I upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10 not too long ago, and I've noticed a few significant changes that might interest you. First off, the user interface in Windows 11 is more streamlined and cleaner compared to Windows 10, which I personally find enhances productivity. The new Start menu and taskbar layout are more centered and simplified, making navigation somewhat more intuitive once you get used to it.
Regarding performance improvements, Windows 11 does feel slightly snappier than Windows 10, especially on startup. However, the actual performance improvement will largely depend on your hardware specifications. On newer hardware, Windows 11 runs smoothly; however, if your device is on the older side or meets just the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 (like TPM 2.0 support and Secure Boot capability), you might not notice significant performance gains.
As for compatibility with older software and hardware, this can be a bit hit or miss. Most software that ran on Windows 10 should technically work on Windows 11, but there could be exceptions, especially with very old or niche applications. It's a good idea to check compatibility lists online or try running those applications in a test environment if possible.
New features in Windows 11 like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops are quite useful for multitasking and organizing open windows quickly. These have personally helped me improve my workflow efficiency significantly.
In summary, if your device supports it comfortably (check Microsoft's PC Health Check app), upgrading can offer a fresher interface with some nice quality-of-life improvements that might boost your productivity. Just make sure to verify indispensable application compatibility beforehand!