The Ultimate Windows versions speed comparison (Win7, Win8.0, Win8.1, Win10, Win11)
This part includes boot time tests, RAM/CPU Usage Tests, and shutdown time tests.
Differences in every windows version:
1. Win7
Pros:
Supports PCs without PAE and NX.
More popular than Windows 8.x.
Great for 2GB-4GB RAM PCs.
Cons:
Unpopular compared to Windows 10 or 11.
Chrome 110+ and Firefox 115+ don't support Windows 7.
RAM Usage higher than Windows 8.x (around 730MB RAM Usage).
DirectX12 games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring don't work on Windows 7.
Most applications such as Adobe CC Apps, OBS Studio might not work on Windows 7.
Does not support modern hardware on Windows 7.
Windows 7 has slower boot times than Windows 8.x.
Windows 7 reached EOL Support including ESU Updates
2. Win8.0
Pros:
Newest windows x64 version possible to support PCs without CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF instructions such as AMD Athlon 64 from 2003.
Excellent for 2GB-4GB RAM PCs.
Least RAM Usage (mostly 405 MB).
Fastest boot times.
Cons:
Chrome 110+ and Firefox 115+ don't support Windows 8.0.
Windows 8.0 Needs SSE2, PAE and NX to work.
Does not support modern hardware on Windows 8.0.
Some modern applications that work on Windows 7/8.1 might not work on Windows 8.0.
DirectX12 games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring don't work on Windows 8.0.
Most applications such as Adobe CC Apps, OBS Studio might not work on Windows 8.0.
One of the most unpopular windows versions I've seen in 2025.
Windows 8.0 has reached EOL since 2016.
3. Win8.1
Pros:
Very good for 2GB-4GB RAM PCs.
Mostly low RAM Usage (515 MB).
Very Fast boot times. but it is not so fast as Windows 8.0
Cons:
Windows 8.1 Needs CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF to work with x64 version.
Chrome 110+ and Firefox 115+ don't support Windows 8.1.
Does not support modern hardware on Windows 8.1.
Some modern applications that work on Windows 7 might not work on Windows 8.1.
DirectX12 games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring don't work on Windows 8.1.
Most applications such as Adobe CC Apps, OBS Studio might not work on Windows 8.1.
Less popular than Windows 7.
Windows 8.1 reached EOL since 2023
4. Win10
Pros:
Officially supports somewhat modern and old hardware on Windows 10.
Windows 10 is mostly supported until October 2025! (2032 for IoT LTSC 2021, 2029 for LTSC 2019, 2027 for LTSC 2021.).
All Modern applications, including the latest version of Chrome, VMware Workstation 16 and later, VirtualBox latest, Adobe CC Apps, OBS Studio mostly works well.
DirectX12 games mostly work such as Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077.
No need for TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, newer hardware and Micros.
Cons:
May be less usable for 2GB RAM PCs due to higher RAM usage.
Higher RAM Usage than Windows 7 (930 MB)
Windows 10 Needs CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF to work with x64 version.
Slightly slower boot times than Windows 7 in some older PCs.
Windows 10 may need a dual core CPU to install properly.
Windows 10 has reached EOL since October 14th, 2025. you need to switch to IoT LTSC 2021 or activate ESU for extended support if users don't like Windows 11.
Somewhat less popular than Windows 11.
5. Win11
Pros:
Supports modern and latest generation hardware on Windows 11.
Windows 11 was the latest version of Windows ever.
All Modern applications, including the latest version of Chrome, VMware Workstation 16 and later, VirtualBox latest, Adobe CC Apps, OBS Studio mostly works well.
DirectX12 games mostly work such as Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077.
Cons:
Less usable for 2GB RAM and 3GB RAM PCs due to higher RAM usage.
Slightly Higher RAM Usage than Windows 10, as one of highest Windows Idle RAM Usage ever (1.1 GB)
Officially requires TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, modern hardware and Microsoft account on both home and pro editions. It doesn't need these requirements on Windows 11 IoT Enterprise editions.
Windows 11 24H2+ needs an SSE4.2 and POPCNT capable CPU to boot. Use 23H2 if CPU lacks SSE4.2 or POPCNT.
Windows 11 may need a dual core CPU to install properly.