--- title: "Windows 11 Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Windows 11 the right Operating Systems solution for you? Explore 104 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Windows 11 4.4 (104) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated September 11th, 2026 # Reviews of Windows 11 Ease of use 4.5 Customer Service 4.0 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The most helpful part of the experience, by far, has been the Snap Layouts and Groups. If you’re someone who constantly has five different apps open for a single project, being able to hover over the maximize button and instantly lock windows into a perfect grid is a total game-changer.“ May 15, 2026 Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Additionally, the new Start menu is far less informative; losing the live tiles means I can’t see my weather or calendar events at a glance anymore, and the "Recommended" section often feels like wasted space that I’d rather use for pinned apps.“ May 15, 2026 Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “For gaming, the integration of Auto HDR and faster loading times makes a noticeable difference without me having to dig through settings.“ May 15, 2026 Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Even the hardware requirements feel unnecessarily strict—knowing that perfectly capable PCs are being left behind because of TPM requirements or specific CPU generations makes the whole upgrade feel less like a choice and more like a forced hardware refresh.“ May 15, 2026 Efraín M Internship for software developerComputer Software, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It provides better integration with Microsoft 365, improved gaming performance with DirectStorage, and robust security features such as TPM 2.0 requirements.“ December 10, 2024 Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The biggest downside, however, is the inconsistency in the user interface. While the new parts look great, you don't have to dig very deep to find menus that look like they haven’t been touched since Windows 7 or even XP.“ May 15, 2026 Harsh T Software EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The initial "muscle memory" hurdles have faded, replaced by a sense that the system is finally working \*with\* me rather than just being a platform I launch apps on.“ May 15, 2026 Edwin M Computer Service TechnicianEducation Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Some updates have to be delayed to ensure data integrity, and some features which could distract from productivity need to be disabled through group policy, such as news headlines on the lock screen.“ February 24, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 105 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Bruno M. IT Marketing Intern Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11: A Powerful Upgrade for Productivity and Security" August 4, 2026 5.0 As for my personal opinion on this operating system, it cannot be called anything but great. It has certainly helped our team to work with increased productivity, effective collaboration tools, and advanced content creation options. Thus, the product is worth choosing if you have a modern PC, and it is better to avoid it if you have a computer with older hardware. Pros I had the opportunity to test the Windows 11 system as an IT Marketing Intern for Traveledex. The overall impression from the usage of the system is positive, and I appreciate the Modern User Interface, Better Performance, Enhanced Security, Improved Multitasking Technology, and other utilities. Cons To begin with, I would like to note that Windows 11 has High Hardware Requirements. You are to be advised that the system demands more RAM and CPU power than the previous versions of Windows. Secondly, there is a Steep Learning Curve associated with the operation of the system. What is more, the Taskbar Customisation is limited compared to the older versions. Furthermore, Windows 11 may prove to be incompatible with Some Older Printers and Scanners, and other peripheral devices. In addition, there are Too Many Background Utilities, which makes the program run slower on older computers. Review Source RR Ruben R. IT Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Post Oak Tech & Windows 11" July 23, 2025 5.0 Overall seems to be stable, such as windows 10. I am hoping for a version that will not force so many disruptive updates. It creates frustration to the end user. Pros It is stable, more multitasking options such as widgets. It is visually appealing. Operating Systems seems to be more responsive with clear icons' display Cons Legacy software does not work on it. Too many updates, many are forced regardless of computer settings. Center taskbar can be confusing for new/non-technical users. Some major updates need technical troubleshooting, not available for the common user. Alternatives considered [MacOS Big Sur](https://www.capterra.com/p/228984/MacOS-Big-Sur/) Reason for choosing Windows 11 Ease of use, compatible with most productivity applications, less restrictive. Review Source Leandro A. Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11 Review" December 16, 2025 3.0 It is solid .But it eats too much RAM .Also , you have to be logged in to your Microsoft account in order to finish installing Windows 11 , really annoying , you can hack that , but it's not ideal , I really didn't like that . Pros It is the standard OS , I use it because everyone does .It is heavy on resources , but solid overall Cons You have to be logged in to your Microsoft account in order to finish installing Windows 11 , really annoying Review Source Durand T. Lead Clinical Analyst Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Sleek and Modern interface" August 23, 2026 5.0 Pros I like the modern, clean visual design of Windows 11, especially the rounded corners, centered taskbar, and polished aesthetic that make multitasking feel fresh and organized Cons I'm not a fan of its restrictive context menus, forced Microsoft Account sign-ins, and an unintuitive Start Menu that hides common options Review Source JJ Janet J. Student E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great user interface