Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Although Microsoft promotes Windows 11 as the future of computing, many people have recently downgraded to Windows 10 on their main PCs. Here's why it might actually be worth it to go back to an older operating system.

1. Windows 11 is much slower

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Windows 11 running on Dell monitor

While you won't notice much of a difference in performance when running sustained workloads or using apps, Windows 10 seems noticeably faster overall. On Windows 11, basic actions like opening apps or opening context menus take a little longer, and over time that little delay becomes really annoying.

File Explorer, while still perfectly usable in Windows 11, feels like it has been significantly downgraded in terms of performance. Even with an SSD, navigating through folders takes longer, which is even more frustrating.

Another frustration is the slower animations. They don't lag, but they do feel slower - like switching desktops, which is much faster on Windows 10.

2. Context menu is too complicated

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11 has prioritized form over function, resulting in a much more limited context menu that only displays a handful of options upon initial right-click. Even basic actions like cut, copy, paste, and rename have been replaced with vague icons instead of plain text, which takes some adjusting to.

Because the options are so limited, you have to click Show more options at the bottom to access all the available actions, which feels like an unnecessary extra step just for aesthetic purposes. This extra layer can be annoying, especially when you’re used to the simpler and more functional context menus in Windows 10.

3. Taskbar and Start menu are downgrades

One thing that doesn't make sense is why the taskbar prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, like the context menu. For example, you can't move the taskbar anywhere on the screen anymore, since the only option now is to keep it at the bottom.

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Windows 11 Taskbar and Action Center

Another issue that really annoys people is how Wi-Fi, sound, and other related settings are merged into a single button. Instead of bringing up the relevant menu when you click an icon, it just opens the Action Center and everything now requires an extra click, which is completely unnecessary.

Why is a user interface designed for touch devices forced onto a desktop-centric operating system?

The Start menu suffers from similar issues. Instead of showing all your apps in a simple list or showing something useful, there’s a section dedicated to suggested apps and files. However, sometimes it doesn’t show anything you actually want to access quickly.

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Windows 11 Start menu with some pinned apps, suggested files and apps

It would be much more useful to be able to use that space to pin additional files or apps of your choice, but unfortunately, there is no such option. This wasted space prevents further customization.

4. Windows 11 is more invasive

Windows 11 also forces you to connect to the internet during the initial setup process and requires you to create a Microsoft account to continue. While there are ways to bypass these restrictions, they are more of a temporary workaround and there is always the risk that Microsoft will patch them in the future.

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Microsoft also continues to push ads for Microsoft Edge and other first-party apps and services across the system, which can sometimes feel like malware. Changing your default apps is also more tedious. Instead of letting you set a default app for an entire category, like your web browser, Windows 11 requires you to manually change the default for each individual file extension. This contributes to a growing trend of needing to click unnecessarily for even the simplest tasks.

While Windows 11 offers some superior features to Windows 10, downgrading to Windows 10 right now isn't a bad idea. Obviously, this isn't a long-term solution, as Windows 10 will only receive official support until October 2025, so users will eventually have to upgrade to Windows 11. Hopefully, Microsoft will address some of the issues plaguing Windows 11 before users have to make the inevitable switch.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft continues to announce plans to add new features to Windows 10, despite the fact that the operating system will inevitably die in October 2025.

How to Get Rid of Ads on Windows 11 Devices

How to Get Rid of Ads on Windows 11 Devices

Microsoft allows users to disable ads from Windows 11, but the process isn't straightforward. Here are different ways to remove ads from your Windows 11 device.

Invite to download Dynamic wallpaper pack designed for Windows 11 but canceled at the last minute

Invite to download Dynamic wallpaper pack designed for Windows 11 but canceled at the last minute

Besides elements like new interface and features, another aspect, although small, also receives a lot of attention on Windows: wallpaper packs designed and introduced by Microsoft for special occasions.

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

With a constant stream of notifications and alerts on your Windows 11 laptop, staying focused becomes a challenge. So take control and customize your notifications to suit your needs.

How to get the newly released Windows 11 24H2 update

How to get the newly released Windows 11 24H2 update

Windows 11 is expected to receive two notable major updates this year.

How to install and set up Windows 11 without an Internet connection

How to install and set up Windows 11 without an Internet connection

If you don't have a working Internet connection or want to use a local user account, you can follow these methods to set up Windows 11.

Microsoft wants users to understand why old CPUs cant run Windows 11

Microsoft wants users to understand why old CPUs cant run Windows 11

When users try to install Windows 11 build 26058, the Setup file will give a message saying “This PCs processor doesnt support a critical feature (PopCnt)”

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its decision to discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android, which was designed to allow Android apps to run natively on Windows 11.

Windows 11 taskbar has a hidden End Task feature, heres how to enable it

Windows 11 taskbar has a hidden End Task feature, heres how to enable it

End Task is a feature in Windows Task Manager that allows users to close any responding or unresponsive program.

