Windows 11 vs. Windows 7: Is it worth upgrading now?

If you're curious about the facts we found after comparing Windows 11 vs. Windows 7 and wondering if you should upgrade, read this article.

Microsoft released Windows 11 on October 5, 2021. Since then, the operating system has brought varying experiences to many users. However, despite the strict hardware requirements, it has gained significant market share in the past few months.

When Windows 11 gained its user base, many people were still using Windows 7 and weren't sure if they should upgrade.

If you want, you can see this Use Windows 7 Forever tutorial.

Windows 7 is indeed a great operating system and a huge success for Microsoft, especially after Windows Vista received so much criticism; overdue.

The company also had great success with the predecessor to Windows 11. So even though the new operating system is considered a replacement for Windows 10, we want to focus on the other side of that particular demographic.

We've used Windows 11 and 7 to find out the differences and some other valuable answers. This article is based on our research and feedback from different users around the world.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 7 – Key Differences

➡ System Requirements

Microsoft maintains strict system requirements for Windows 11 compared to other Windows operating systems. They even have a PC Health Checker tool to check your PC's compatibility with this new system.

Although this new operating system is compatible with the latest PCs, some specific systems may be slightly incompatible due to TPM requirements.

Unlike previous Windows versions, the new version requires TPM 2.0 or Microsoft Pluton to be enabled as a secure processor.

The following are the key hardware requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, two or more cores 64-bit processor
• Memory: 4 GB or higher
• Storage: 64 GB
• Security Processor: TPM 2.0 or Microsoft Pluton
• Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible or higher with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 720p supports 8 Bit Color or better

PCs built within the last four years should be able to run this new operating system. However, many users are unable to install it due to strict security processor requirements.

If you are interested, read Differences between Microsoft Pluton and TPM.

Even if you don't have these security modules, you can still install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0.

On the other hand, Windows 7 system requirements are very simple. Therefore, anyone with a PC with the same or better specs below can run this operating system.

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor.
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit, 2 GB for 64-bit.
• Storage: 16 GB 32-bit, 20 GB 64-bit
• Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible GPU with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

When Windows 7 comes out, people will not have to face the same difficulties running the operating system as they do now while running the current Windows operating system.

➡ Feature Comparison

• Design and User Interface

When you compare these two different Windows operating systems, The first difference is design and UI.

With Windows 11, Microsoft has eliminated much of the traditional design and introduced new UI types with different looks. For example, although Windows 7 also had rounded corners, MS did not follow this design pattern for its subsequent versions, Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

After a long time, Microsoft has brought back rounded corners to UI elements. However, it's very different from operating systems of the past.

Windows 7 uses a frosted glass effect in some parts of the UI to achieve transparency. In comparison, Windows 11’s transparency effect is quite different. It uses the color of the desktop background to use a blur effect in the UI.

This is called Mica Material and is part of Microsoft’s Fluid Design Language.

When you move a Window that uses this modern UI element, it uses blur technology to change color based on its position compared to the desktop background.

This is mainly to make it look fresh and modern without compromising performance and battery life.

This new fluid design is visible in most built-in Windows 11 apps, Settings, File Explorer, context menus, and more. While some apps are still using older designs, over time these designs will get a new look, just like Notepad's Fluent design from a few weeks ago.

• Built-in apps, start menu and settings.

Windows 11 has a new Start menu that is very different from Windows 7. For the first time, Microsoft has moved the Start menu to the center instead of the left. However, you can quickly move it to the left.

The new Start menu may cause inconvenience to users of older versions of Windows. However, Microsoft has taken this approach to make using Windows more comfortable for the latest Windows users who are familiar with smartphone UI.

The Windows 7 Start menu has a traditional XP/VISTA-like layout with the application list visible. However, you can disable it from settings. On Windows 11, it's like a smartphone UI where the list of apps becomes visible after another click.

In the new operating system, you can also pin and unpin apps in the Start menu, which was not possible in older Windows versions.

The Control Panel is the center of Windows 7 where users can adjust certain things on the operating system. However, Windows 11 has a dedicated Settings app that is very different from Control Panel.

Users can do most things through this new Settings app. Nonetheless, this modern Windows operating system still has the control panel as some features are not yet available in Settings. Once it's sorted out, MS will eliminate Control Panel.

Most of Windows 11’s built-in apps are not that different from Windows 7’s apps. The main difference you'll notice is the UI. Additionally, you'll find some additional, fully built-in apps like Mail and Calendar, Photos, and more.

• Widgets

Both operating systems have widgets as a built-in feature. However, there are many differences. Windows 11 has a dedicated panel of widgets that appear when you click on a specific icon on the taskbar. These widgets are like Live Tiles for Windows 10, with more detail.

Windows 7 widgets, on the other hand, are always visible on the desktop. Unfortunately, these also look very different and have some limitations in functionality and performance.