that is easy to use once u get the hang of it" April 21, 2025 5.0 Ovrrall Windows 11 bas very good programming and I havr noy had any issues with the interface since initially learning how to use the new lrogram Pros I like the ease of use and the security features. While windows 10 isnprobably my favorite user interface, windows 11 runs a close 2nd once a i figure dout how to use it. Cons At first I had a significantly difficult time figureing out the new interface as it was so much different than Windows 10 Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Computer Service Technician Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A Welcome Improvement" February 24, 2025 4.0 Windows 11 is a welcome improvement from past versions. It improves the usability of my computer without getting in my way. It's more refined and looks better without confusing employees. Pros It's easy to be productive. It's intuitive and has features we use constantly that are missing from Windows 10, like improved window snapping, but without being jarringly different from past versions of Windows. Cons Some updates have to be delayed to ensure data integrity, and some features which could distract from productivity need to be disabled through group policy, such as news headlines on the lock screen. Review Source Peter H. President Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11 - evolutionary improvements" February 11, 2025 5.0 I've been using windows for decades, I know it and am productive with it Pros Very stable, use/need MS Office every day Cons All the little bugs that pop up here and there Alternatives considered [Ubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/229058/Ubuntu/) Reason for choosing Windows 11 Linux has gotten much, much better - but still doesn't support everything I need. Review Source Harsh T. Software Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A Solid Leap Forward, Despite the Occasional Step Back" May 15, 2026 5.0 Overall, my experience with Windows 11 has been a journey from skepticism to genuine reliance. At first, the shift to a centered taskbar and the rounded, "glassy" aesthetic felt like change for the sake of change. However, as the OS has matured—especially with the recent 2026 updates—it has transformed into a remarkably stable and intelligent workspace. The initial "muscle memory" hurdles have faded, replaced by a sense that the system is finally working \*with\* me rather than just being a platform I launch apps on. The integration of AI features like \*\*Recall\*\* and \*\*Snap Layouts\*\* has completely changed my daily rhythm. Being able to pull up a project's context just by describing what I was working on, rather than digging through nested folders, has removed a huge amount of mental friction. While I still have gripes—like the occasional "forced" feel of integrated ads and the restrictive taskbar—the performance gains and the sheer speed of on-device processing make it hard to imagine going back to older versions. It feels like a premium, modern experience that has finally found its footing. Pros What I like best about Windows 11 is the refined, modern aesthetic that actually feels cohesive. The centered taskbar and rounded corners might seem like small visual tweaks, but they make the whole interface feel much less cluttered and more like a premium workspace. I’ve noticed that the animations are smoother, and the overall "glassy" look of the windows makes the OS feel fast and responsive. It’s one of those rare upgrades where the system doesn't just work better; it actually looks like something designed for the current year rather than a holdover from a decade ago. The most helpful part of the experience, by far, has been the Snap Layouts and Groups. If you’re someone who constantly has five different apps open for a single project, being able to hover over the maximize button and instantly lock windows into a perfect grid is a total game-changer. It eliminates that annoying manual "window shuffling" I used to do. Plus, since the system remembers those groups, I can dock or undock my laptop without my entire layout exploding—it just snaps right back to how I had it. The real upsides come down to the balance between productivity and performance. With the latest updates, the system feels incredibly stable, and features like the built-in Copilot and improved voice typing actually save me time on a daily basis. For gaming, the integration of Auto HDR and faster loading times makes a noticeable difference without me having to dig through settings. It feels like a mature, polished platform that focuses on keeping you in your flow rather than getting in your way with constant interruptions. Cons What I dislike most about Windows 11 is how much more "restrictive" it feels compared to previous versions. For example, the taskbar is now locked to the bottom of the screen, which is a massive headache if you’ve spent years working with it on the side or top. It feels like Microsoft prioritizes a specific "look" over the flexibility that long-time users actually need. Additionally, the new Start menu is far less informative; losing the live tiles means I can’t see my weather or calendar events at a glance anymore, and the "Recommended" section often feels like wasted space that I’d rather use for pinned apps. The least helpful part of the OS is the aggressive push for integrated services and "badges" that are essentially just ads. Whether it’s pop-ups suggesting I switch to Edge, or "reminders" to subscribe to Microsoft 365, it can feel like the operating system is constantly trying to sell me something rather than just letting me work. Even the hardware requirements feel unnecessarily strict—knowing that perfectly capable PCs are being left behind because of TPM requirements or specific CPU generations makes the whole upgrade feel less like a choice and more like a forced hardware refresh. The biggest downside, however, is the inconsistency in the user interface. While the new parts look great, you don't have to dig very deep to find menus that look like they haven’t been touched since Windows 7 or even XP. This "split personality" between the modern Settings app and the old Control Panel makes navigation feel