench 6 multi‑core results comparing older Windows 10 machines to more recent Windows 11 hardware. Technical reviewers and independent outlets noted the methodology uses different device generations — so the headline figure conflates hardware improvements with software changes. In short: Windows 11 feels snappier on modern hardware, but the marketed “2.3×” figure should be read with caution.What to take away: you’ll likely see better performance if you’re on modern hardware, but upgrading the OS alone on an older machine won’t magically deliver a 2× speedup.
What you’ll hate: regressions, nudges, and privacy friction
Surveillance, ads, and Microsoft account nudging
Microsoft increasingly encourages — and sometimes requires — sign‑in with a Microsoft account during OOBE (out‑of‑box experience). Over the last couple of Windows 11 builds Microsoft tightened the setup flows, making local account creation less obvious and closing some earlier bypasses. Workarounds still exist, but Microsoft’s direction is clear: cloud accounts are the default path. Independent reporting documents both the policy drift and the evolving technical workarounds users use to avoid sign‑in.Alongside sign‑in nudges, the OS surfaces promotional prompts (OneDrive backups, Microsoft 365 suggestions) in places that used to be neutral. For privacy‑conscious users, this is a real change in the OS’s tone and defaults.
Why this matters:
- Account sign‑in yields automatic cloud backups, device encryption key sync, and seamless app purchases — that’s convenient.
- On the flip side, it centralizes personal metadata with Microsoft and increases exposure to targeted recommendations and in‑OS advertising.
Start, taskbar, and muscle‑memory disruption
Windows 11’s centered Start and taskbar icon alignment is now iconic, and it looks modern — but it broke a decade of muscle memory. Microsoft added a left‑align option, but the default is centered, which annoys long‑time users. The taskbar is less configurable (no simple resize, limited pin behavior) compared with Windows 10, and many customization behaviors were removed or made harder. Those interface choices cost productivity for some workflows. Community feedback and forum threads reflect strong sentiment on both sides.Context menus and the “Show more options” problem
Right‑click menus are more compact in Windows 11 — visually modern but functionally layered. Common actions are sometimes hidden behind a “Show more options” step that returns the classic menu, adding clicks to frequent workflows like batch file operations and advanced context actions. Many users and power users find this regression frustrating; Microsoft has been iterating but the split menu layout still ranks high on complaint lists.The death of Windows 10 — practical and political concerns
Microsoft’s end‑of‑support date for Windows 10 (October 14, 2025) forces a migration decision for organizations and users. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a bridge, but ESU options carry terms and potential costs. The deadline is real and should weigh into any upgrade plan — but it also amplifies discontent among users who feel pushed off stable, familiar systems before they’re ready.Verifying the big technical claims (explicit checks)
- Windows 10 end of support: Microsoft’s lifecycle pages list October 14, 2025 as the end of support for Windows 10 Home and Pro; ESU options exist to extend critical security updates through October 13, 2026 for enrolled devices. This is Microsoft’s official position and the timeline IT teams must plan for.
- Snipping Tool OCR/Text Actions: Microsoft announced Text Extractor/Text Actions in Snipping Tool on the Windows Insider Blog; practical guides from major outlets confirm the feature’s behavior and availability in recent builds. If you haven’t received it yet, check Microsoft Store updates for Snipping Tool or join Insider Preview channels to test early.
- File Explorer tabs: Tabs landed in preview channels and were enabled via the 22H2/enablement packages; documentation and how‑tos show the feature is part of modern Windows 11 updates (with early caveats about edge‑cases resolved over time).
- “Up to 2.3× faster”: Microsoft’s marketing claim cites Geekbench 6 multi‑core results comparing different device generations. Independent outlets including TechRadar, Tom’s Hardware, and Windows Central critique the methodology — the number is accurate for the tested devices, but those tests mix older Windows 10 systems against newer Windows 11 systems. The practical conclusion is to treat the figure as contextually valid but not universally applicable to every upgrade scenario.
- Security baseline: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and modern CPU families (documented on official Microsoft requirements pages). Microsoft also introduced BitLocker/device encryption behaviors in newer 24H2 releases that can enable encryption by default under certain setup conditions. Those changes ratchet up security but also change default behavior for device encryption key handling (backups to Microsoft account or Entra ID).
- Copilot and Clipchamp: Clipchamp is an inbox video editor Microsoft integrated into Windows 11, and Copilot is Microsoft’s integrated AI assistant in Windows 11 that is gradually evolving into a windowed/web app with features that will sometimes be gated to Copilot+ hardware tiers. Expect Copilot features to expand and in some cases require cloud/credentialed access.
Critical analysis: strengths, risks, and where Microsoft should do better
Notable strengths
- Real UI investments: Tabs in Explorer, Settings improvements, and updated inbox apps are tangible productivity upgrades that make everyday tasks cleaner and faster.
- Security hardening: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory integrity improvements, and default encryption behaviors raise the baseline against modern threats.
