The main difference: design and security
Windows 11 isn't just an "updated" Windows 10. It's a different system with a different security architecture. The key change: Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip — a dedicated security module physically built into most laptops from 2018 onward. Thanks to this, Windows 11 is significantly harder to breach or infect at the system level.
Visually: the Start menu moved to the centre, windows became more rounded, and a weather/news widget was added. For most users, this is a minor detail.
Which one runs faster
On newer laptops (2019+) with an SSD, Windows 11 boots faster and uses fewer background resources. On older laptops (2015–2018) with a traditional hard drive, Windows 10 can actually feel snappier, because Windows 11 is optimised for more modern hardware.
Practical takeaway: laptop from 2019 onward → Windows 11. Laptop from 2015–2018 → check compatibility first.
Support: an important fact about Windows 10
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That means no more security updates. Computers still running Windows 10 become more vulnerable every month. Antivirus software can't protect against vulnerabilities in the operating system itself.
If you're installing Windows on a new laptop today, it makes sense to go with Windows 11 rather than an ageing Windows 10.
When Windows 10 still makes sense
There are situations where Windows 10 is the smarter choice: a laptop older than 2018 that doesn't support TPM 2.0, specialised software or hardware that doesn't work on Windows 11, or corporate requirements. In these cases Windows 10 remains a working option — you just need to understand the risks.