If you missed Live Tiles for the Windows 10 Start Menu, you should check out Widgets for Windows 11, as this new feature replaces those Live Tiles. If needed, you can easily disable these devices by adjusting a simple feature.

• Multitasking

Windows has traditionally been very compatible with multitasking. However, the latest version of this operating system brings some major changes that can take your experience to the next level.

To work on multiple windows at the same time, you must manually organize each window on Windows 7.

But, on Windows 11, 6 predefined layouts automatically organize every open app and window. This feature is called snapshot layout. It offers more than just this automatic window management.

One of the best things is that it remembers which apps were last opened, especially the layout that makes it easier for you to get your work done more conveniently.

#Dual or multi-monitor setups, switching between desktops, everything is even more improved on the latest operating systems. However, it's worth noting that when you connect a second monitor, Windows will restore the layout style you last used on that monitor.

#The new File Explorer on the latest operating systems comes with the long-awaited tab feature. Now, it's easier to interact with multiple folders.

• Touch support

In its early days, Windows was not touch-friendly. Windows 7 supports pen and touch. It's not as convenient as modern versions of Windows.

Since Windows 8, Microsoft has been aggressively focusing on touchscreen devices. In Windows 11, it has been significantly improved.

The new operating system delivers a great experience on both touch-enabled laptops and tablets, with new gestures designed to navigate between apps and interact more easily.

The new touch keyboard is also great for tablets. Now, you can type without any difficulty due to the larger screen size.

• Application Support

Windows 7 only supports legacy Windows applications, including Win32 applications. However, Windows 11 has a dedicated app store that supports different types of apps, including modern UWP apps.

The new app store called Microsoft Store has a new design. Now it's easier to find the apps you want.

Various software manufacturers are publishing their applications on this store. As a result, the new operating system comes with rich in-app support and usability.

• Windows Subsystem for Android

One of the best features of Windows 11 is Windows Subsystem for Android. It allows you to run Android apps on your PC or laptop without the need for third-party emulators.

You can only install apps using the Amazon Appstore, but you can also sideload Android apps using unofficial media such as the ADB tool.

#Android app support is not yet available as a full release. However, according to various sources, it will be completed within the next few weeks.

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One of the things is that not all PCs are compatible with this feature. So, if you think that third-party emulators don't matter, you are incorrect.

There are some differences between Windows 11 and the Android emulator. However, many users still use these tools to run Android apps on their PC.

• Windows Subsystem for Linux

Unlike older operating systems, Windows 11 is very advanced and flexible. If you want to use some part of Linux, mainly Ubuntu, Windows 11 has support for it. You don't need to install a separate operating system for this. The Linux subsystem will do the job perfectly.

On Windows 7, there is no such functionality. Therefore, it cannot use any Linux in this Windows operating system except a virtual machine.

This feature was first introduced in Windows 10 and has been implemented for Windows 11.

• Collaboration Features

When Microsoft started building Windows 11, it prioritized the needs of business users. That's why the latest operating systems come with many collaboration features.

#Microsoft Teams is available as a built-in feature of this operating system. Additionally, many features help users quickly share and discuss things with team members.

• Windows Sandbox

If you know anything about virtual machines, you'll love Windows 11's Windows Sandbox feature. It was originally released on Windows 10. Windows Sandbox allows you to open a virtual Windows system that is isolated from the main operating system.

It helps in testing various software and perform some security important critical tasks. Unfortunately, Windows 7 has no such functionality. You'll need to rely on third-party tools, which may not be as good as the operating system's built-in tools.

➡ Windows 11 vs. Windows 7 – Performance

Windows 11 and Windows 7 are both excellent operating systems from Microsoft. Even though they come from two completely different eras, they are still comparable in many ways.

When we talk about performance, comparing these two versions of Windows is tricky. Windows 7 is one of the best performing operating systems out there. Regardless, it's also by far the best-performing Windows operating system among older systems.

However, for various reasons, Windows 11 performs better on modern computers with decent specs.

This latest variant comes with a number of performance improvements to more powerfully take advantage of modern hardware. As a result, users can see a noticeable performance difference compared to the ancient Windows 7.

• Compatibility

One of the key factors regarding the performance of both operating systems is their compatibility. You can use Windows 7 on both older and modern devices. However, some drivers for the latest devices may not work with this operating system.

Therefore, this operating system works best on older PCs. Windows 11 works great on the latest hardware. If your computer does not have TPM 2.0 or Microsoft Pluton, this version will not run. However, it works best when a TPM or Pluton is present.

➡ Windows 11 vs. Windows 7 – Gaming

Ten years ago, the old Windows 7 was the top choice for gamers because of its performance, latest DirectX support, and more. Microsoft has always focused on high-priority games.