- AI and on‑device acceleration: Copilot and Copilot+ PC features promise real workflow enhancements when paired with the right hardware.
Significant risks and downsides
- Marketing that obscures methodology: Big‑number claims like “2.3× faster” are marketing‑friendly but technically misleading unless readers inspect the footnotes. That erodes trust with knowledgeable users and press.
- Ecosystem push vs. user choice: The default push toward Microsoft accounts, OneDrive, and encryption key backups tied to cloud accounts reduces friction for many users, but tightens Microsoft’s control over device and data flows.
- Usability regressions for power users: The right‑click and taskbar changes show an aesthetic prioritization that sometimes sacrifices discoverability and speed for advanced flows.
- Compatibility and sustainability concerns: TPM and CPU requirements push older devices toward replacement — a security argument can justify that, but it has environmental and cost implications that Microsoft doesn’t fully solve for consumers or small orgs.
Balance of benefits and harms
The security and feature improvements largely benefit mainstream users, especially those on modern hardware. But Microsoft’s default choices steer users into its ecosystem (which has convenience benefits) and also reduces certain freedoms (local accounts, one‑click defaults for encryption, ad/promotional surfaces). For commercial customers and IT teams, these defaults are often desirable; for privacy‑minded or legacy users, they represent a net loss.Practical advice: how to upgrade, mitigate problems, and keep control
If you’re using Windows 10 today (Home or Pro)
- Confirm hardware compatibility with Microsoft’s PC Health Check or Microsoft Learn requirements page.
- If your machine is compatible and you want modern security and new features, plan an upgrade before the Windows 10 end‑of‑support deadline (October 14, 2025). Consider a fresh backup first.
- If you’re not ready to upgrade, evaluate Extended Security Updates (ESU) options to buy time, understanding the enrollment rules and any regional differences.
During setup and post‑upgrade: regain control
- To avoid automatic cloud backups or encryption linking to your Microsoft account, choose a local account during setup if privacy is a priority. Microsoft has tightened this flow; documented workarounds (offline setup, OOBE bypass steps) remain available but may change across builds. If you must use a Microsoft account, immediately review privacy settings and OneDrive defaults.
- Disable or limit telemetry and personalized ad settings in Settings > Privacy & Security and in each inbox app’s preferences.
- If you dislike the centered taskbar or Start layout, the taskbar alignment setting returns the icons to the left and helps restore familiar muscle memory quickly.
Power user fixes (where Microsoft’s defaults feel limiting)
- Use well‑known community tools or third‑party utilities to restore missing taskbar behaviors or context menu detail if you rely on them heavily — but choose trusted apps and understand the security tradeoffs.
- Learn the keyboard shortcuts that replace removed context menu immediacy: many operations remain faster via keyboard once learned.
The verdict — who should move to Windows 11 now, and who should wait
- Move now if:
- Your PC meets Windows 11 requirements and you want better security defaults (TPM, device encryption).
- You use the built‑in apps (Clipchamp, Photos, Copilot features) or need the improved Snipping Tool OCR or Explorer tabs.
- You’re buying a new PC — most new systems already ship with Windows 11.
- Consider waiting or staging the migration if:
- You depend on legacy apps or specialized workflows that break with UI changes.
- You run older hardware that doesn’t meet the TPM/Secure Boot/CPU bar or where upgrades would be costly.
- You’re strongly privacy‑conscious and prefer local accounts and minimal cloud tie‑ins; weigh whether you can enforce those preferences every time you set up a device.
Final thoughts
After a week living with Windows 10 again and then returning to Windows 11, the conclusion is pragmatic: Windows 11 improves many day‑to‑day details and raises the security baseline in meaningful ways. Built‑in OCR, Explorer tabs, a cleaner Settings experience, and modern inbox apps are not trivial niceties — they materially improve workflows for many people. At the same time, Microsoft’s push to centralize accounts, encryption keys, and promotional surfaces reduces friction at the cost of increased vendor control and less local autonomy.For individuals and IT teams, the wise approach is deliberate planning: verify hardware compatibility, back up data, make a staged rollout plan, and take time to lock down privacy defaults after upgrade. Microsoft’s platform is moving forward; the question for users isn’t just “Is Windows 11 better?” but “Which tradeoffs am I willing to accept for the gains?” The answer will vary by user, but the good news is Windows 11 gives you real technical and productivity advantages — just not for free of choice.
Quick checklist: upgrade readiness (for the impatient)
- Check Windows 11 hardware compatibility (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU).
- Backup your system and files (OneDrive or local image).
- Test the Snipping Tool, Explorer tabs, and Clipchamp on an Insider or a non‑critical machine to confirm workflow improvements.
- After upgrade, immediately review Settings > Privacy & Security and disable any defaults you don’t want; decide on Microsoft account vs local account and lock down data sync settings.
Source: pcworld.com 11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10
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