Windows 11 review: An unnecessary replacement for Windows 10

Windows 11 is the latest operating system Microsoft, but is it worth upgrading from Windows 10? In this review, I will share my experience with Windows 11 and explain why I think it is an unnecessary replacement for Windows 10.

Windows 11 has a new design that is supposed to be more modern and minimalist, but I find it more confusing and cluttered. Taskbar icons are centered by default, making it difficult to access the Start menu and other applications. The Start menu itself is a mess, with no active tiles, no folders, and no search bar. The new widgets feature is just a rebranded version of the old news and interests feed, which I never used anyway. The new snap layouts are useful for multitasking, but are not compatible with some apps and monitors.

Windows 11 also has some new features that are supposed to improve performance and security, but they come at a cost. Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip and UEFI BIOS, which means many older PCs and laptops can't run it. Windows 11 also has stricter hardware requirements, such as 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which may limit its compatibility with lower-end devices. Windows 11 also has more frequent updates, which can cause more errors and crashes.

Windows 11 has some advantages over Windows 10, such as better integration with Microsoft Teams, support for Android apps, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, these features are not enough to justify the hassle of upgrading to Windows 11. Windows 10 remains a reliable and stable operating system that will receive security updates until 2025. Windows 10 also has more customization options and more hardware support and older software. and less bloatware.

In conclusion, Windows 11 is an unnecessary replacement for Windows 10 that offers few improvements and a lot of frustration. I don't recommend upgrading to Windows 11 unless you have a compatible device and a specific need for its new features. Otherwise, you're better off sticking with Windows 10.

Windows 11: a review of the pros and cons

Expert rating: 3/5

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, but is it worth upgrading? In this blog post, we'll examine the pros and cons of Windows 11, based on our experience and testing.

Advantages:

– New look: Windows 11 has a sleek and modern design, with rounded corners, translucent effects, and a centered taskbar. Icons and fonts are also updated, giving the operating system a more refined look.

– The initial installation is clean and useful: Windows 11 offers a simplified setup process, with fewer steps and options. It also allows you to choose your preferred keyboard layout, language, and region during installation, rather than afterward.

– The settings menu is even more useful: Windows 11 has improved the Settings app, making it easier to find and adjust various settings. It also has a new System Status page, which shows important information about your device, such as battery life, storage space, and updates.

– Store overhaul looks great: Windows 11 has revamped the Microsoft Store with a new design, categories, and collections. It also supports more app types, such as Android apps (coming soon), Progressive Web Apps (PWA), and Win32 apps.

– Snap View offers more organizing options: Windows 11 has improved the Snap feature, which allows you to organize multiple windows on your screen. Now you can choose between different layouts, such as two vertical columns or four quadrants. You can also access your Snap layouts from the taskbar or by hovering over the maximize button.

– Widgets offer information you might want to have: Windows 11 has introduced a new widget panel, which slides out from the left side of the screen. Shows you personalized content, such as news, weather, calendar, photos, and more. You can customize your widgets and pin them to your desktop.

Cons:

– Taskbar and Start reworks don't benefit users: Windows 11 has changed the taskbar and Start menu in ways that may not be right for everyone. The taskbar is now centered by default, which may be unfamiliar and inconvenient for some users. The Start menu is also simplified, with fewer tiles and shortcuts. It also lacks some features that were present in Windows 10, such as Live Tiles, folders, and jump lists.

– Teams Chat is unnecessary and potentially annoying: Windows 11 has integrated Teams Chat into the taskbar, allowing you to chat with your contacts directly from the operating system. However, this may not be useful for everyone, especially if you already use other apps or messaging services. Teams Chat also requires a Microsoft account and may send you unwanted notifications or invitations.

– “Offline” local accounts require Windows 11 Pro: Windows 11 has made it difficult to create a local account without an internet connection or a Microsoft account. You can only do this if you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise editions. Otherwise, you'll need to sign in with a Microsoft account or create one during setup.

– Installing another browser is almost prohibitive: Windows 11 has made it difficult to install and use any web browser other than Microsoft Edge. You can still download and install other browsers from the Microsoft Store or the web, but you'll face several obstacles and prompts to return to Edge. For example, Edge will open by default when you click links in other apps or widgets. You will also see pop-ups asking you to try Edge's features or set it as your default browser.

– Several important features are not yet available: Windows 11 has promised some interesting features that are not yet available at launch. These include support for Android apps, DirectStorage for faster game loading times, Auto HDR for improved game graphics, and dynamic refresh rate for smoother scrolling. These features are expected to arrive in future updates, but there is no clear timeline on when they will be ready.

– The TPM problem: Windows 11 has generated some controversy over its hardware requirements, especially the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. TPM is a security feature that helps protect your device from malware and unauthorized access. However, many older PCs do not have TPM or have it disabled in the BIOS settings. This means they may not be able to run Windows 11 or receive updates. Microsoft has provided guidance on how to check and enable TPM on your device, but some users may still face compatibility issues or confusion.

Our verdict:

Windows 11 is a mix of improved features and unnecessary changes. It may appeal to some users who like its new look, but it may frustrate others who prefer the way Windows 10 worked. Windows 11 will likely improve over time, as more features are added and bugs are fixed. For now, however, it's a very polarizing update that many users will want to skip or wait for.