disjointed. Plus, the recent trend of buggy updates in 2026—where some patches have caused issues with cloud storage or even app crashes—makes me more hesitant to hit the "Update" button than I used to be. It’s a beautiful system, but it often feels like it's still a work in progress. Review Source FP Fred P. Self employed Customer service and tech support consultant Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My windows 11 review." November 13, 2025 5.0 the jump from windows 10 to 11 was a real upgrade in ways that it surely was done to make it better, the simplified steps that makes it a great OS are mostly here Pros The polished way it looks and works, to my opinion, it's still the operating system to go, others are great too, not to talk smack about them, and I would say that in sometimes in a very specific way better, but Windows is to me the best and widely accepted. Cons The native support for Android apps that was promised at first, yes, there are ways to make it possible, but not quite, in some cases and it's understandable that needs to be done on a somewhat decent computer (good ram, cpu, gpu etc) Review Source Bryan J. Democratic Presidential Candidate Accounting Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Windows 11 Review" January 15, 2026 5.0 I have loved every minute of using windows 11, because you can constantly learn something new about the software as you use it. Pros It was the best operating system they have ever made and I am looking forward to the release of windows 12! The user interface is so easy to use and very easy to learn how to use the system. Cons When Windows XP first come out they had the control panel in a place where you could find it easily. Windows 11 thou, in order to find the control panel, you have to type control panel in the search bar to get to it. Review Source CB Cooper B. Director of Media Ministries Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good operating system, just not offered to a wide enough audience to become popular" February 9, 2025 4.0 While not as good as Windows 10, Windows 11 is perfectly fine, despite it's lack of compatibility with older machines. Pros Windows has the most compatibility and is the most widely used. While there are still many on Windows 10, Windows 11 is very similar and all of our programs still work. Cons I wish that computers that were a little bit older were eligible for the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. We have a few computers that are 7th generation Intel Core, but the oldest generation for Intel core processors are 8th generation. 7th generation is still perfectly capable in my opinion and many of those machines are still in use for us. Review Source PS Pebbles S. Insurance Agent Insurance Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11" December 15, 2024 5.0 I am really enjoying Windows 11, and continuing to learn about all it has to offer. Like everything these days it takes time, to get comfortable with new and improved programs. Change is a part of just about everything now and I see Windows 11 as a positive one. Pros The new sleek design and rounded edges. The ability to have Android apps through Amazon they have limits, but its still a great new feature. I like the new background better that the light coming through the window. It also seem like the task bar, stands out more. Cons I will have to get a separate app to use Cortana. Review Source CB Christina B. Communications and Children’s Ministry Religious Institutions Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Better than Windows 10" April 30, 2024 5.0 Pros Its new snap layout system makes it super easy to multitask. There is also the new design and settings menu which allows for easier customization. Cons Although it is easy to scale, it’s still is frustrating to manage as an admin (using intune, m365, etc.) if you aren’t a large enterprise with a dedicated IT team. Review Source Iman G. Student Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "OS Suitable for All Kinds" February 4, 2025 5.0 This is the Go-To recommended OS for all the casual users, especially gamers, since most of the video games are built for Windows. Pros The best thing I like about this version over Windows 10 or any other version is the UI upgrade. Windows 11 looks really modern with lots of in-built and 3rd-party customization options available. Cons There are always some bugs in every update of the OS, and it sometimes automatically updates itself even when I don't want to and have set it as disabled. Review Source bS brian S. boss Arts and Crafts Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "WINDOWS 11 TOPS IT." March 6, 2025 5.0 first use good when you find where all the changes from windows 10 are ,then your good to go.love it Pros its a little different to widows 10 but its got all widows 10 has and more good stuff Cons i don't think there is anything to dislike about windows 11 it works just fine for me. Review Source BR Brittany R. Practice Manager Veterinary Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11 Review" January 14, 2025 4.0 Pros Windows 11 is fast and very simple to use. Cons Windows 11 does need to be updated frequently. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Content Editor Online Media Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A well-done iteration, highly recommended" December 8, 2024 5.0 I'm satisfied overall but I did notice some compatibility issues in the beginning. It got better with updates though. Pros The design and user interface are really well done - Windows 11 brings something new while not straining much from the proven concept used in previous iterations. Cons It couldn't support my i7 laptop from 2017. I could only use it on my other (newer) PC. Review Source TA Turan A. IT Admin Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Of course our choice is Windows 11" May 2, 2023 5.0 All adaptation and transition processes were at a minimum level. We got a maximum conversion with minimum resources. You can understand a faster, more visual structure and performance difference. Simple but useful menus, easy filing and directory structure provided quick access and adaptation. Maybe it is the product