Is Windows 11 Stable in 2022? An Extensive User Review

When Microsoft released Windows 11 in 2021, it did so with a promise of stability and modern features. This article delves into the stability of Windows 11, particularly through the experiences of numerous users who have put it to rigorous tests over the past year.

Comprehensive User Experience

As of 2022, numerous users have reported a consistently stable performance from Windows 11 across a variety of use-cases. The operating system, from my personal experience, has shown remarkable stability on 31 different machines running it from launch to just a few months after first release. These machines included everything from professional programming workstations to graphic design stations and gaming machines.

One particular machine in question is an unsupported device with just 4GB of RAM. This device, despite its limitations, has not encountered any stability issues. All machines sport SSD storage, which, while not a common requirement in every household in 2022, remains a worthy minimum expectation for modern operating systems.

Real-World Applications

Windows 11 has been used on multiple devices for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

Programming Gaming Graphic Design General Computing

No major issues have been reported in these areas. Even the most demanding applications, such as intensive gaming, have been handled gracefully by the operating system.

Specific Feedback and Anecdotes

I have been using Windows 11 since 2021 on three different machines, and the experience has been largely positive. These machines, to the best of our knowledge, are not officially supported. One of these machines experienced a rare freeze issue, approximately once every three months. However, it is believed that this issue is related to the motherboard driver and not a widespread problem.

Much to the surprise of some, I have not encountered any major issues that would deter me from recommending Windows 11. It still functions well for both browsing and using Microsoft Office applications, which are essential for many.

While some users may find gaming on Windows 11 to be suboptimal, gaming on this machine has been primarily with older titles where the graphics card (a GT710 2GB DDR3) limits the performance. Popular modern games may face significant stability issues.

Technical Requirements

The official technical requirements for Windows 11 specify an Intel 8th Gen processor or higher and TPM 2.0 for security. Many users have found that older systems with lower specifications, such as those with 4GB RAM, can still run Windows 11 with some limitations. However, these systems may struggle with certain applications, particularly those that require more memory or higher-end hardware.

For systems that lack TPM 2.0, a workaround is often necessary. This can include using earlier versions of the operating system or employing software-based workarounds to meet the TPM requirement.

Windows 11: A Modern Upgrade?

Windows 11 is often described as a slightly more modern iteration of Windows 10. The settings page incorporates elements reminiscent of Android, and it supports the native execution of Android applications without the need for additional software like Bluestacks. However, compatibility with older hardware remains a challenge.

While many users still prefer Windows 10 for its stability and compatibility with older hardware, Windows 11 offers a sleeker, more modern user interface and additional features. For those with compatible hardware, Windows 11 is a compelling upgrade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows 11 has proven to be a stable operating system when given the right hardware setup. While some older or less powerful machines may face certain limitations, the overwhelming majority of users report no significant stability issues. Whether you choose to upgrade to Windows 11 depends largely on the hardware compatibility and the specific needs of your computing environment.