Windows 11 comes last in speed tests against XP, 7 and 8.1 on older hardware

A video published by YouTuber TrigrZolt compared the performance of six versions of the Windows on identical Lenovo ThinkPad X220 notebooks, equipped with an Intel Core i5-2520M processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB hard drive. The operating systems tested were XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10 and 11, installed in their final or most up-to-date versions possible. The results indicated that theWindows 11came last in most tests, while theWindows 8.1emerged as the most efficient overall.

The experiment highlighted significant differences in startup, resource consumption, and everyday tasks. Embora o Windows 11 is not officially supported on this older hardware, testing revealed limitations on older equipment. Especialistas point out that modern systems prioritize security and functionality, which increases consumption on machines without SSD or recent processors.

• Faster boot on Windows 8.1.
• Lower disk footprint on Windows XP.
• Lower resting RAM consumption on older versions.

Test Setup

TrigrZolt used six identical Lenovo ThinkPad X220 notebooks to ensure equal conditions. Cada machine received a different version than Windows, with updates applied up to the supported limit. The hardware dates back to 2011, with a second generation Intel processor and mechanical hard drive, which favors lighter systems.

This choice allowed us to isolate the impact of software evolution over the years. The Windows 11, designed for equipment with NVMe SSD and more RAM, faced clear disadvantages in this scenario. The test included measurements of boot time, memory usage and performance in common applications.

Startup results and resources

The fastest boot occurred on Windows 8.1, benefiting from the hybrid boot feature. Windows 11 had the worst time, with a noticeable delay in displaying the taskbar, an issue that has been known since its release.

In RAM consumption at rest, the Windows XP led with just 0.8 GB, while the Windows 11 reached between 3.3 GB and 3.7 GB, due to background services and telemetry. Disk occupancy also favored XP, with 18.9 GB, compared to 37.3 GB for Windows 11.

Performance in practical tasks

When opening applications such as Explorador of Arquivos, Paint and Calculadora, Windows 11 came in last. Tarefas as audio export in Audacity and video rendering showed the same pattern, with Windows 11 in the flashlight.

The navigation test opened tabs until reaching the memory limit, where the Windows 8.1 supported 252 tabs, and the Windows 11 only 49. The battery life had minimal difference, with the XP slightly ahead.

• Windows 8.1: More tabs open before limit.
• Windows 11: fewer tabs and slower apps.

Synthetic benchmarks

Programs like CPU-Z, Cinebench and Geekbench have positioned Windows 11 in the middle or bottom of the table. Windows 8.1 won in several single-core scenarios, while XP shined in disk tests.

The Windows 11 achieved a good result in copying files, coming in second, behind the Windows 10. Overall, no category had a clear victory for the Windows 11.

Exceptions and positive nuances

Windows 11 stood out in file copying speed, tying or surpassing some versions. In disk tests with CrystalDiskMark, it came in third, next to Windows 10.

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These points show that, in specific operations optimized for modern hardware, the system has advantages. However, the set of results reinforces the impact of additional features on older machines.

Context of the hardware used

The ThinkPad X220 represents equipment from the Windows 7 era, without official support for the

On modern computers, with NVMe and more RAM, Windows 11 operates more fluidly. The author of the video emphasizes that the test has historical value, not practical for daily use.

Unexpected overall winner

Windows 8.1, criticized at the time of launch, surprised as the most balanced. Apresentou good speed, fluidity and visual compatibility with later versions.

This performance highlights forgotten optimizations on newer systems. Usuários with similar hardware may consider intermediate versions for a better experience.

Notes on actual usage

Experts recommend Windows 10 or 11 on current equipment, prioritizing security and updates. Versões old ones like XP or 8.1 lack support, exposing them to risks.

The test illustrates trade-offs between lightness and modern features. Ajustes as disabling services can improve Windows 11 on legacy hardware.

Autonomy and multitasking details

The difference in battery life was small, with the Windows XP lasting a few minutes longer. When multitasking with a browser, intermediate versions such as 7 and 8.1 handled multiple tabs better.

Windows 11 suffered from memory management within tight limits. Esses aspects reinforce the dependence on robust hardware to exploit the full potential of the system.