# Windows 11 Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Windows 11 the right Operating Systems solution for you? Explore 102 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/reviews --- Windows 11 4.4 (102) [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 March 13th, 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 Glen N IT DirectorReligious Institutions, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It's still a big industry standard for work as well and with the latest versions of OneDrive, you can sync your employee's important work files so if they have to work at another station or their computer dies, their work isn't gone.“ July 27, 2025 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 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. “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 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 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 102 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use 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 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 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 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 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 Aroob A. Web Developer Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11 for developers" February 2, 2025 5.0 Pros The new interface is very sophisticated and the animations are very smooth. Cons It is not compatible with many of the older computers or laptops. Review Source Glen N. IT Director Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Business Standard" July 27, 2025 5.0 Now days, either off the shelf for home or co figured for business with on-prem server or Intune, Windows is still the easiest system to deploy, and for gaming it's still typically a must for the best compatibility with the most games. Pros Easy to deploy, up to touchless with new Intune configuration. It's still a big industry standard for work as well and with the latest versions of OneDrive, you can sync your employee's important work files so if they have to work at another station or their computer dies, their work isn't gone. Cons There's time when you really need a Mac or if you don't want to pay for a license you could also go with a flavor of Linux. I haven't experienced something like a bad patch in so long though I can't speak poorly of that. Review Source NR Nadia R. MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11 is an amazing update" February 26, 2025 5.0 I found that windows 11 is very user friendly and has a super modern design Pros its faster and more streamline than windows 10 Cons I wish it were free to upgrade and more compatible with most devices Review Source HM HOSSEIN M. IT Support specialist Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Modern and elegant design " January 5, 2025 5.0 The user interface is remarkably contemporary and aesthetically pleasing. However, there are still certain features within Windows 11 that retain elements from Windows 10 and have not been updated. Pros The user interface design is so modern and elegant Cons There are still things inside windows 11 old and not updated from windows 10 Alternatives considered [MacOS Big Sur](https://www.capterra.com/p/228984/MacOS-Big-Sur/) Reason for choosing Windows 11 More familiar with it since windows 7, also the compatibility and easy to install on any machine Review Source JG Johan G. Application Specialist Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11, a great upgrade" August 13, 2024 5.0 It was an easy upgrade from Windows 10, everything worked from the start. Pros It's smooth, easy to update and everything works with it. Cons The hardware reqs. It works great on hardware with lower specs. Review Source RS RICARDO S. Sales Representative Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A fresh design." March 10, 2025 5.0 I feel more comfortable with its modern design. Pros Is faster and more responsive, and the virtual desktop feature lets you stay more organized. Cons It has more system requirements than previous versions, that means certain problems with older computers. Review Source KS Kyle S. AV Technician Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows 11 Review" December 25, 2024 5.0 Windows 11 allows me to do my job efficiently and effectively. Pros In my job I have to work a lot within networks. Windows 11 makes changing my network settings extremely easy and allows me to do it within seconds, greatly saving me time on the job. Cons Sometimes there are some scaling issues with some applications that have to be run with windows 7 compatibility. 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 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 Jonathan Alexander C. IT infrastructure analyst Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### " A modern, friendly and secure operating system" June 22, 2022 4.0 We have been migrating in recent months to this new operating system and it has been positive in the sense that we have more modern and secure equipment in terms of updates and threats. Pros What I like most about this new Microsoft operating system is its modern and friendly interface and that it keeps up to date with updates, which makes it safer when it comes to any threat, also that it is more oriented to the end user and does not both technicians, which makes the end user feel more comfortable. Cons What I like least is that some options were changed in location, which at times is difficult to find, but it is something that little by little the user gets used to and learns. Review Source VP Veronica P. Finance Director Entertainment Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Open up to Windows 11" December 19, 2023 5.0 Pros Windows 11 is very easy to use. It looks good, has a lot more security ad-on's and has a great file management. I would highly recommend it. Cons There is nothing I like least about Windows 11. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Practice Manager Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Windows 11 " May 18, 2023 5.0 I have really enjoyed Windows 11 and the different options for viewing multiple desktops and manipulating the task bar views. Pros Windows 11 has been a great upgrade. I love that you can have multiple desktops to switch between depending on what you are doing. This is a feature that I didn't know that I needed but I use daily. Cons I would like the ability to switch between dual monitors with the click of a button rather than downloading third-party software that provides this capability. Review Source Xavier S. Owner Music Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "The newest king...or is it?" October 18, 2023 4.0 Pros The style and look of Windows 11 is cool. And it is always nice to have a new interface. You can also customize it to look like Windows 10 if you desire and that is amazing. I also enjoy that it is free to use, you can use it without a license and you will only get a watermark on your screen. Cons Microsoft is trying really hard for it not to run on older hardware and that is not right. It should be available to all who want it, especially since they are not going to support Windows 10 after 2024. There are ways around it but it is so complicated for the average user who does not need to upgrade their computer. I am still not sure if it is worth upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. I think you should run Windows 10 until they stop supporting it. Review Source PB Prabhjit B. Project Head and Business Development Manager Broadcast Media Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Operating Systems Can’t Get Better Than This - Windows 11 is a Champion" May 30, 2023 5.0 Pros Over the past few years Microsoft has constantly worked on their operating systems and Windows 11 is their best one yet. The user interface is modern and stylish. You get mac inspired taskbar in the middle along with the latest news area on the bottom left. Most of the modern applications work flawlessly and there aren’t any issues in regular use! Overall it’s safe to say that Windows 11 is Microsoft’s best OS yet and it only keeps getting better. Cons While there are no major cons Windows 11 can definitely get better with a few more theme customisation options and bringing back Windows Vista style widgets! Would love to see hit happen someday! Review Source JM Julius M. ICT Assistant Insurance Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows 11 Review" September 25, 2023 5.0 my overall experience with Windows 11 has been technically great. it gives the power to create, manage- and complete tasks without worrying about functionality. Pros What I like the most about Windows 11 is that it has the ability to multi-task giving the advantage to complete my tasks on time. its features like creating multiple Desktops have been great. Cons There isn't much I don't like about Windows 11. Review Source VG Victor G. infrastructure analyst Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "excellent system" June 10, 2022 4.0 Pros It is extremely fast, it has new and better features that give a better use and a better environment when using the system. Cons I installed windows 11 since it came out, and the first week it gave me a black screen and it restarted, after it was updated, it has never happened again, this would be the only thing that has happened to me Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Operating Systems](https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/)