What makes Windows 11 better than Windows 10

In principle, any program that is also available for Windows 10 can be used in Windows 11. There may be exceptions, but these are few and far between. The look of Windows 11 is much more modern in many places, animations run smoother and the performance of the operating system is better than in Windows 10 according to many benchmarks. This is especially true when modern drivers are used that are optimized for Windows 11.

Windows 11 is designed for productive people and for gamers

Windows 11 clearly focuses on productivity. The operating system is optimized to work with Microsoft 365 and can display files, services and documents much more effectively, quickly and clearly. With the direct login to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), all documents stored in Microsoft 365, Sharepoint Online or Onedrive for Business are immediately available in Windows 11.

Those who primarily work with Windows 11 will have more fun than with Windows 10, since the entire interface is designed for efficiency and collaboration with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure.

A small example is the “Copy as path” menu item to copy the path of a program or file to the clipboard. If you still need to use shortcuts in Windows 10, this command is automatically available in the new, revised Windows 11 context menu.

The Windows terminal for bundling command prompt, Powershell, Azure Cloud Shell and Co is automatically integrated into Windows 11. Although this extension can also be installed later in Windows 10, Windows 11 users can save themselves this step.

The first thing users notice when installing Windows 11 is the new positioning of the Start menu. Many users are bothered by the centered start menu. But that’s not a problem either, because the start menu can be moved to the classic position on the left side without any problems. The settings for this can be found via the context menu of the taskbar and calling “Taskbar settings”. In “Behaviour of the taskbar” the start menu can be placed on the desired page via “Taskbar alignment” with the “Left” option.

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The start menu in Windows 11 can also be arranged on the left

The start menu is tidier than in Windows 10 and also shows the most recently and frequently used documents in the lower area. As a result, access is much faster than in Windows 10 and the menu does not seem so overloaded. There are fewer pre-installed apps in Windows 11 and the rarely used live tiles don’t unnecessarily bloat the start menu.

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The start menu view in Windows 11 is tidier, documents can be accessed more quickly directly from the start menu

Secure Internet with DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11

Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 come with the DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) feature. This allows all queries and responses between the DNS client and the DNS server to be encrypted. The function can be found in the settings via “Network and Internet” under “Ethernet” or under “WLAN”. The function can be activated here when using compatible DNS servers.

In the network adapter settings, the DNS Settings and Edit options are available. If the DNS server used by a client supports encrypted transmission, the “Preferred DNS encryption” field is activated automatically. Which DNS servers currently support this technology can be queried in PowerShell with the “Get-DnsClientDohServerAddress” cmdlet.

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In Powershell you can check which DNS servers can be used for DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11

Better arrangement of windows with Snap Assist and virtual desktops

Windows 11 is much better at automatically arranging different windows with a mouse click. When moving the mouse over and dragging to the edge of the window, Windows 11 suggests an optimized arrangement of the windows.

This is faster and easier than in Windows 10. Windows 11 offers significantly better snap control than Windows 10, especially when used with multiple screens, which is quite relevant for users who work with many windows. Windows 11 also remembers how apps and windows were arranged when using multiple screens and can restore this view at any time on restarts.

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Windows 11 remembers the position of windows and programs when using multiple monitors

Snap is a boon when four windows or more need to be optimally laid out on one or more monitors. The new view in Windows 11 can also be used with the key combination Windows + Z.

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The arrangement of multiple windows is much more user-friendly in Windows 11 than in Windows 10

Microsoft has also significantly improved the virtual desktops in Windows 11. Different desktops with different background images can be defined here and adjusted much more flexibly than in Windows 10.

The new context menu is also slimmer. The most frequently used functions can be found as icons in the upper margin, the most important commands below. If you want to see more options, like in Windows 10, you can show them quickly and easily with “More Options”.

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The new context menu in Windows 11 provides a better overview

Define focus time – block outside interference

The focus time can be activated in Windows 11 in the clock settings. This is displayed in the tray area next to the clock after activation. During the focus time, users are not disturbed by external apps or notifications. The focus time is also available for smartphones and tablets. In the settings, the focus time can always be activated at a certain point in time.

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The focus time can be activated in Windows 11 via the time settings

The settings app in Windows 11 is much clearer

The settings app of Windows 10 and Windows 11 should gradually replace the aging control panel. While this is still available in Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly improved the modern Settings app in Windows 11, arranging menus more effectively and also optimizing navigation.

The new interface is much easier to use and gets users to their desired goals faster. Navigation in the menus has also been improved. Further submenus can be opened in the middle of the window if there are more in-depth settings. This gives you a better overview and makes it easier to navigate.

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The new settings app offers a better overview and is easier to use than in Windows 10

Direct Storage: Gamers love Windows 11

A new feature in Windows 11 is also Direct Storage. This function is technically not intended for Windows 10. Games can be significantly accelerated with Direct Storage, especially games with very good graphics. Loading times for graphics are significantly shorter.

Games must support this feature for this to work. However, one can assume that, mainly because Microsoft is one of the largest developers and publishers of games worldwide. With the acquisition of Activision/Blizzard, it can also be expected that games such as Diablo, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty and many more will be significantly optimized for Windows 11 and Direct Storage in the long term.

Not everyone uses the widgets, but Windows 11 has them and Windows 10 doesn’t have them. With the key combination Windows + W, Windows displays an additional area in which you can integrate various apps. In addition to the weather report and news, appointments, emails, stock prices and more can also be displayed here.

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