When Windows 10 reached the end of its support last month, I found myself at a crossroads with my secondary laptop. The security concerns were mounting, and I knew an upgrade to Windows 11 was inevitable. Hesitant yet hopeful, I decided to make the leap sooner rather than later, embracing the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system. Surprisingly, my experience has been far more positive than I had anticipated.
Windows 11 optimizes the system for performance
The improvements are noticeable
One of the first things that strikes you about Windows 11 is its performance. The operating system is noticeably faster, particularly on modern hardware. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times quicker than its predecessor, though actual performance may vary based on hardware configurations and user habits. For my six-year-old laptop, the upgrade felt like a breath of fresh air, with fewer glitches and improved boot times. With the fast startup feature enabled, my laptop boots in under 20 seconds—a significant improvement over the previous 40 seconds without it.
While I’m not an avid gamer, I noticed that even the few games I play, such as Age of Empires, performed slightly better on Windows 11. The operating system also boasts enhancements aimed at extending battery life through optimized resource management and CPU throttling during idle periods. Although I typically keep my laptop plugged in, many users with modern devices report noticeable improvements in battery longevity. If you find your battery life lacking, it might be worth checking your power settings and battery health report.
The Microsoft Store, an area I’ve often criticized, has undergone a significant transformation in Windows 11. The interface is more modern, featuring new animations and a faster browsing experience. Perhaps most importantly, Microsoft has finally added the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Store, making it a more user-friendly experience for those who rely on it for app installations.
The Start menu and Taskbar bothered me initially
Over time, it feels more organized
Initially, I was put off by the redesigned Start menu and the centered taskbar, which contributed to my reluctance to upgrade. However, after using Windows 11, I found that the changes actually enhance usability. With the taskbar icons centrally located, my eyes naturally gravitate toward the middle of the screen, making it easier to navigate between active applications.
The Start menu features a sleek, modern design that aligns well with the overall aesthetic of Windows 11. It presents fewer items on the main screen, focusing on pinned apps and recent files, which I find refreshing compared to the cluttered layout of Windows 10. Additionally, the larger icons cater to touch interactions, making it more accessible on my 2-in-1 laptop, whether in laptop or tablet mode.
Long-time users will likely appreciate the more organized feel of Windows 11. Even the File Explorer and Context Menu become intuitive after a short adjustment period. The new context menu includes dedicated icons for frequently used functions like cut, copy, and paste, streamlining the overall user experience.
Control Panel, that’s the one thing I miss
Settings is good, but the Control Panel was simpler
Despite the many improvements, one feature I find myself missing is the classic Control Panel. In Windows 11, its functionality has largely been migrated to the Settings app. While the Settings interface is familiar, it lacks the simplicity and reliability that the Control Panel offered. Many options remain in the same location, but some now redirect to the Settings app, which can be somewhat disorienting. I hope Microsoft reconsiders its approach and allows the Control Panel to coexist alongside the new Settings app.
Windows 11 needs refinements, but it’s worth upgrading
As someone who had to upgrade to Windows 11 due to the end of support for the previous version, I can confidently say that it’s a decision I do not regret. Windows 11 still has room for improvement, particularly in terms of customization options and reducing the push for Microsoft Edge and accounts. However, even in its current state, the operating system is user-friendly, fast, and easy to navigate. It offers nearly everything Windows 10 provided, along with a host of new features that make the transition worthwhile.
