Why Are Windows 11 PCs Crushing Windows 10 with 2.3x Faster Performance?

Is Windows 11 Really Worth the Upgrade from Windows 10 in 2025?

I've been watching Microsoft push Windows 11 hard lately. They keep telling us it's way better than Windows 10. But here's what I found when I dug into their claims.

Microsoft says Windows 11 PCs run 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs. That sounds amazing, right? But there's more to this story than meets the eye.

What Microsoft Really Tested

When I looked at Microsoft's data, I found something interesting. They didn't just compare the two operating systems on the same computer. Instead, they tested:

• Windows 10 PCs: Older machines with 6th, 8th, and 10th generation Intel processors
• Windows 11 PCs: Newer machines with 12th and 13th generation Intel processors

That's like comparing a 2018 car to a 2024 car and saying the newer model is faster because of the paint job. The hardware makes a huge difference here.

The Real Performance Numbers

Microsoft shared some specific test results that caught my attention:

Battery Life Improvements

• Windows 10 device: 15.77 hours
• Windows 11 device: 20.13 hours
• Difference: 4.36 hours longer

Speed Improvements

• General performance: Up to 2.3x faster
• Web browsing: Up to 3.2x faster
• Office work: Up to 2x faster

But remember, these tests used newer hardware for Windows 11. So we're not seeing a fair comparison.

Where Windows 11 Actually Shines

Despite the misleading comparisons, Windows 11 does have some real advantages:

Better Security Features

• TPM 2.0 chip requirement (makes your PC harder to hack)
• Smart App Control (blocks dangerous programs)
• Virtualization-based security
• 62% fewer security problems reported

Faster Updates

• Windows Update downloads and installs much quicker
• Smaller update files save time and bandwidth
• Less time waiting for your computer to restart
• Better performance when waking up from sleep mode

New Productivity Tools

• Snap Layouts help organize windows better
• Multiple virtual desktops
• Better multitasking features
• Voice Access for hands-free control

The AI Push

Microsoft really wants you to know about Windows 11's AI features. They keep talking about:

• Copilot built right into Windows
• AI-powered search in File Explorer
• Smart recommendations
• Recall feature (though this one has privacy concerns)

These AI tools only work on newer Copilot+ PCs. So even if you upgrade to Windows 11, you might not get all the fancy AI stuff on your current computer.

What About Windows 10?

Here's something Microsoft doesn't want to highlight too much. Windows 10 isn't going away quietly. Microsoft extended support if you:

• Connect a Microsoft account
• Turn on sync features
• Pay $30 for extended security updates
• Use Microsoft Rewards points instead of cash

This gives Windows 10 users more time to decide if they really need to upgrade.

My Take on the Performance Claims

I think Microsoft's performance claims are misleading. When they say Windows 11 is 2.3 times faster, they're really saying newer computers are faster than older ones. That's not surprising.

If you put Windows 11 on the same hardware as Windows 10, the difference would be much smaller. You might see some improvements in:

• Update speed
• Battery life
• Security features
• Some specific tasks

But you probably won't see your 5-year-old laptop suddenly become 2.3 times faster just by upgrading the operating system.

Should You Upgrade?

Here's my honest advice:

Upgrade if you:

• Have a computer that meets Windows 11 requirements
• Care about the latest security features
• Want the new productivity tools
• Plan to buy a new PC anyway

Stay with Windows 10 if you:

• Have older hardware that barely meets Windows 11 requirements
• Don't want to deal with the learning curve
• Are happy with how your computer works now
• Want to wait and see how Windows 11 develops

The Bottom Line

Microsoft's marketing makes Windows 11 sound like a miracle upgrade. The reality is more nuanced. Yes, Windows 11 has improvements. But the dramatic speed claims mostly come from comparing new hardware to old hardware.

If you're buying a new computer, Windows 11 is probably your best choice. If you're happy with your current Windows 10 setup, there's no urgent need to rush into an upgrade.

The most important thing is that your computer works well for what you need to do. Don't let marketing pressure push you into changes that don't make sense for your situation.