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| 20 years of Windows versions compared against each other on the same hardware yields some interesting results |
If you’ve ever fired up an old laptop and marveled at how snappy Windows XP feels, you’re not alone. With computing power increasing exponentially over the past two decades, it’s logical to assume that running a lightweight, early-2000s operating system on today’s hardware would result in blistering speed. But does reality match expectations? Not exactly—and the results from a recent comprehensive benchmark might just reshape how you view Windows performance forever.
YouTuber TrigrZolt took on the monumental task of testing every major version of Windows against itself on identical hardware. The goal? To cut through the nostalgia and see which OS truly performs best when fully updated and placed on the same footing. The findings are both enlightening and, for fans of the latest software, a little uncomfortable.
The Testing Grounds
To ensure compatibility with the oldest contender—Windows XP—the tests were run on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220. This classic laptop features an Intel i5-2520M CPU, 8GB of RAM, integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics, and a 256GB hard disk. While not a powerhouse by modern standards, this configuration provided a level playing field across two decades of Windows evolution.
Every operating system was fully updated to its final supported state, removing any advantage from a “fresh install” versus a patched one. The tests covered startup speed, storage use, RAM consumption, multitasking ability, battery life, and several real-world productivity tasks.
Startup Speed: An Unexpected Champion
The first shock came in the startup race. The clear winner was Windows 8.1, booting significantly faster than any other version. This is largely thanks to Microsoft’s Fast Boot feature, introduced with Windows 8, which hibernates the kernel and drivers to disk for quicker subsequent launches.
While Windows Vista and 7 languished without this feature, the real surprise was Windows 11, which finished dead last. Interestingly, Windows 11 reached the desktop relatively quickly but then struggled to load the taskbar and become fully responsive—a hiccup that didn’t plague its predecessors.
Storage & RAM: The Lean and the Hungry
When it came to disk space, Windows 7 was the most storage-hungry, while Windows XP naturally consumed the least. Sitting admirably in the middle was Windows 8.1, using less space than even Windows Vista.
RAM usage after startup told a similar story: Windows XP was the lightest, with Windows 8.1 a close second. Windows 11, on the other hand, occupied the most memory right off the bat—a trend that continued throughout testing.
Multitasking Mayhem: The Browser Tab Test
One of the most revealing tests involved opening tabs in Supermium, a Chromium-based browser chosen for its broad Windows compatibility. The results were staggering:
- Windows XP maxed out at 50 tabs, likely due to virtual memory management limits.
- Windows 11 managed only 49 tabs before failing.
- Every other OS opened well over 100 tabs, with Windows 8.1 taking the crown at an impressive 252 tabs.
This underscores a key finding: newer operating systems aren’t just heavier—they can sometimes be less capable at handling extreme multitasking on the same hardware.
Real-World Tasks: Windows 11 Struggles
Across a battery of practical tests, Windows 11 consistently brought up the rear:
- Battery life: Last place.
- Audio export: Second to last.
- Video editing: Last among OSes that could run the test.
- File Explorer speed: Last.
- Opening MS Paint: Last, and “embarrassingly so,” per the tester.
- Loading websites and videos: Last, even on Microsoft’s own login page.
Single-threaded CPU performance, measured via CPU-Z, also placed Windows 11 at the bottom. Multi-core benchmarks were less consistent but didn’t redeem Microsoft’s latest offering.
What Does This Mean for You?
First, RAM matters more than ever. While Microsoft’s official Windows 11 system requirements list 4GB as a minimum, this test shows that 8GB is barely practical for a smooth experience. In an era where some mid-range laptops still ship with 8GB, shoppers should prioritize 16GB or more—especially on performance machines like this RTX 5060-equipped Asus ROG Strix G16.
Second, software optimization has taken a backseat. With abundant resources on modern high-end PCs, developers often prioritize features over efficiency. As this experiment proves, modest hardware that technically meets Windows 11’s requirements can deliver a subpar user experience.
Finally, it’s time to reassess Windows 8.1. Often maligned for its controversial Start screen, it emerges here as one of Microsoft’s best-optimized operating systems—fast, lean, and remarkably capable. Sometimes, public opinion lags behind technical merit.
Watch the Full Experiment
For a detailed look at every benchmark and testing methodology, you can watch TrigrZolt’s full video breakdown here. It’s a fascinating deep dive that challenges many of our assumptions about progress and performance.
In the end, this test isn’t about declaring one “best” Windows for everyone. It’s a reminder that newer software often carries unseen baggage, and that efficiency sometimes peaks in unlikely places. Whether you’re keeping an old laptop alive or buying something new, understanding these trade-offs can help you choose—and use—your tools more wisely.