Windows 11 2.3x faster than Windows 10?

Microsoft recently published a blog post highlighting the benefits of upgrading from Windows 10 to the much newer Windows 11. They mention, among other things, better security, a more modern user interface, and support for AI-based applications. But the most attention-grabbing claim is that Windows 11 computers are up to 2.3 times faster.

The claim is based on the Geekbench 6 test, which compares older Intel processors (6th, 8th, and 10th generation) with the latest 12th and 13th generation processors, representing a technology gap of almost nine years. Although Microsoft warns in the fine print that results vary by device, experts emphasize that the comparison should be made on identical hardware. In such tests, the speed differences between Windows 10 and 11 are much smaller.

All of this suggests that Microsoft is having trouble convincing users to upgrade. While the promise of increased performance sounds appealing, many are finding that Windows 11 doesn't deliver significant improvements in gaming and includes a number of unnecessary features. The upgrade also doesn't come without a cost. While it's free for Windows 10 owners, the hardware requirements are higher, requiring newer processors with support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. This means that some people have to buy a brand new computer with Windows 11 already installed.

Microsoft recently introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will extend support for Windows 10 by a year. Without it, security updates will end on October 14, 2025. This can expose users to cyber threats.