What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Microsoft has been updating Windows 10 over the years, adding features and tweaking the interface. Now, there's a clear breakthrough on the horizon: Windows 11, a brand new operating system, due for release at the end of 2021. So what's the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11? Let's find out with TipsMake right here!

Can Windows 10 computers be upgraded to Windows 11?

Some Windows 10 PCs are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 when it launches around the end of 2021. If your PC can run Windows 11, you can upgrade for free.

It all depends on your PC hardware. Windows 11's minimum system requirements are more stringent than Windows 10. For example, Windows 11 will only run on 64-bit PCs. Additionally, your PC will need a TPM 2.0 chip and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot. Computers from the Windows 7 era will almost certainly not qualify.

You can check if your PC can run Windows 11 by running Microsoft's free Check Health PC app. If the tool says your PC won't run Windows 11, it's likely your TPM or Secure boot is disabled in your computer's UEFI firmware settings. You can try accessing the UEFI firmware (BIOS) settings and enabling these features.

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Can I still use Windows 10 now?

Windows 11 may seem like a major update to Windows 10, but it's a completely new operating system.

If your current PC doesn't support Windows 11 — or if you just like Windows 10 and want to stick with your existing operating system — you can keep running Windows 10.

Microsoft says Windows 10 will be supported with security updates until October 14, 2025.

You can continue using Windows 10 without security concerns until then. TipsMake also expects software and hardware developers to continue supporting Windows 10 until that day — and possibly even beyond.

However, some new hardware components – such as the new CPU – will likely only work with Windows 11.

Can Windows 11 run software from previous versions of Windows?

While Microsoft has talked a lot about implementing some kind of container system to isolate traditional Windows desktop applications for security, there's no indication that the same is happening here. .

Windows 11 can run the same applications as Windows 10

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Better: The new Microsoft Store will enable traditional Win32 desktop apps and other software, making classic Windows software work better on the new version of Windows. Microsoft will not create a completely new application platform like 'Metro' in Windows 8 or 'UWP' in Windows 10 this time around.

Best of all, Windows 11 can run Android apps.

Updates are getting better and better. Updates will be 40% smaller and Windows will install them in the background. Additionally, there will only be one major update for Windows 11 per year — not two major updates per year like with Windows 10.

The biggest difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is that the taskbar is getting a very streamlined design and Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Teams into the taskbar for easy chatting and calling. (Obviously, Skype hasn't worked so well under Microsoft's ownership.)

TipsMake covered the improvements to Windows 11's Microsoft Store, which are huge: Every Windows app you want is on Microsoft Store. You'll even be able to install Android apps from the Store.

There are several improvements to PC gaming. Auto HDR and DirectStorage port from Xbox Series X to PC, improving graphics in many older games and optimizing load times in newer games on faster PC.

What did Microsoft remove from Windows 11?

The difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is that many old features have been removed from Windows 11. Here are some big features:

The taskbar has changed and many options are being removed. For example, you can no longer move your taskbar to another edge of the screen — it must always be aligned to the bottom. You also can't enable window labels on the taskbar anymore.

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The Start menu is significantly simplified. Live tiles are gone, replaced by widgets in the Widgets panel. You cannot name pinned app groups or folders in the Start menu.

Cortana is no longer pinned to the taskbar by default, and Cortana will no longer show you stories during PC setup.

Epilogue

Hopefully the above article will help you see the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you have questions or comments, please leave a comment below this article. TipsMake sincerely thanks you.

Marvin Fry

Update 10 October 2023