Windows 11 has garnered a reputation within the tech community that is less than flattering, often criticized for its elevated system requirements, increased overhead, and various user interface regressions. Additionally, the integration of Microsoft services has raised concerns among users, who feel that these features are becoming increasingly intrusive. A recent unscientific test conducted by TrigrZolt, which compared six generations of Windows operating systems, placed Windows 11 at the bottom of the performance rankings across multiple metrics, although the context of the test adds layers of complexity to these findings.
Test Methodology and Results
The experiment utilized six Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptops, each equipped with a Core i5-2520M CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB hard drive. This setup inherently favors older operating systems, as Windows 11 is not officially supported on such dated hardware. The initial test focused on startup times, where Windows 8.1 emerged as the fastest, while Windows 11 lagged behind as the slowest. Notably, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 feature Fast Boot capabilities, which were absent in older versions.
In subsequent tests, Windows 11 continued to struggle. It ranked fifth in audio file processing using Audacity, finishing just ahead of Windows Vista, which experienced an unusual delay. The video rendering test saw Windows 11 again take last place, with Windows 10 leading the charge. Windows XP and Vista were disqualified from this test due to compatibility issues with the OpenShot Video Editor.
File transfer speeds presented a slight improvement for Windows 11, where it secured second place, trailing only behind Windows 10. However, in the malware scan test conducted with MalwareBytes, Windows 11 placed fourth, with Windows 7 taking the top spot.
Benchmark Performance
Benchmark tests further illustrated Windows 11’s shortcomings. In CPU-Z’s single-threaded load, Windows XP claimed victory, while Windows 7 excelled in multi-threaded performance, leaving Windows 11 in fourth place for both categories. Although Windows 11 scored higher in single-core performance on Geekbench, it fell short in multi-core tests compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. Among the older operating systems, Windows Vista achieved the highest score.
CrystalDiskMark results showed Windows 11 tying for third place with Windows 10, while Windows XP took the lead. In Cinebench R10, Windows 8.1 secured another win in single-core tests, relegating Windows 11 to fourth place. The multi-core results were similarly disappointing, with Windows 11 barely surpassing Windows 10.
Despite the disheartening results for Windows 11, it’s essential to recognize that the hardware used for testing is significantly outdated. The laptops in question were never intended to run a modern operating system, and the absence of an SSD—a component that would benefit all versions of Windows—further skews the results. The YouTuber conducting the test noted that the findings are more historical than practical, ultimately awarding the overall win to Windows 8.1 for its fluidity and speed, despite its initial criticism upon release.
A more appropriate testing methodology would involve using contemporary laptops that reflect the capabilities of the Windows 10 and 11 eras. This would allow each operating system to perform at its best, providing a fairer comparison. While it may be amusing to see Windows 11 struggle against legacy systems, the test’s setup raises questions about its validity and relevance in assessing the current state of Microsoft’s latest operating system.
