When deciding which operating system to buy, a comparison of Windows 7 and Windows 11 is an excellent way to make a well-informed decision. While each OS has its merits, a detailed look at the new features and performance of Windows 11 will help you decide which is right for your needs. Listed below are some of the main differences between Windows 7 and Windows 11.
Table of Contents
What’s new in Windows 11?
If you’re looking to update your computer, you may be wondering what’s new in Windows 11. The new operating system keeps many of the same features of Windows 10 but makes some significant changes. The start menu is back and the tiles have been replaced by a grid of icons. There’s a new design to the taskbar as well. You can no longer drag files into apps and the taskbar is no longer movable.
Another improvement is the Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass includes games like Halo Infinite, Age of Empires IV, and Twelve Minutes. You can also play games on your PC by installing the Xbox app, which enables Xbox Cloud Gaming. DirectStorage allows games to load their assets from system SSDs directly to the GPU memory, bypassing the CPU and reducing loading times. For game enthusiasts, Microsoft is also adding support for popular PC gaming peripherals.
Windows 11 has a completely different interface than its predecessor. The Start Menu and Taskbar are centered on the screen, with rounded corners. You’ll notice a new color scheme. You can also choose to switch to dark mode if you wish. File Explorer and Control Panel remain the same, but the overall look is different. While some features of the new operating system are revolutionary, others remain the same. The key difference is the way you use them.
Performance
One of the main differences in Windows 7 and Windows 11, is in how the OS prioritizes application windows. While both systems are optimized for performance, Windows 11 makes use of the foreground process to load applications more quickly. Microsoft tested the Excel application with a 90% CPU load and it opened quickly. The same principle applies to the “shell,” which powers Windows features like the Start Menu and visual effects.
Another significant difference between Windows 7 vs Windows 11 is the way the new operating system handles background processes. Windows 11 has a lower number of background processes, and that means that it can work on even the lowest-end PCs. In addition, the new operating system supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which enhances visuals. This means that many new games will run better on Windows 11.
The new operating system also adds new features, such as auto HDR and DirectStorage. These new features will greatly enhance gaming on your Windows PC. Microsoft has released a variety of information about Windows 11 and will release it on June 25, 2021 at 10:00am PT. So, which version of Windows is best for you? Check out our detailed review of Windows 7 vs. 11 performance. It’s a great way to compare your current OS with the next generation.
Security
In the battle for security, Windows 7 vs. Windows 11 has some interesting differences. While Windows 7 is still supported by Microsoft, it does not receive security updates. Instead, Microsoft warns that it may be incompatible with some devices, and that those devices may malfunction if they are upgraded. Also, these older devices will no longer receive security updates, and the manufacturer will no longer support them. If your PC is incompatible with Windows 11, you should consider updating it as soon as possible.
While Windows 7 has a long history of being safe, many security vulnerabilities have recently been discovered in the newer version. Microsoft is ending support for Internet Explorer in January 2020, but other leading browser vendors are continuing to support Windows 7. Popular browsers such as Google Chrome and Opera have been able to outpace Firefox in the best web browser comparison. However, Firefox recently disclosed a vulnerability. To prevent this issue, you should update your browser. Automatic updates should be a top priority.
While Windows 7 has improved overall security, a fundamental problem with the current version of Windows is that it is not as secure as Windows 11. Microsoft has confirmed 14 security flaws in the new version of Windows seven days after the launch date. As a result, many users have been left wondering whether Windows 11 is more secure. In addition to the improved security features, Windows 7 offers compatibility with a core set of applications that are essential for any PC.
Hardware
If you’re thinking about upgrading your PC, you’ll want to know what your options are. Windows 10 and Windows 11 have very different hardware requirements. However, the two operating systems share one thing: the graphical capabilities of the former. This means that Windows 11 should be more suitable for gamers than the former. Moreover, you can expect many improvements in PC gaming in Windows 11. DirectStorage will use modern storage hardware in gaming PCs to streamline data processing. Auto HDR will improve colors in many games.
To be compatible with Windows 11, your PC should have an eighth-generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen CPU and a TPM 2.0 chip. It must also have secure boot. Older PCs are not compatible with Windows 11 because the new operating system has strict hardware requirements. Manufacturers should check with Microsoft if their PC meets these requirements. If your PC does not meet these requirements, you’ll need to buy a new one or remain on Windows 10.
For compatibility with Windows 11, your PC should have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or a UEFI firmware. Likewise, Windows 11 also supports the GUID Partition Table standard. This means that a PC with a legacy Master Boot Record (MBR) system is not compatible with Windows 11. Most PCs from 2015 and later come with TPM 2.0 support. You may have to change a few settings in the firmware on your PC.
Features depreciated in Windows 11
Microsoft is updating its Windows 10 operating system and making some features deprecated or removed in this new version. While Windows 10 has been updated many times over the years, Microsoft has recently released a comprehensive list of deprecated features for Windows 11. Here is a list of some of the most notable changes in the upcoming release. These changes may surprise you. Read on to learn more. Here is a list of the most important changes for Windows users.
One feature that is getting rid of in Windows 11 is the Timeline. In the previous version, you could disable notifications and automatic updates for apps. Microsoft is removing this feature in Windows 11. In addition, users will no longer be able to sync their wallpapers across devices. Microsoft is also removing the Snipping Tool and replacing it with Snip & Sketch. But there’s more.
Internet Explorer will no longer be pre-installed in Windows 11. This will be the first Windows release without Internet Explorer for over two decades. This shouldn’t have any impact on the way you use your PC, but you’ll have to download Internet Explorer if you need it. There’s a “S Mode” in Windows where you can run the system using default settings, without installing applications. This mode is mostly enabled in low-end devices and by users who want extra security for their PCs. Microsoft made this feature exclusive to Windows 11’s Home edition.
Other comparisions:
Windows 8 vs Windows 8.1 – What are the differences?
Is it worth upgrading to Windows 11?
Although many users are already using Windows 10, the new OS has some kinks that make it difficult to use for everyone. For example, some users have reported problems with Windows Widgets, search functionality, and memory leaks. Although these problems have been fixed by the monthly security updates, early adopters should expect some hiccups. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or not depends on how much you value your current PC, and how important it is to you.
If you’re running Windows 10, you should upgrade to Windows 11. But if you’re on an older computer, hold off on the upgrade until the end of its support period. While you may be able to get Windows 11 running on some outdated hardware, it’s not a good idea to try it as your main system. Some workarounds exist for older hardware, but they often result in broken functionality. This isn’t what you want in your primary system. Additionally, you’ll no longer have access to Windows Update if you’re using an unofficial version of the operating system.
Before making the switch to Windows 11, you should know that it requires a new PC with some basic hardware requirements. For instance, you need an 8th-gen or newer CPU, UEFI secure boot, and TPM 2.0. Your RAM and storage must be 64GB, and your processor must be at least two years old.
While it may have some pitfalls, Windows 11 is a safe upgrade compared to Windows 8.
