There have been many releases of Windows software over the years, but which is the best windows for PC? Since Microsoft Windows was founded back in 1985 there have been nine major releases of software, each more advanced than the previous one.
If you are on the hunt for the best windows to upgrade to, or you’re in the market for a new Windows laptop and unsure which software to choose then this article is for you. We’ve put together a review of Windows 11 and how it compares to Windows 10 and Windows 8 so you can make an informed decision about which edition is best for you.
Windows 11: The Best Windows Ever For Gaming
Many people thought that after the release of Windows 10 in 2015, there would be no new editions. However, this has since been proven wrong and Windows 11 has just been released in October 2021. And so after six years, fans can get excited about a drastic new look, as well as many other new features.
With a beautiful, more consistent design and great layout options this edition also has better multi-monitor functionality. This is great both for people who work from home and require a well-functioning multi-monitor software, as well as avid gamers.
Pros of Windows 11
Better Gaming
Generally speaking, it seems as though Windows 11 was made for gaming, with innovative new features that can take your PC gaming experience to the next level. Two main areas benefit from the new edition: game selection and technologies.
As for game selection, the Xbox app has been built into Windows 11 and offers access to the Xbox Game Pass collection of video games. This includes infamous titles like Halo Infinite, Twelve Minutes, and Age of Empires IV as well as the old classics. This app also allows access to Microsoft’s streaming game platform, Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Design
The new look of Windows 11 tries to mimic the look of glass. This aesthetic has given the new software a cutting-edge design and as a result, there’s a lot of transparency on many desktop elements, from windows to menus.
Android Apps
Windows 11 comes with support for Android apps integrated. This means if you want to install a new app onto your PC or laptop you no longer have to remote control your smartphone or run an emulator.
Instead, you can simply just install almost any Android app or game, click on it, and it will pop up on the screen.
Cons of Windows 11
Less Taskbar
The new edition of the software means that you can no longer move your taskbar to the side of the screen for convenience. Instead, it is now stuck at the bottom of the screen with a new and much smaller design.
Absence of Cortana
Cortana is Windows’s A.I.-powered helper which could be activated and powered by voice. With windows 11, Cortana no longer comes installed as a standard. You can still however download, install, and use Cortana as a separate app if you wish.
Change of dark mode
Many users appreciate the option of dark mode as it allows a much more comfortable computing experience in darker environments. In Windows 11, dark mode has become a little more colourful instead of being mostly black, white and navy tones. It also looks more transparent from previous versions thanks to the new glass-like display.
The Best Windows 11 Laptop
You know that as soon as a new edition of Windows software is released, a new wave of laptops with the latest software integrated into them will land in the market. Choosing the right laptop that meets all of your requirements and expectations can make all the difference to both your work life, as well as your personal one.
We’ve rounded up all the Windows 11 laptops you can buy right now, highlighted their features and stated their price so you know just what you’re getting for your money.
Dell XPS 13
This laptop is one of the most popular choices out there, and for good reason too. It features an 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake processor, meaning it’s more than ready for Windows 11 and has a gorgeous, immersive display.
With around 8 hours of battery life when fully charged and a slim design, this laptop is ultra portable for taking on the go.
Key specifications:
Storage: 256GB-2TBGB SSD
Display: 13.4 inches; 1920×1080, 3840×2160, or 3.5K OLED
RAM: 8GB-16GB
GPU: Intel UHD to Intel Iris Xe
Weight: 453g
Price: £849.00 via Dell
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
This is a superb laptop that has been fully optimised for windows 11. Lightweight and thin, it works great at your desk or on the go. It comes with an S Pen stylus and has an impressive AMOLED display with slim bezels that take your user experience to the next level.
Featuring an impressive 13.5 hours of battery and Xe graphics, you can expect plenty of power to meet all of your business or studying needs.
Key Specifications:
Display: 13.3- or 15.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED
RAM: 8-16 GB
Storage: 512 GB – 1 TB
Size: 14 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 1.3 kg
Price: £999 via Currys
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Unlike the previous surface pro lineup, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 takes it to the next level. It features a mix of the best specs from previous tablet and laptop generations, as well as the latest Intel laptop-grade chips for ultra-fast processing.
This laptop has been tailor-made for Windows 11 so you know you’ll be getting one of the best hybrid devices out there. There is also a larger, more vibrant display, a sharp webcam and an improved Type Cover keyboard accessory so it truly feels like a brand new generation.
Key Specifications:
Processor: Intel i5-1135G7, Intel i7-1185G7
Storage: 512GB, 1TB SSD
Size: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches
Display: 13-inch screen, 2880 x 1920
Weight: 889 grams
Price: £999 via Microsoft
How does Windows 11 compare to previous editions?
The decision of upgrading your current PC or laptop to Windows 11 from Windows 10 or 8 may be a challenging one. Nobody is a very big fan of change, especially when it comes to a technological gadget that we rely on almost every day.
The good news is that there is no rush. Microsoft Windows has declared that you have until 2025 to update your system, at which point they will no longer support Windows 10. So why upgrade?
Performance
When compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 does hold some potential for improving the speed of your computer. For example, in Windows 11 your RAM can stay energised whilst the PC is in sleep mode, so it still has power while everything else doesn’t. This will help your PC wake faster up to 25% faster from sleep which is something not available in Windows 10.
Design and interface
Although it’s not a complete overhaul in terms of design and interface, there are some new aspects. Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners and a selection of pastel shades. The iconic Start menu also moves to the centre of the screen along with the Taskbar in comparison to being on the left-hand side in Windows 10.
From skype to teams
Arguably a big change in online communication, windows 11 will now feature Microsoft Teams in the taskbar instead of Skype. Teams is free and very easy to use and makes it a lot easier to switch between desktop and mobile whilst in a meeting.
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