With Windows 11’s release and its hardware requirements causing concerns for some users, many wonder if the performance of this new operating system truly justifies the upgrade.
To shed light on this matter, Neowin conducted a rigorous performance test, comparing Windows 10 and Windows 11 on a high-end PC featuring an Intel Core i9 14900K processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB NVMe PCIe-4 SSD. This analysis aims to clarify whether the touted improvements in Windows 11 result in a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and gaming.
Performance Testing: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11
1. Productivity Performance
- Utilizing the 3DMark application to assess CPU performance in productivity applications, Windows 10 outperformed Windows 11 in the Time Spy test.
- The Fire Strike Extreme test showed Windows 10 with a marginal advantage after multiple test runs.
- Windows 11 exhibited superior performance in video calling and web browsing, while app startup times were similar.
- However, Windows 10 excelled in working with spreadsheets and documents, surpassing Windows 11.
2. Content Creation
- In content creation tasks, Windows 11 demonstrated remarkable performance in rendering, achieving similar scores in video and photo editing.
- Both versions scored nearly identically in file compression and decompression tasks.
3. Graphics Performance
- Using 3DMark for graphics performance assessment, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 achieved nearly identical scores.
- Windows 11 displayed a slight edge in the Time Spy test, while the Fire Strike Extreme test produced similar scores.
- Gaming performance was assessed with Shadow of the Tomb Raider, where Windows 11 showcased higher FPS and maintained a smoother gaming experience.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 was expected to deliver a substantial performance improvement over its predecessor, the comprehensive testing on a high-end PC revealed that performance differences between the two versions are minimal in most scenarios. Windows 11’s significant performance advantage lies in content rendering, benefiting users engaged in 3D design or intensive content creation tasks. However, for average users and gamers, Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer nearly identical performance on modern hardware.
It is crucial to note that these tests were conducted on a high-end PC. On mid-range or low-end systems, Windows 10 may outperform Windows 11 due to its lower system requirements. Therefore, users contemplating an upgrade should consider their specific hardware and requirements before making a decision.