Microsoft has just made a bold claim: Windows 11 is up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10, according to its latest blog post. But when we look closely at the benchmarks used to support that statement, serious doubts arise. The comparison, which seems scientific at first glance, reveals significant flaws in testing conditions, calling into question the credibility of the results.
Benchmarking different hardware, not operating systems
Microsoft based its claims on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, but the tests did not compare the two systems under the same conditions. Windows 11 was tested on devices with newer processors, including the Intel Core i7-1355U, while Windows 10 was run on much older chips like the Intel Core i7-8750H. That’s a seven-year gap between CPUs—a massive difference that directly skews the outcome, making it impossible to isolate the OS’s actual performance improvements.
Battery life claims follow the same pattern
Microsoft also said that Windows 11 delivers up to 2.7 hours more battery life. Once again, the comparison was between different laptops, with no transparency about battery size, RAM, or usage conditions. Such variables drastically influence power consumption, meaning the boost in autonomy may be due to hardware, not software.
A strategy that lacks technical rigor
This appears to be part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to drive adoption of Windows 11. However, comparing brand-new devices with outdated ones is misleading and doesn’t provide a fair evaluation of the software itself. Users deserve better than marketing tactics disguised as performance data.