The Intel Core i5 is one of the most popular and best performing CPUs. There are a range of different generations, and models within each generation of the i5. But, in this article I will explain everything there is to know about if it’s a good idea to upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5.
Overall, you should upgrade to Windows 11 on an Intel Core i5. The reason is Windows 11 has a much better looking user interface, and overall is only 2% slower than Windows 10. However, not all i5 CPUs (processors) support Windows 11, explained below.
Windows 11 has a bunch of new features, but the long and short of it is that Windows 11 just has a better looking user interface, and has no real difference in performance.
Below, I will show the results of independent tests that have looked at the difference in speed/performance between Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as, why only some i5’s are supported by Microsoft for Windows 11, and what happens if you install Windows 11 on an i5 that is not supported by Microsoft for Windows 10.
Speed/Performance of Windows 10 vs Windows 11 on an i5
There is a general trend with versions of Windows, where each new version uses more computer resources than the last. The i5 is one of the best performing and cost effective CPUs there are. But, here is if there is any difference in speed and performance between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the i5.
On average, Windows 11 is 2% faster than Windows 10 on the i5. But, it’s very task specific. For example, Windows 10 is faster at shutting down, whereas, Windows 11 is faster at opening certain apps like Adobe Premiere pro. For all tasks, though, Windows 11 is faster by a very small margin.
Interestingly, not all i5’s are supported by Microsoft to run Windows 11. And is something you need to be aware of when considering if you should you upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5.
It’s a bit of a complicated topic. But, in general, there is a work around where it’s possible to install Windows 11 on an unsupported i5, very easily.
Now, I’ve covered why the performance of Windows 11 on an i5 is not an issue. I will now cover the main considerations for whether it’s a good idea to upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5. The main reasons are:
- It has a better looking user interface
- It has additional features not available on Windows 11
The main draw of Windows 11 is the much better looking user interface. This is reason enough to upgrade. There are also some additional features that are built into Windows. But, there are many, and often these only suit specific people at certain times.
For an everyday user, who doesn’t really geek out on new features, and uses Windows really simple, this isn’t a big deciding factor.
But, it is cool to know. Here’s a really good video from Kevin Stratvert, a Youtuber who works at Microsoft – or did work at Microsoft where he covers some of the really cool ones.
Are There Any Downsides to Sticking With Windows 10
I’m personally perfectly happy with Windows 10, and honestly I’m super busy that it’s a low priority to upgrade to Windows 11, and to get used to the different layout.
Overall, there are no downsides to sticking with Windows 10 until 2025 when Microsoft will no longer offer support, and updates to it. Both of these aren’t generally a big deal. And they are ‘nice to have’. Therefore, all things considered, practically there are no downsides to sticking with Windows 10.
Is It a Good Idea To Upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5
Windows 10, and other versions of Windows work well on an i5. Because Windows 11 is so new, it’s hard to know if you should upgrade now, or stay on the current version of Windows you have. Therefore, below is a full rundown of whether it’s a good idea to upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5.
It’s a good idea to upgrade to Windows 11 on an i5. Windows 11 and Windows 10 have virtually identical speed performance on the same computer. One consideration is that Windows 11 is only supported on i5’s that are 8th generation or newer. Below is how this affects Windows 11.
If you install Windows 11 on an unsupported i5 it has 2 primary differences:
- Microsoft will not provide support if there is an issue
- It won’t utilize the enhances security features that Windows 11 has
The new security features that Windows 11 have only work on 3 specific 7th generation i5’s, and all i5’s that are an 8th generation or higher, such as 9th gen, and 10th gen i5’s.
This is because they have what is called TPM 2.0 or higher. This technology is required to use the new security features built into Windows 11.
But, other than that it’s perfectly fine to install Windows 11 on any generation of the i5. And that way you can enjoy the much better looking user interface it has.
Does Windows 11 Affect Intel Performance
Intel is one of the top computer component manufacturers. They also make complete computers. All new Intel computers with an 8th generation CPU or newer now come with Windows 11. But, here is if Windows 11 affects performance on Intel computers.
On average, Windows is 2% faster than Windows 10 on Intel CPUs (processors). Therefore, Windows 11 does not affect Intel performance. Some tasks are slower on Windows 11, whereas others are faster. But, overall Windows 11 is 2% faster, for everything that most people do on a PC.
So, you can enjoy the user interface improvement. Without, suffering from any lack of performance. Unlike, with previous versions of Windows. Such as, upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10.