Windows 11 Criticized for Performance Issues in Benchmarks

12 Jan 2026

Microsoft's Windows 11, released in 2021, is receiving backlash as benchmarks reveal it may be the slowest Windows version in 25 years.

Performance Issues and Benchmarks

Independent tests show Windows 11 lags behind older versions like Windows 10 and 8 in boot times and application launch speed. A notable YouTuber, TrigrZolt, highlighted its slower performance in daily tasks. Even high-end systems with 13th-generation Intel CPUs report slowdowns, questioning the efficiency of Windows 11's aesthetic and AI features.

User Experiences and Reactions

Users report issues in file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with gamers experiencing stuttering and frame drops. Some attribute these problems to resource-heavy preloaded features like Copilot and OneDrive syncing. Community tools addressing 'bloat' suggest a trade-off between features and efficiency.

Proposed Solutions and Concerns

Critics suggest Microsoft implements modular installations to improve efficiency and allow opting out of nonessential features. Industry analysts warn that without improvements, Microsoft risks losing market share to alternatives like Linux. The debate continues on the balance between added features and system performance.

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