The key changes are detailed in a 12-minute YouTube video from the official Microsoft Mechanics channel, with Enterprise Management VPN Steve Dispensa running through each one. Some of the seven mentioned are quite technical, but others can be understood by casual Windows fans. That includes improved memory management, which allows Windows 11 to better prioritise apps and processes that are used most often. Even if the CPU is occupied with a demanding task, apps will still be able to launch quickly and run in the foreground without issue. This also works for specific tabs and windows within Microsoft’s Edge browser. Better memory management also means Windows 11 devices can wake from sleep much faster. Microsoft says it has optimised when specific hardware components are called on, ensuring only those necessary for smooth performance are activated. Instant wake from sleep is one of the pillars of Intel’s Evo Platform, but that relies on the latest Intel chips. In terms of pure processing power, Windows 11 will also supposedly be more efficient than Windows 10. This aims to reduce the load on the CPU and avoid the need for throttling. the calls to specific hardware components, making sure only the necessary ones are turned on. At the software level, Windows 11 will supposedly be more efficient with the processing power it uses – this should reduce the load on the CPU and avoid the need for throttling. Elsewhere, Windows 11’s reduced disk footprint means the OS takes up significantly less space on the device’s hard drive. This has been achieved by expanding the use of compression technologies and using a default ‘stub’ state for non-critical apps. Aside from slightly longer load times, there should be no effect on functionality. Windows 11’s new hardware requirements are also specifically mentioned. Dispensa says the decision to only allow recent Intel or AMD chips is with both performance and security in mind – the latter is a key pillar of Windows 11. These more recent CPUs are also considered more reliable, which should keep performance levels high in the long term. You can watch the full 12-minute video below, with chapters in the video allowing you to jump to specific improvements you’d like to hear more about.

The maximum possible performance will still heavily depend on your laptop or PC hardware. However, any device that meets those new hardware requirements should see a handy speed boost on Windows 11. A version of this article was originally published in German on our sister site, PC-Welt.

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As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.