- Windows 10 outperforms Windows 11 in gaming performance across most current titles.
- Security features like HVCI and VBS negatively impact Windows 11 performance, reaching a difference of up to 7%.
- There's no game where Windows 11 performs better than Windows 10; at best, they're a dead heat.
The eternal dilemma between Windows 10 vs Windows 11 for gaming continues to generate heated debates among PC gaming enthusiasts. With the arrival of the Windows 10 end of support just around the corner and with promises of improved performance in Windows 11, many users are looking for the ultimate answer.
In this article we present a detailed and updated comparison of The real differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 in terms of gaming performanceWe'll review both performance tests with different processors and graphics cards, as well as the impact of certain security features.
Why isn't Windows 11 convincing to all gamers?
Since its launch, Windows 11 has generated a mix of expectation and skepticism among gamers. On the one hand, Microsoft promised a more modern, secure, and optimized system; on the other, doubts have arisen due to initial glitches and constant updates that seem to slow down the experience. Many users still feel that, even several years after its arrival, Windows 11 still doesn't reach the level of gaming performance of Windows 10..
Windows 10 vs. Windows 11… In reality, the future of Windows 10 is already decided: by 2025, most computers will no longer receive official support. Microsoft does offer the option to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), but migrating to Windows 11 is free for those with a legal license. The main difference lies in security: Windows 11 enables technologies such as HVCI (Memory Integrity) and VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) by default., which improves protection, but may affect performance, especially in more demanding games.
HVCI and VBS: Safety at the cost of lower FPS…
La Memory Integrity (HVCI) and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) These are two advanced protection features that isolate sensitive parts of the operating system using virtualization technology. Keys to comparing Windows 10 vs. Windows 1. These barriers make it harder for malware to attack the Windows core, but they have a direct consequence: They increase the processor's workload and can cut several FPS in games..
Default, Windows 10 usually comes with these features disabled.While Windows 11 activates them immediately after installationTo compare performance on a level playing field, we analyze four scenarios: Windows 10 and 11 with HVCI/VBS enabled and disabled, respectively.
- With HVCI/VBS disabled, both systems operate with less protection but with higher speed.
- With HVCI/VBS enabled, you experience a drop in FPS in games: Security is strengthened, but resources are sacrificed.
The results vary depending on the game. There are titles where there are hardly any differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. For example, in games like Baldur's Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy, Spider-Man Remastered, Horizon Forbidden West or Hitman 3, the results are practically the same or with variations of 1-2 FPS, which you will not notice in the usual gaming experience.
However, in very popular and demanding titles, the differences can be decisive for the most competitive players. This is the case with The Last of Us Part I, where Windows 10 achieves between 1% and 2% more performance than Windows 11. Or Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, in which the difference varies depending on the processor, with a Windows 10 advantage ranging from 3% to 10%.
For more details on how to optimize your system, see How to optimize Windows 11 for games.
The role of HVCI and VBS in performance decline
Activation of VBS and HVCI significantly affects the results in the Windows 10 vs Windows 11 gaming comparison. With these features enabled, the differences in FPS can increase up to 7%, which translates into a loss of FPS in exchange for increased security. The most common recommendation is to keep these features enabled for protection, although some gamers prioritize performance and choose to disable them on dedicated gaming computers.
Even on configurations with VBS/HVCI disabled in Windows 11, there is still a performance difference compared to Windows 10, which can be as much as 3%. When safety features are activated, the drop can be up to 6-7%., depending on the title and hardware.
Respecto a frametimes, Windows 10, which disables HVCI by default, manages to be up to a 4% faster than Windows 11 when both settings are the same. The difference in whether or not HVCI is enabled in Windows 10 can increase by up to 7%.
Is it worth switching to Windows 11 if you're a gamer?
So, Windows 10 vs Windows 11 for gaming… What conclusions can we draw? Based on the current data, Windows 10 is still the best choice for gaming. Its performance is equal to or better than Windows 11 in all titles tested. For those looking to maximize every FPS, the difference between 3% and 11% can be decisive.
Does this mean Windows 11 is not suitable for gaming? Absolutely not, it's just It does not have significant improvements in gaming performance compared to Windows 10.The situation could change if Microsoft optimizes future versions or if developers take advantage of exclusive features, such as DirectStorage or improved virtual cores, but for now, Windows 10 is the preferred operating system for gamers.
Additionally, the Windows 11 experience introduces some minor bugs and needs frequent updates, which may affect its stability. For users who value robustness and stability, continuing with Windows 10 until support ends seems the safest option, while still ensuring security in other ways.
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