When Windows 10 went out of support last month, I hesitantly upgraded my secondary laptop to Windows 11 because of all the security concerns. I knew I had to upgrade someday, so why not do it right away and get used to the latest iteration? Even if I had opted for the free Extended Security Updates (ESU), it was just for one year, after which I would have been forced to switch, anyway. But surprisingly, my experience with Windows 11 was completely different from what I had initially anticipated.

Windows 11 is just as good as Windows 10 in most aspects, better in some areas, and a bit worse in a few. I won't lie, there are a few things I hate about Windows 11, but overall, there's not much to miss. Actually, most users would like the latest iteration, barring a few mostly trivial problems.

Windows 11 optimizes the system for performance

The improvements are noticeable

The very first thing you notice about Windows 11, apart from the UI, is the performance. The OS is comparatively faster, especially on modern PCs. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 is 2.3x faster than Windows 10, but that largely depends on the hardware configuration, active apps and tasks, and even how one uses the PC.

For me, it was a real upgrade. Windows 11 felt streamlined on my 6-year-old laptop, and there were fewer issues. Even the boot time improved. With fast startup turned on, it was less than 20 seconds, though with it disabled, the time jumped to around 40 seconds. But since the feature is enabled by default, most of you will experience faster boot times. I am not a hardcore gamer, but the ones that I do play, like Age of Empires, run slightly better on Windows 11, though the difference wasn't that huge.

Then, theoretically, Windows 11 improves battery life through optimized task and process handling, better resource management, and CPU throttling in the idle state. All of this extends the battery life. Honestly, I have my laptop plugged in almost all the time, so I couldn't compare the change in battery life post upgrade. But most users on modern laptops report an improvement. If you don't, consider checking the active power plan and battery health report.

Although I am not a huge fan of the Microsoft Store, I must admit that it has significantly improved on Windows 11 compared to previous iterations of the OS. The store appears more modern, thanks to the new animations and designs. Also, it feels comparatively faster. And yes, Microsoft has finally introduced one of the most sought-after features: the ability to uninstall apps directly from the Microsoft Store. So, for those who actively rely on the Microsoft Store to install new apps, these changes will translate into a smoother experience.

The Start menu and Taskbar bothered me initially

Over time, it feels more organized

The first thing I disliked about Windows 11 was the revamped Start menu and the centered taskbar. It was one of the reasons I had delayed the upgrade for so long. But when I finally did, the two actually made sense. While using the laptop, my eyes naturally focus on the central part of the screen, where the taskbar icons are placed. So, the change has actually made it easier to find and navigate between active programs.

The Start menu sports a modern look that aligns with Windows 11's overall design. Then, it has fewer items on the main screen, i.e., the pinned apps and recent items, and that's something I like. I had gotten so used to Windows 10 that I never realized how cluttered its Start menu was. And finally, Windows 11 has a more touch-friendly Start menu. The icons are slightly bigger, which helps on my 2-in-1 laptop, whether I use it in regular mode or tablet mode. For me, that's a win.

I believe long-time users will find Windows 11 a more organized OS. Even the File Explorer and Context Menu start to make sense after a few days of use. In addition to the modern touch, their interface is designed for easy access, particularly on 2-in-1 laptops. For instance, the new context menu features dedicated icons for commonly used functions like cut, copy, and paste at the top. This enhanced accessibility ultimately streamlines your entire Windows 11 experience.

Control Panel, that's the one thing I miss

Settings is good, but the Control Panel was simpler

The only thing I really miss about Windows 10 is the classic Control Panel. The utility has been stripped away in Windows 11, with most key functionality now residing in Settings. Although the UI is still identical, with many options in the exact same position, some now redirect you to the Settings app. And since this migration is ongoing, more options will be moved out of the Control Panel.

I always preferred the Control Panel due to its simplicity, reliability, and familiarity. It hasn't changed much over the years, while the Settings app has a different UI in almost every version of Windows. I really hope Microsoft drops the idea of a unified, one-stop Settings app and lets the Control Panel live in its current state.

Windows 11 needs refinements, but it's worth upgrading

As someone who had to force upgrade to Windows 11 after the last iteration went out of support, I can tell you it's a decision I don't regret. And neither should most of you. Windows 11 still needs plenty of improvements. For instance, more controls and customizations, as well as reduced push for Microsoft Edge and Microsoft accounts. But even in its present form, the OS is user-oriented, fast, and easy to learn. And that's the reason I didn't miss the last OS as much as I thought I would. Windows 11 offers nearly everything Windows 10 did, and a lot more.