Microsoft has recently made a bold claim regarding the performance of laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11, asserting that they are “up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs.” As the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, many users may be tempted to upgrade, lured by the promise of enhanced performance. However, the reality behind this comparison is more nuanced than it initially appears.
Understanding the Performance Claims
Windows 10 continues to reign as the most widely used desktop operating system, powering over 1 billion devices globally. However, Microsoft will cease providing free updates to address vulnerabilities and bugs for any Windows 10 devices starting October 14, 2025. For those wishing to continue receiving critical security patches, Microsoft will impose a fee of £22 for an additional year of support, although there are ways to circumvent this charge.
The performance boost touted by Microsoft stems from benchmarking conducted using Geekbench 6, comparing multi-core performance metrics from new Windows 11 devices against significantly older Windows 10 systems. Critics argue that this methodology is flawed, as it juxtaposes modern hardware with machines that may be nearly a decade old. Nevertheless, if you are contemplating a hardware refresh in line with Microsoft’s recommendation to make 2025 the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” these figures may reflect the potential gains from investing in new technology designed for Windows 11. However, users should temper their expectations regarding performance improvements when upgrading existing Windows 10 devices, especially if their current hardware does not meet the new system requirements.
Between May and June 2025, Windows 11 usage saw an increase of over 4%, suggesting it may soon surpass Windows 10 in popularity. This shift is noteworthy, particularly given the controversy surrounding Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements, which could potentially render around 240 million functioning machines obsolete.
Upcoming Features and Enhancements
For those eligible for a free upgrade from Windows 10, Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 Version 25H2 later this year, coinciding with the end of support for its predecessor. This update promises a smoother installation experience, utilizing an “enablement package” approach that shares the same codebase as the previous version. As Microsoft’s Jason Leznek noted, upgrading to version 25H2 will be as simple as a quick restart for users already on version 24H2, a significant improvement over the more cumbersome update process of earlier versions.
The 25H2 update will introduce several new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Upon booting up, users will encounter a redesigned Start menu with an updated grid and category layout, allowing for easier organization of applications into groups such as creative tools, games, and social media. Additionally, a new CPU throttling feature will optimize processor usage during idle periods, contributing to improved battery life for laptops and reduced energy consumption for desktops.
Microsoft also continues to encourage users to transition to Windows 11 by offering free security updates to any Windows 10 user who subscribes to OneDrive cloud backup. For those who do not opt for this service, the aforementioned £22 fee will apply to maintain device protection. While the allure of new features exclusive to Windows 11 is strong, some users may hesitate, as Windows 10 has demonstrated superior gaming performance in certain scenarios, leading to potential compatibility concerns with specific accessories or software.