How to Check RAM, GPU, and CPU Usage in Windows 11

How to Check RAM, GPU, and CPU Usage in Windows 11

If you're using Windows, there are tools built into the operating system that allow you to quickly look up how much RAM, CPU, and GPU are being used by a particular process.

How to uninstall and reinstall WiFi driver on Windows 11

How to uninstall and reinstall WiFi driver on Windows 11

When troubleshooting network issues, you will need to look for your computer's WiFi drivers. If you determine that an invalid driver is causing your network issues, you can reinstall the WiFi driver to fix the problem.

AI is the future of Windows 11

AI is the future of Windows 11

Microsoft first started pushing the idea of ​​an AI-powered Windows in 2024 under the name of the New Era of Work - but what is Windows 11 AI? It's a complex mix of innovations and includes AI-powered PCs, built-in Copilot, and Windows AI Studio.

The “original” version of Windows 11 is about to die

The “original” version of Windows 11 is about to die

Not long ago, Microsoft stopped providing support for Windows 10 version 21H2, which means version 22H2 becomes the only supported Windows 10 release at the moment.

How to Install Paint 3D on Windows 10 and 11

How to Install Paint 3D on Windows 10 and 11

Paint 3D is no longer available in the Microsoft Store, but that doesn't mean you won't have another chance to try it out.

How to fix missing Language bar on Windows 10

How to fix missing Language bar on Windows 10

Language bar disappeared on Windows 10? Follow these solutions.

4 Tips to Get the Most Out of the Windows Clipboard

4 Tips to Get the Most Out of the Windows Clipboard

From pinning frequent items to syncing them across multiple devices, here are four great tips that will help you get the most out of the Windows Clipboard.

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft continues to announce plans to add new features to Windows 10, despite the fact that the operating system will inevitably die in October 2025.

How to fix Operating system not found error on Windows

How to fix Operating system not found error on Windows

Of all the errors, glitches, and problems you can encounter while using Windows 10, a few messages can leave you feeling truly terrified, such as the Operating system not found screen.

How to Get Rid of Ads on Windows 11 Devices

How to Get Rid of Ads on Windows 11 Devices

Microsoft allows users to disable ads from Windows 11, but the process isn't straightforward. Here are different ways to remove ads from your Windows 11 device.

How to hide phone notification icons in Windows 11 Start menu

How to hide phone notification icons in Windows 11 Start menu

The Phone Link app on Windows lets you link your phone and PC. And you can check your device's battery and connection status,... right from the Start menu.

Invite to download Dynamic wallpaper pack designed for Windows 11 but canceled at the last minute

Invite to download Dynamic wallpaper pack designed for Windows 11 but canceled at the last minute

Besides elements like new interface and features, another aspect, although small, also receives a lot of attention on Windows: wallpaper packs designed and introduced by Microsoft for special occasions.

Microsoft stops supporting Windows Remote Desktop app, moves to new Windows app

Microsoft stops supporting Windows Remote Desktop app, moves to new Windows app

Microsoft has made an important announcement for customers using the Remote Desktop for Windows app from the Microsoft Store. On May 27, 2025, this app will be officially discontinued and removed from the Microsoft Store.

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

How to Control and Customize Notifications in Windows 11

With a constant stream of notifications and alerts on your Windows 11 laptop, staying focused becomes a challenge. So take control and customize your notifications to suit your needs.

Windows 12: Expected price, release date, specs, and more rumors

Windows 12: Expected price, release date, specs, and more rumors

Windows 12 is a potential future update to the Windows operating system. It is expected to be released in 2024, although there has been no official confirmation from Microsoft yet.

5 Easy Ways to Fix nvlddmkm.sys Error in Windows 10

5 Easy Ways to Fix nvlddmkm.sys Error in Windows 10

The nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error (also known as Video TDR Failure error) has been occurring to many Windows users, most of whom also happen to be using Nvidia GPUs.

3 Ways to Enable Telnet in Windows 10 & 11

3 Ways to Enable Telnet in Windows 10 & 11

You can enable Telnet on Windows 10 and 11 computers through the Command Prompt tool or the graphical user interface (GUI).

How to Customize DLNA Media Streaming Settings on Windows 10/11

How to Customize DLNA Media Streaming Settings on Windows 10/11

This guide will show you how to customize DLNA Media Streaming settings for your account on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to delete last camera access history on Windows 11

How to delete last camera access history on Windows 11

If an app has accessed your camera, it will show you the last time it accessed it. Here's how to find out when it last accessed your camera on Windows 11.

3 Ways to Remove the Green Check Mark on Windows Desktop Icons

3 Ways to Remove the Green Check Mark on Windows Desktop Icons

The green checkmarks on your Windows desktop icons show sync status with cloud services – usually Microsoft OneDrive since it’s built into Windows. While useful, these can be distracting.