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. Windows 11 looks much more modern in many places, animations work better, and operating system performance is better than Windows 10 according to many benchmarks. This is especially true when using modern drivers that are optimized for Windows 11. .

Windows 11 is designed for productive people and gamers

Windows 11 is clearly focused 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 direct sign-in 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 Windows 10 as 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.

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 on Windows 10, Windows 11 users can skip this step.

The first thing users notice when installing Windows 11 is the new positioning of the Start menu. Many users are annoyed 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 problem. The settings for this can be found via the taskbar context menu and by calling “Taskbar Settings”. Under “Taskbar Behavior”, the start menu can be positioned 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 neater than in Windows 10 and also shows the most recent and frequently used documents at the bottom. As a result, access is much faster than in Windows 10 and the menu does not seem so cluttered. There are fewer pre-installed apps in Windows 11, and rarely used live tiles don’t unnecessarily clutter the Start menu.

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Start menu view in Windows 11 is neater, 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 is found in the settings via “Network & Internet” under “Ethernet” or under “WLAN”. The feature 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 automatically enabled. DNS servers that currently support this technology can be queried in PowerShell using 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 window layout with Snap Assist and virtual desktops

Windows 11 is much better at automatically arranging different windows with a mouse click. When you move your mouse and drag to the edge of the window, Windows 11 suggests an optimized window layout.

This is faster and easier than Windows 10. Windows 11 offers significantly better snapshot control than Windows 10, especially when used with multiple displays, which is quite relevant for users who work with many windows. Windows 11 also remembers how your apps and windows were arranged when using multiple displays, and you can restore this view at any time upon restart.

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

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

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Multi-window layout is much easier to use in Windows 11 than it is in Windows 10

Microsoft has also significantly improved virtual desktops in Windows 11. Here you can define different desktops with different background images and adjust them much more flexibly than in Windows 10.

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

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Windows 11’s new context menu offers a better overview

Define focus time – block outside interference

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

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Focus timing can be turned on in Windows 11 via timing settings

The Settings app in Windows 11 is much clearer

The Windows 10 and Windows 11 Settings app should gradually replace the old Control Panel. While this is still available in Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly improved the modern Settings app in Windows 11, organizing menus more effectively and streamlining navigation as well.

The new interface is much easier to use and gets users to their desired goals faster. Menu navigation has also been improved. More submenus can be opened in the middle of the window if there are more detailed settings. This gives you a better overview and makes navigation easier.

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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 feature is technically not designed for Windows 10. Games can be significantly sped up with Direct Storage, especially games with very good graphics. Graphics load times are significantly shorter.

Games must support this feature for it to work. However, it can be assumed that mainly because Microsoft is one of the biggest game developers and publishers in the whole world. With the Activision/Blizzard acquisition, games like Diablo, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty and many more can also be expected to be significantly optimized for Windows 11 and Direct Storage in the long run.

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

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