UPDATE: A new speed test reveals Windows 11 finishes last among six Windows operating systems, including Windows XP and Windows 10. This alarming performance comes as users demand improved functionality from Microsoft’s latest OS.
In a video by YouTuber TrigrZolt, conducted on six identical Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptops, Windows 11 struggled significantly in various benchmarks, prompting concerns about its efficiency. While hardware limitations influenced the results, the findings are crucial for users and Microsoft alike.
The tests measured bootup speeds, memory consumption, and application performance across all six versions, including Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. Notably, Windows 11 was the slowest to boot, trailing behind Windows 8.1, which topped this category. The taskbar took longer to load, leaving many frustrated upon startup.
Moreover, Windows 11 consumed more memory than its predecessors due to its array of background processes. During battery life tests, it also fared poorly, with the device running Windows 11 dying first after just over an hour of use. In comparison, Windows XP showed better longevity, lasting only a few minutes longer.
In application speed tests, Windows 11 came last while launching basic programs like Paint and File Explorer, raising eyebrows among users who rely on these tools daily. Even in video editing tasks using OpenShot, Windows 11 again fell short, despite the caveat that older versions couldn’t support the editor.
While the testing format may not fully represent real-world scenarios—given that the Intel Core i5-2520M CPU and 256GB hard disk (not SSD) do not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11—the results are nonetheless critical. These benchmarks suggest that Microsoft must address performance issues to enhance user experience.
Analysts emphasize that using outdated hardware skews the results against Windows 11, as the OS is designed for more modern specifications. Tom’s Hardware highlights the need for a comparative test that employs hardware appropriate for each OS’s era to present a more balanced perspective.
Despite the criticisms, these tests illuminate specific issues with Windows 11, such as the sluggishness of File Explorer and the perceived bloat associated with its operation. Comments on the YouTube video indicate widespread user concerns regarding telemetry data and background monitoring, suggesting Microsoft has room for improvement.
As user feedback continues to pour in, Microsoft may face pressure to refine Windows 11, particularly in its core functionalities. The company is urged to prioritize addressing these performance flaws to meet user expectations.
Stay tuned for further updates on Windows 11 and its ongoing performance evaluations as tech enthusiasts and users alike await improvements from Microsoft.
