Centered Taskbar & New Start Menu: Features Fluent Design with rounded corners for a cleaner, more intuitive navigation experience.

File Explorer Tabs: Native multi-tab support in File Explorer, reducing window clutter — available only in Windows 11.

Dynamic Lighting & Touch Optimizations: Built-in Dynamic Lighting manages RGB devices; touchscreen optimizations allow mouse/keyboard-free operation.

Default Hardware-Level Security: Mandatory TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot​ requirements, with Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enabled by default, providing chip-to-cloud multi-layer protection. Reports show approximately 62% fewer security incidents​ compared to Windows 10.

Smart App Control: Automatically blocks untrusted or malicious applications — a feature not available in Windows 10.

Passwordless Login (Passkey): Deep integration with Windows Hello passkey management, gradually replacing traditional passwords to defend against phishing attacks.

Lifecycle Advantage: Windows 10 ended mainstream security updates on October 14, 2025, leaving continued use exposed to security risks. Windows 11 continues to receive ongoing updates.

Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button to quickly choose grid layouts. Windows 11 also remembers window positions​ and automatically restores them when reconnecting external monitors — far superior to Windows 10's basic snap functionality.

Improved Virtual Desktops: Supports setting individual wallpapers for each virtual desktop, making it easier to distinguish between work and personal environments.

Phone Link: Seamlessly sync content, messages, calls, and notifications from both Android and iPhone. Windows 10 only supports Android.

AI & Accessibility Features: Built-in Windows Copilot​ (AI assistant), Live Captions, Voice Access, and more natural Narrator voices.

Auto HDR: Automatically enhances color range and brightness for both new and older games, delivering more vivid visuals.

DirectStorage: Significantly reduces game loading times on compatible NVMe SSDs.

Optimizations for Windowed Games: Reduces latency and improves frame rates, supporting high-performance windowed gaming for more DirectX 11+ titles.

Faster Wake & Updates: Faster wake from sleep; monthly system updates are smaller in download size and install more quickly.

Battery Life: Improved memory and process management, along with "Energy Recommendations" features to extend laptop battery life.

Native ARM64 Support: Runs far more efficiently on new architecture devices (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs) compared to Windows 10's emulation mode.