"Windows 10 reaches its 10th birthday, inciting debates over its continuation. Six outstanding features I will undeniably reminisce about within the OS."
As Windows 10 reaches its end of life on October 14, 2025, users may find themselves reminiscing about several unique features that defined its experience, particularly in contrast to Windows 11's design and system requirements.
Unique Features of Windows 10
Continuum Mode for 2-in-1 Devices
Windows 10 introduced Continuum, a feature that allows for seamless switching between tablet and desktop modes, adapting the UI dynamically depending on whether a keyboard is attached or a touchscreen is used. Windows 11, on the other hand, focuses more on a consistent desktop environment.
Traditional Desktop Familiarity
Windows 10 preserves a more classic Windows desktop and Start menu experience, closely resembling Windows 7 and 8, which is preferred by many users coming from older versions. Windows 11 offers a redesigned centered Start menu and taskbar, which some users find disruptive.
Broader Hardware Compatibility
Windows 10 supports a wider array of older hardware and does not require TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, which Windows 11 mandates. This allows Windows 10 to run on older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 without hardware changes.
Windows Insider Program and Semiannual Updates
Windows 10 pioneered Microsoft's open development approach with the Windows Insider program, engaging users in early feature previews and frequent semiannual updates, though sometimes problematic (e.g., 2018 file deletion bug). Windows 11 continues with annual feature updates but with a more closed release cycle.
Flexible OneDrive and Backup Options
Windows 10 has options for local backups and syncing device settings without mandatory cloud services, partly addressing user resistance to OneDrive integration. Windows 11 increasingly integrates OneDrive and Microsoft accounts into system processes, limiting local-only workflows.
Comparison to Windows 11
| Feature Category | Windows 10 | Windows 11 | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Tablet/Desktop UI | Continuum mode: switch fluidly between modes | More uniform desktop experience with less emphasis on tablet mode | | User Interface | Classic Start menu, taskbar on left | Centered Start menu and taskbar with redesigned UI | | Hardware Requirements | Supports older PCs without TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot | Requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer processors | | Update Cycle | Semiannual updates, more open Insider program | Annual updates, more controlled Insider program | | Backup and Cloud Integration| Optional OneDrive; Windows Backup app with flexible restore | Heavy OneDrive integration; migration less flexible | | Security and Support | Ends support in October 2025; no new features | Supported with ongoing security and feature updates | | Performance and Gaming | Stable on older hardware but no new optimization | Enhanced features like Snap Layouts, DirectStorage, optimized for new CPUs and gaming |
Looking Forward to Windows 11
Windows 11 prioritizes a modernized interface, tighter security, and newer hardware capabilities but at the cost of some legacy flexibility and traditional workflows. Users with older hardware or reliance on legacy software may prefer to continue using Windows 10 until migration is absolutely necessary.
It's important to note that the Start menu for Windows 11 is minimal and static, offering fewer customization options compared to Windows 10. Windows 10, on the other hand, found the right balance between design and customization.
Moreover, Windows 10 became one of the most popular operating systems, offering better stability, familiarity, and refinement. It made it easier to find and launch apps compared to Windows 11. The Start menu on Windows 10 included a full-screen mode and could be manually resized.
Windows 10 collects telemetry data in the background but doesn't feel intrusive compared to Windows 11. No further free updates will be available after the end of support unless the user enrolls in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Windows 11 promotes AI integration in the Start menu, Settings app, and other parts of the operating system, even if it's not desired by the user. The Copilot app, an AI-based tool, is available on Windows 10 but can be easily uninstalled.
In conclusion, as Windows 10 reaches its end of life, users may miss its unique features, particularly its flexibility, familiarity, and broad compatibility. Windows 11, while offering a modernized interface and enhanced performance, may not meet the needs of everyone, especially those with older hardware or a preference for traditional workflows.
- Although Windows 11 focuses on a consistent desktop environment, Windows 10's Continuum mode allows for seamless switching between tablet and desktop modes.
- Windows 10 preserves a more classic Windows desktop and Start menu experience, resembling Windows 7 and 8, in contrast to Windows 11's redesigned Start menu and taskbar.
- Windows 10 supports a wider range of older hardware, unlike Windows 11 which requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer processors.
- Windows 10 offers semiannual updates and an open development approach with the Windows Insider program, even though it comes with occasional problems like the 2018 file deletion bug.
- Windows 10 provides flexible OneDrive and backup options, with choices for local backups and syncing device settings without mandatory cloud services.
- Windows 11, on the other hand, increasingly integrates OneDrive and Microsoft accounts into system processes, limiting local-only workflows.
- After October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive new features or support, while Windows 11 will continue with ongoing security and feature updates.
- The Start menu for Windows 11 is minimal and static, offering fewer customization options compared to Windows 10, which found a balance between design and customization.