that we provide the fastest adaptation among all MS Windows versions. Pros Microsoft did not break tradition. We were thinking what can be put on more technology, it offered us more. After all the updates we made on our system on the day Windows 11 was released, we started to use all values such as performance, image, quality, functionality, speed, resource at the maximum level. It offered an integrated structure thanks to increased speed, performance, minimum resource consumption, more functional menus and components, as well as increased security levels. All upgrade processes were completed simply and easily. It provided ease of use by getting full marks for all of our users. Streamlined interface structure, fixes in drag-and-drop technology, file explorers, more accessible management structure, and using its technology as a GPU in cases where performance is required are great benefits. Cons Actually this is not a problem. As MS users, we cannot abandon tradition. Problem with merging windows in taskbar requested by my users. It would be great to be able to show the windows as separate groups. Reason for choosing Windows 11 Thanks to the secure and integrated core operating system provided by MS, a lot of resources are not needed. In this way, all MS Windows provide you with them in one place. Security, performance, speed, a strong structure, less resources, much more efficiency, a simple and easy interface, a more manageable and adaptable structure. Review Source MT Marek T. CEO Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Windows 11 Review" April 27, 2023 5.0 Overall, my experience with Windows 11 was positive. I appreciated the new interface and features, which made using the operating system more enjoyable and efficient. While the initial setup process was a bit of a hassle, once I had the operating system up and running, I didn't encounter any significant issues or problems. Overall, I would recommend Windows 11 as a solid and modern operating system that offers many useful features and a great user experience. Pros I really liked the new interface of Windows 11. The Start menu and taskbar were redesigned, and the overall look and feel of the operating system felt modern and polished. Additionally, the new features such as the snap layouts and snap groups made multitasking much easier and more efficient. Cons One thing that I didn't like about Windows 11 was the initial setup process. The process was quite lengthy and required a lot of manual configuration, which was time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, some users reported compatibility issues with certain hardware and software. Review Source SO Shawn O. IT Systems Specialist Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11 - The best version of Windows since XP" October 2, 2023 5.0 Pros The new UI is much better and easier to use than the last few versions of Windows has been. It is sleek and smooth. Everything is easy to find in the settings and very easily customized to suit the needs of the teams or individuals using the OS. Cons At this point the only con I can think of is that the updates are very large and for some of our machines that has been an issue but we have been able to mitigate this. Review Source MJS Mark Jill S. Customer Service Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11 is just getting better and better." January 14, 2023 5.0 Very good. I like how the system offers very good security and customizable features. Pros What I like about the Windows 11 is the booting process. It's faster now. The fastest compared to the previous versions. App installation friendly which very good. Cons There's nothing that I can think of. Very good in every aspect. Review Source TB Teresa B. Peer Support Specialist Mental Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11 - my go to" June 8, 2024 5.0 I love Windows 11. I love the functions. It's easily learned. It's self explanatory. It's very secure. I have not had 1 problem with it. I have always had a good experience using Windows 11. I recommend it. Pros It's well organized. I love the functions. It's very secure. It's easily learned to operate. Cons I don't have any. Windows 11 is my go to. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Researcher Higher Education Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Nice Version of Windows" July 31, 2022 4.0 I always tend to upgrade the Windows software on my device to the latest release, even when the reviews are sometimes bad. I haven't faced too many major issues with Windows 11 and definitely recommend it. Pros The best advantage of Windows 11 over the previous releases is definitely the improved User-Interface. What is also nice, is that the software (at least the basic one) is free when upgrading from Windows 10. The continuous support and regular updates are also a great way to improve the product performance and remove the bugs. Cons There are couple of points I don't really like with this release. First, and the most annoying for me so far, is the need to click on show more option whenever I right click on an item. Also, the shutdown option doesn't really shut down the computer (at least with the default settings) like before. Instead a full restart is needed. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Manager Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Everyone's choice!" January 13, 2023 5.0 Pros Clean and quick installation setup, supports maximum desktop applications Cons Huge backup time, battery drainage,mouse synchronisation issues Review Source VR Verified Reviewer developer and consultant Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A modern os with some flaws" November 2, 2023 4.0 My overall experience is good, my only issues are with laggy virtual desktop switching and with backup features (I use a third part software) Pros System is stable and responsive, it keeps working smoothly across a week of work without rebooting. No problems in mixed networks (nas, samba shares..) Cons Windows animations and virtual desktop switching sometimes hangs. Backup features have been hidden in control panel as "windows 7 backup" and default options are not enterprise grade. Review Source Similar Products Featured