Windows 11 focuses on three key areas in productivity, creativity and ease of use, but another aspect of the new OS could be even more noticeable – speed. Via a series of optimisations and performance improvements, Windows 11 is expected to feel significantly faster than Windows 10, even when running on identical hardware.
The key changes are detailed in a 12-minute YouTube video from the official Microsoft Mechanics channel, with Enterprise Management VPN Steve Dispensa running through each one. Some of the seven mentioned are quite technical, but others can be understood by casual Windows fans.
That includes improved memory management, which allows Windows 11 to better prioritise apps and processes that are used most often. Even if the CPU is occupied with a demanding task, apps will still be able to launch quickly and run in the foreground without issue. This also works for specific tabs and windows within Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Better memory management also means Windows 11 devices can wake from sleep much faster. Microsoft says it has optimised when specific hardware components are called on, ensuring only those necessary for smooth performance are activated. Instant wake from sleep is one of the pillars of Intel’s Evo Platform, but that relies on the latest Intel chips.
In terms of pure processing power, Windows 11 will also supposedly be more efficient than Windows 10. This aims to reduce the load on the CPU and avoid the need for throttling.
the calls to specific hardware components, making sure only the necessary ones are turned on. At the software level, Windows 11 will supposedly be more efficient with the processing power it uses – this should reduce the load on the CPU and avoid the need for throttling.
Elsewhere, Windows 11’s reduced disk footprint means the OS takes up significantly less space on the device’s hard drive. This has been achieved by expanding the use of compression technologies and using a default ‘stub’ state for non-critical apps. Aside from slightly longer load times, there should be no effect on functionality.
Windows 11’s new hardware requirements are also specifically mentioned. Dispensa says the decision to only allow recent Intel or AMD chips is with both performance and security in mind – the latter is a key pillar of Windows 11. These more recent CPUs are also considered more reliable, which should keep performance levels high in the long term.
You can watch the full 12-minute video below, with chapters in the video allowing you to jump to specific improvements you’d like to hear more about.
Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Amazon Echo Dot (3rd-gen)
From: Amazon
Was: £39.99
Now: £17 (Get 2 for £29.99 with 2ECHODOT)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
From: Samsung
Was: £409
Now: £329 (£80 off with cashback)
View Deal
Xiaomi Mi 11 (8GB/128GB) + Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S
From: Xiaomi
Was: £828.99
Now: £599 (£150 off + free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S)
View Deal
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (128GB) w/ keyboard + stylus
From: Currys
Was: £599
Now: £549 (£50 off)
View Deal
iD Mobile: Unlimited data with £50 Currys gift card
From: iD Mobile
Now: £16 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy A12 + Nintendo Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £22 per month
View Deal
Oppo A54 5G with free Nintendo Switch OLED
From: Virgin Media
Now: From £24 per month
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G with Galaxy Buds 2
From: Virgin
Now: From £29 per month (2GB)
View Deal
Nintendo Switch
From: ShopTo via eBay
Was: £259.99
Now: £239.99 (£20 off)
View Deal
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro (6GB RAM, 128GB) + Mi Band 5
From: Xiaomi
Was: £268.99
Now: £199 (£30 off + Free Mi Band 5)
View Deal
< > Top Christmas Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Asus Vivobook 15
From: Staples
Was: $449.99
Now: $279.99 ($170 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Charge 5
From: Amazon US
Was: $179.95
Now: $129.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Disney+ Up to 6 months
From: Amazon Music
Was: $47.94
Now: Free with Amazon Music Unlimited ($9.99 per month/$7.99 for Prime Members)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
From: Best Buy
Was: $1799.99
Now: $1399.99 ($400 off)
View Deal
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage)
From: Best Buy
Was: $899.99
Now: $699.99 ($200 off)
View Deal
Fitbit Luxe
From: Amazon US
Was: $149.95
Now: $99.95 ($50 off)
View Deal
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
From: Amazon US
Was: $49.99
Now: $29.99 ($20 off)
View Deal
Theragun: Cyber Monday Sale US
From: Theragun
Now: From $174 (Up to $300 off)
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
From: Walmart
Was: $149.99
Now: $79.99 ($70 off)
View Deal
Apple MacBook Air, M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 512GB (2020)
From: Amazon US
Was: $1,249
Now: $1,099 ($149 off)
View Deal
< >
The maximum possible performance will still heavily depend on your laptop or PC hardware. However, any device that meets those new hardware requirements should see a handy speed boost on Windows 11.
A version of this article was originally published in German on our sister site, PC-Welt.
Related articles for further reading
- When will my PC get Windows 11?
- Windows 10 features missing in Windows 11
- How to get the Windows 11 beta
