Core Viewpoint - Windows 11 has been criticized for high resource usage, strict hardware requirements, and poor performance compared to older versions, with a recent test showing it ranked last in multiple performance metrics [1][35]. Performance Comparison - A YouTuber conducted a comparison test using six generations of Windows on outdated hardware, revealing that Windows 11 consistently performed poorly, even compared to Windows XP and 8.1 [1][35]. - The test utilized a Lenovo ThinkPad X220 from 2012, featuring an Intel Core i5-2520M processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB mechanical hard drive, which inherently favored older systems [3][5]. Boot Speed - Windows 8.1 had the fastest boot time, while Windows 11 was significantly slower, suffering from prolonged loading times even after booting [6][8]. Storage Usage - Windows XP had the lowest storage usage at 18.9GB, while Windows 11 consumed 37.3GB, indicating its bulkiness. Interestingly, Windows 7 and Vista had even higher storage requirements [9]. Memory Management - Windows XP excelled in memory management, using only 0.8GB of RAM when idle, whereas Windows 11 averaged 3.3GB, attributed to numerous background services [11][13]. Browser Performance - In a test of how many browser tabs could be opened, Windows 11 managed only 49 tabs, while Windows 8.1 opened 252 tabs, showcasing a significant performance gap [14][16]. Battery Life and Media Processing - Windows 11 was the first to shut down in battery life tests, while Windows XP had the longest battery life. The differences were minimal, around two minutes [17]. - In audio export tests, Windows 11 ranked fifth, and in video rendering, it again placed last, with Windows 10 taking the top spot [19]. Application Launch Speed - Windows 11 performed poorly in application launch speed tests, ranking last in all five tested applications [21]. Web Browsing and File Transfer - Windows 11 ranked third in web image loading tests but fell to last place in switching to Google images and Microsoft account login pages [24]. - It achieved second place in file transfer tests, only behind Windows 10 [26]. Benchmark Performance - In CPU-Z tests, Windows XP had the best single-core performance, while Windows 7 excelled in multi-core performance. Windows 11 had slightly better single-core results but was underwhelming in multi-core tests [27]. - Windows 11 ranked third in CrystalDiskMark tests, while Windows XP was the top performer [29]. - In Cinebench R10 tests, Windows 8.1 secured second place in single-core performance, while Windows 11 ranked fourth [31]. Overall Summary - Windows 11 did not win any tests and was described as having a "disastrous performance." Windows 8.1 was declared the overall winner, praised for its speed and stability despite previous criticisms [35]. - The testing hardware was outdated, which may not accurately reflect Windows 11's performance on modern systems, particularly with the absence of SSDs, which significantly enhance system performance [35].

Core Viewpoint - Windows 11 has been criticized for high resource usage, strict hardware requirements, and poor performance compared to older versions, particularly in a recent test where it ranked last across multiple benchmarks [1][33]. Group 1: Performance Testing Results - In boot speed tests, Windows 8.1 performed the best, while Windows 11 was the slowest, experiencing significant delays even after booting [6][8]. - Windows XP won the storage usage test with only 18.9GB used, while Windows 11 consumed 37.3GB, making it appear bloated [9]. - In memory management, Windows XP used only 0.8GB of memory while Windows 11 averaged 3.3GB, attributed to numerous background services [11]. - Windows 11 could only open 49 browser tabs in a test, ranking last, while Windows 8.1 opened 252 tabs [16]. - In battery life tests, Windows 11 was the first to shut down, while Windows XP had the longest battery life, with differences being minimal [17]. - Windows 11 ranked last in audio export and video rendering tests, with Windows 10 performing the best overall [19]. Group 2: Software and Benchmark Performance - In application launch speed tests, Windows 11 consistently ranked last across five different applications [21]. - Windows 11 managed to secure third place in web image loading tests but fell back to last in other web-related tests [24]. - In file transfer tests, Windows 11 achieved second place, just behind Windows 10 [26]. - In CPU-Z tests, Windows 11 showed slightly better single-core performance but lagged in multi-core performance compared to older systems [27]. - Windows 11 ranked third in CrystalDiskMark tests, while Windows XP took the top spot [29]. Group 3: Overall Assessment - The overall performance of Windows 11 was deemed "disastrous," with no wins in any of the tests conducted, leading to Windows 8.1 being declared the champion [33]. - The testing hardware was criticized for being outdated, which may not accurately reflect Windows 11's performance on modern systems [33]. - Despite the unfairness of the test conditions, the results have led to a reevaluation of Windows 8.1, with users expressing nostalgia for its performance [34].