Windows 11 - Side By Side Comparison with Windows 10

Summary

A side-by-side comparison of major UI changes between Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Introduction

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. In order to stay current and ensure Dartmouth-managed devices continue to receive updates, we are requiring Windows 11 on all Dartmouth Windows-based machines. Windows 11 has been shipping as default on our machines for some time now, but a number of older machines have not yet been upgraded. There are a few user interface changes, but for the most part your experience on Windows 11 is not exceptionally different. Users with Windows 11 on their home are likely already familiar with its new look.  This document is meant to outline the differences between Windows 11 (the top image) and Windows 10 (the bottom image) for faculty and staff using Dartmouth Windows computers.

Detailed Information

Installing applications, launching desktop shortcuts, and accessing files remains the same. The notable changes are regarding menus and user interaction.

Windows Explorer

Your local and cloud files are still in the same location, however, the user interface changed a little. Now clicking on the folder in the start menu brings up the explorer window, but will default to your "Home" window with shortcuts to recent and recommended files. In Windows 10, clicking this icon put you in a library of only your most recent files.

Windows 11 new look to windows explorer file browser. Options from the top are Home, Gallery, OneDrive, and common folders found in user directory.   Windows 10 file explorer with quick access menu on the left side bar.

Accessing Applications

All the standard applications are installed when ITC prepares your computer. The start menu will look different from Windows 10. 

  1. The start menu is now located in the center of the start bar instead of the lower left corner of the screen.
    • This can be changed. Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," then expand "Taskbar behaviors," and change the "Taskbar alignment" from Center to Left.
  2. Clicking on the Start menu will bring up a list of pinned standard applications. Clicking on those icons will launch the application.
  3. Accessing other applications can be done by searching for the name in the search box at the top of the start menu or by clicking "All Apps" in the upper right corner and scrolling through the list.
  4. Installing applications remains the same and can be done by launching the "Dartmouth Software Center".

Windows 11 start menu with Edge browser, Microsoft Word, Excel and software center pinned.  Windows 10 start menu with Firefox, Chrome, edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint pinned

Copy/Paste Menu

The full set of cut/copy/paste options is now hidden in a new menu called "Show More Options".  

  1. Users can access this menu by right-clicking on the file or folder they wish to copy.
  2. There are icons for Cut and Copy displayed at the top of the popup menu, and control+c and control+v also still work.
  3. Click on the last option in the list, "Show More Options". This will bring up expanded familiar options.

Windows 11 right click menu showing "Show more options". Cut and Copy in top icon row.Windows 10 Right click menu showing actions that can be performed on a file.

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