Installed Windows 11 on my gaming computer - Assessing performance against Windows 10
Microsoft has announced that it will offer free security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year, but the operating system will reach end-of-life support on October 14, 2025 [1]. For those who wish to continue receiving security updates, Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program offers coverage for up to 10 devices running Windows 10 [2].
To take advantage of the free security updates, a PC must be synced to the cloud [3]. If a PC isn't eligible for the Windows 11 update, it may be time to consider replacing an aging Windows 10 device with a top-rated 2025 laptop [4].
A recent study showed that half of Windows PCs have not yet upgraded to Windows 11 [5]. To help with the upgrade process, our guide can assist in upgrading a compatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 [6].
The author of this article upgraded their gaming PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and conducted benchmark tests in seven demanding games. The benchmark test results for each game were collected and presented in a table below [7].
Benchmark Test Results
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Windows 10 averages 135.8 FPS, while Windows 11 averages 135.9 FPS, showing a negligible difference [1][3].
- Cyberpunk 2077: Windows 10 averages 86.9 FPS, improving to 88.1 FPS on Windows 11, a slight increase [1][3].
- Anno 1800: Windows 10 averages 151.4 FPS, dropping to 147.9 FPS on Windows 11, indicating a slight decrease [1].
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced: Windows 10 averages 106.3 FPS, slightly decreasing to 104.4 FPS on Windows 11 [1].
- Black Myth: Wukong: Windows 10 maintains a minimum FPS of 71, while Windows 11 drops to 29 FPS, a significant decrease in minimum FPS [1].
- Far Cry 6: Windows 11 performs slightly better by maintaining a higher minimum FPS compared to Windows 10 [1].
Additional Gaming Features
Windows 11 includes features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, which can enhance gaming visuals and reduce game loading times, respectively [2][5]. These features are not available on Windows 10 or are available but not optimized as well.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 offers some advanced gaming features, direct performance differences in benchmarks are often minimal and can vary slightly between games. Windows 11 is generally considered better for gaming due to its new features and optimizations, but the performance gap is not drastic unless specific features like Auto HDR or DirectStorage are crucial for the user [1][2][5].
However, it's worth noting that a major bug in Windows 11 version 22H2 resulted in stuttering and poor performance while gaming in 2022 [8]. In contrast, SteamOS, a fork of a Linux distro built by Valve, has better performance and battery life compared to Windows 11 in the gaming world [9].
In conclusion, the decision to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for gaming purposes depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. While Windows 11 offers some improved features, the performance differences are often minimal. Microsoft is not planning to leave Windows 10 users behind, offering free security updates for an additional year [1].
[1] Microsoft announces free security updates for Windows 10 for an extra year [2] Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Which should you upgrade to? [3] How to prepare your PC for the Windows 11 upgrade [4] The best laptops of 2025 [5] Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Which operating system is best for gaming? [6] How to upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 [7] Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Gaming Benchmarks Compared [8] Windows 11 version 22H2: A major bug is causing stuttering and poor performance while gaming [9] SteamOS vs Windows 11: Which operating system is best for gaming?
- The free security updates from Microsoft for Windows 10 will only be available until October 14, 2025, after which users might need to upgrade to Windows 11 for continued support.
- If a PC isn't eligible for the Windows 11 update, it might be an ideal time to consider purchasing a new top-rated 2025 laptop, perhaps a Microsoft Surface Laptop, for better hardware capabilities and software compatibility.
- To take advantage of the extended security updates for Windows 10, a PC must be synced to the cloud, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date.
- For those interested in gaming, the Windows 11 update offers enhancements like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, designed to improve visuals and reduce game loading times, respectively.
- Though the benchmark test results for Windows 11 and Windows 10 gaming performance are often minimal, DirectStorage can significantly reduce game loading times on Windows 11.
- Some games may not show drastic FPS improvements when moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with slight variations observed between different games, like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077.
- However, the performance of newer, more demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong may experience a significant decrease in minimum FPS when transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, making Xbox gaming on these gadgets potentially less enjoyable.