With Windows 11, the company has shown its willingness to provide gamers with a great experience. It comes with several gaming features that make gaming on PC even better. We've found that in many cases, Windows 11 can deliver higher FPS when playing games.

The most important game functions brought by this operating system are as follows:

• Direct storage

This New technology allows NVMe SSDs to transfer game data directly to the GPU instead of the CPU. Therefore, it significantly reduces rendering time.

If you already have a decent system, you may notice that the actual gameplay of this feature is slightly different. However, you'll notice noticeable improvements when your system loads a game or a specific game level.

To use this feature, users must use a PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 SSD. Microsoft also plans to bring this feature to Windows 10.

• Auto HDR

Auto HDR is another great feature that is very attractive to gamers. It makes older game titles look better on Windows 11 PCs. However, it requires developers to create HDR-compatible versions.

When you launch a compatible game and have a compatible device, it will automatically prompt you to enable Auto HDR.

• Game Bar and Games Tab

Windows 11 has a dedicated Games tab in the Settings app where you can adjust Various settings related to the game. From there, you can enable Game Mode, configure screen capture settings, and adjust Game Bar's options, for example.

Game Bar was originally introduced in Windows 10. In the latest operating systems, it has been significantly improved.

• Xbox Game Pass

If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, this latest version of Windows also has a dedicated Xbox app to access specific game.

➡ Windows 11 vs. Windows 7 – User Experience

When we talk about user experience, Windows 11 will always do better than Windows 7, except under certain circumstances.

In low-end devices, Windows 7 may perform better. However, in actual use, you will encounter many problems. Most flagship software manufacturers have stopped supporting this ancient operating system. Web browsers also don't work well on this operating system.

Although Google Chrome will support this old Windows operating system for a few weeks, it will stop working. We personally tested Chrome and other compatible browsers on this operating system and found that many websites displayed security warnings.

So even if you notice slightly better performance in some specific cases, Windows 7 is not great in terms of user experience in 2022.

On the other hand, Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system. The industry is paying more attention to this operating system than previous MS operating systems. Windows 11 runs very smoothly on modern compatible devices.

There are many built-in features, including some for gamers; always keep this operating system top of mind.

Windows 11 will always be the better choice for security and compatibility with modern software, at least for the next few years.

However, users still complain about some things. For example, the new Start menu looks better. However, it lacks some features we saw in Windows 10. For example, the taskbar doesn't yet support drag-and-drop.

Otherwise, by default, the Start menu and Start button are located in the middle of the taskbar. So, when you pin a lot of apps in the taskbar, it looks weird and doesn't give a pleasant experience to power users.

Luckily, you can always put the Start menu and pinned apps on the left side, like in Windows 7.

Microsoft has always taken user feedback seriously. As a result, we're seeing some changes coming to the preview build. The missing features, mainly Start menu tweaks and drag-and-drop, will be coming to the full version of Windows 11 in a few months.

When it comes to user experience, Windows 11 will always do better and be improved regularly. In contrast, this does not happen with older Windows 7 because it has passed its life cycle.

➡ Dual Boot Windows 11 and Windows 7

For some reason, you may need to use both operating systems at the same time. For example, some older software has not been updated for a long time and may not run on the latest Windows operating system.

In this case, you may want to use Windows 7 and your favorite modern operating system. Then dual booting can be done easily.

We already have a dedicated dual boot Windows 11 and 7 tutorial. From there, you can review the instructions and follow them at your convenience.

➡ Should Windows 7 users finally upgrade to the latest operating system?

The answer is mainly yes. Windows 7 is outdated in this day and age. Therefore, it is not a good idea to no longer use this legacy operating system. However, if you have no plans to build or buy a new computer, you can use this operating system a few more times.

But if you're planning to upgrade your hardware, now is the perfect time to pick up the latest Windows 11. After release, its performance was slightly worse. However, this operating system has gained significant performance improvements over time.

➡ Can you make Windows 7 look like Windows 11 and vice versa?

Yes. you can. There are several themes and tools that can make your old Windows operating system look like the latest Windows 11. For this, you can use Windows 11 Skinpack.

There is also the Windows 7 Skinpack that can make any modern Windows look like Windows 7.

However, depending on the system you are using, there may be a slight performance hit to installing such themes and tools. However, if you want, you can get the vibe of a different operating system by using such tools.

If you are using the latest operating system and want to change its appearance, check out these Best Windows 11 themes and skins.

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Windows 11 addresses many of the limitations we saw in its predecessor. Microsoft is also improving this operating system with every new update.

With some great features, the ability to take better advantage of modern hardware, and game-changing features in performance and security, Windows 11 is the ultimate choice for PC enthusiasts.

Not just Windows 7 users, but any other Windows user should consider upgrading to Windows 11. This is worth it.

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