Windows 11 is supported longer and will receive patches for longer than Windows 10. In fact, I believe Windows 10 is only supported for a few more years. To ensure that you do not have an unpatched (therefore insecure) operating system on the internet, you will either migrate to a newer version of Windows or to a different operating system eventually.

That all being said, Windows 11 was commonly referred to as being faster than Windows 10 on the same hardware. The largest gripes are that Windows 11 has very strict system requirements (therefore not officially working on most computers) and that Windows 11 has a different user interface (taking away some things people like). Windows 10 or 11 are operating systems which basically need to be installed on an SSD so be sure to consider upgrading to that if you have not done so already.

I'm pretty sure that an upgrade to Windows 11 can be reverted and you can go back to Windows 10 if necessary. Still, I would back up any valuable data before experimenting.

On the Linux side of the world, Steam can be installed on Linux and devices such as the Steam Deck exist. Depending on what games you play on your gaming PC, Linux could be an option.

The differences between Windows 10 and Linux are greater than the differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. In other words, Windows 11 may be a bit better or worse (depending on your opinion) but it isn't majorly better or worse.

I've been running 11 since the first leak and haven't looked back. I actually really dislike using 10 in comparison.

W11 has more efficient power usage and task management. Outside of that, there's rounded UI and... uh... yea just rounded UI. If this is a new PC install or just like a fresh install, just upgrade to Windows 11. W10 is eventually going to be discontinued sooner and the changes aren't that drastic to warrant staying downgraded. I also recommend something like Open Shell to fix a lot of the gripes power users have with the UI, like the limited right-click context menus. Personally, I use StartAllBack. WinAeroTweaker is a great software to disable some telemetry, add important options to context menus, etc.

You can still game on Linux now with Proton.

No. It's strictly worse than Windows 10.

It has a newer kernel and more bells and whistles. Performance-wise I dun think it is that different from 10, except for newer hardware. If it is for gaming, I dun think it matters much. The recent versions are stable enough and Microsoft has ironed out enough kinks already.

Windows 10 feels like a better Operating System, with Win11 being a beta program for features.

Gaming under Linux is really good nowadays. You'll only have compatibility issues on a few of the most popular multiplayer games due to poor anticheat. It's a small price to pay in order to be able to run Linux, which gets better every year (increasingly so in recent years).

Windows tears itself apart every year or so anyway - back up your stuff, throw Linux Mint/Fedora/Garuda Linux on it, and try gaming with it for a bit. If you're just not feeling it, install Windows 11 after that. No reason to give up early.

I hate the new start bar, and that you no longer can group icons. I've installed startisback to get the win 10 bar.

Not really, unless you're a fan of the UI/UX changes.

Not worth it. For everyday use you won't see a difference. For some games, and if you happen to run Unreal Engine or some software that needs DirectX - you may find compatibility and stability issues.

imo if you have a compatible machine (& prefer the taskbar at the bottom of the screen), then yes. it's essentially just 10 with some kernel/core updates & a new ui that's much better.

I run Linux too and know that both 10 and 11 run the same couple games exactly as well, but Windows 11 won’t install unless you have a TPM module set up properly on your motherboard. Just because of that I use 10 because of less hassle.

My work laptop doesn't support Windows 11 so I'll keep using 10 until the support runs out or the laptop gets replaced.