Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 to PCs at the end of 2021, and throughout 2022. That's when Windows 11 is most stable and you can safely install it on your PC. Even so, we still think it's better to wait a bit. Microsoft would obviously suggest a long term switch to Windows 11, as it will be the latest version of Windows, but you can still stick with Windows 10 if you want.
Windows 10 will continue to be supported through 2025, but Microsoft hasn't said how many updates Windows 10 will officially make. It's not really necessary to update to Windows 11 right away unless you really want to try out the new features we'll be discussing.
Start Menu And Taskbar
If you look at the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10, the biggest are the Start Menu and Taskbar. In Windows 11, Microsoft centralized the Taskbar and Start Menu on the screen. This makes it look a bit more like MacOS and ChromeOS. However, you can still move it back to the left if you want.
Talking about the Start Menu, in Windows 11, it's a bit simpler. You'll only see a list of static apps, followed by your most visited documents at the bottom. You can expand apps, scroll through lists, and pin apps of your choice. That may sound familiar, but it's important to note that Windows 11 no longer supports Live Tiles. If you really want to see the information in your Start Menu at a glance, then Windows 10 is the best.
As for the Taskbar, note that there have been some major changes in Windows 11 when compared to Windows 10. Microsoft has collapsed the search box to an icon, and also removed Cortana functionality in Windows 11. If you want Cortana, you'll need to download the app. Search also moves to the center of the screen, with a floating design and tab layout similar to Windows 10.
Even the Windows Timeline is missing. Windows 11 brings out Windows 10 features that support Microsoft Edge sync capabilities. The place where Windows Timeline used to be was replaced by Virtual Desktops.
But if you want to pin your Taskbar to the right or left of the screen, then we have bad news. You can no longer do that, because in Windows 11 the Taskbar will just stay at the bottom. Apps also won't be able to customize the taskbar.
Many of these changes are only visual. Windows 11 and Windows 10 have the same features, and only the appearance is different.
Multitasking and external monitor support
You may have seen Microsoft's demo of multitasking in Windows 11, and wondered if it would ever be ported to Windows 10. As far as we know, this is a Windows 11 exclusive feature, and you won't see it in Windows 10.
In Windows 11, you can improve your multitasking with Snap Layouts which groups your windows and saves them to the taskbar. Hover over the maximize button and you can tile windows of any size. Windows 10 will not have this. It retains the traditional “Snap” feature, where you have to manually tile your window with a keyboard combination or by hovering over a specific side of the screen.
Then there's the note about external monitors. Windows 11 remembers how you had windows on your external monitor and will keep it in that state when you disconnect from the monitor and then reconnect it. This is one of the most annoying issues with Windows 10 that Windows 11 has finally tackled.
Mode tablets
Windows 10 has a traditional tablet mode which puts your PC into a full screen Start Menu experience. In Windows 11, this was removed.
In contrast, Windows 11 behaves more like an iPad, in that when you switch your device to a tablet, things become much easier to touch. You'll even see the effect below the window when you touch it with your finger. Microsoft also added gestures for opening and closing windows, switching between desktops, and new options in the Windows Ink Workspace. None of this is in Windows 10's tablet mode, which is mostly hard to fathom for a lot of people.
Microsoft Store
The app store in Windows 11 and Windows 10 will be very similar, but with a key difference. The Windows 11 app store will ship with support for Android apps via the Amazon App Store. You won't get that on Windows 10 because Windows 11 relies on the new Windows Subsystem for Android.
The newly redesigned Microsoft Store in Windows 11, which makes it easier to find apps and movies, will also eventually make its way to Windows 10. Microsoft confirmed this in a developer session following the June 24 Windows 11 event. You won't get Android apps on Windows 10. The Store still lets you download all Windows apps on both operating systems. That includes Win32 apps, UWP apps, and Progressive Web Apps.
Other differences and features removed
We've spent a lot of time highlighting the big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but there are still a few changes you should be aware of if you're planning to upgrade. That's because Windows 11 removes some features from Windows 10.
You will no longer be able to sync your desktop wallpaper, Internet Explorer and the Math Input panel will be removed, and some applications will also be removed. The apps that are removed on the upgrade will be the 3D viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype. You can still find them in stores. Microsoft has a comprehensive list if you're concerned.
If you are a gamer, note that Windows 11 has some exclusive features reserved for you. Auto HDR will bring your games to life, and Live Save will ensure that games load faster from your graphics card.
Support and update cycles
It is confirmed that Windows 11 will get updates once a year. It's like MacOS. Windows 10, meanwhile, remains a mystery. Microsoft is committed to supporting Windows 10 through 2025.
We're not sure if it will still get the biannual feature updates, but if you really want the latest and greatest version of Windows, then Windows 11 is where you want to be.
