Published June 28, 2026 - Updated June 28, 2026 - By Xilly

Windows 11 25H2 vs 23H2 vs Windows 10 for Gaming in 2026

I tested all three Windows versions on the same optimized system with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX 4080. Here is what the benchmarks actually show in Fortnite, Call of Duty, and CS2.

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OS Comparison · 2026 Gaming Benchmarks

Three Windows versions, one fully optimized system, same methodology every time. The test rig runs a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, an RTX 4080 overclocked to +275 core and +3000 memory, DDR5-6000 CL28 at 2200 MHz Infinity Fabric, and a Curve Optimizer of -23. The only variable is the OS.

Fortnite

Fortnite has significant run-to-run variance. Using the Minecart map, five trials per Windows version with the first trial excluded. Any difference under 100 FPS on average is within variance territory, not a meaningful gap.

The spread between all three versions in Fortnite is under 60 FPS on average, which falls within the run-to-run variance for this game. No version wins here in a meaningful way.

Call of Duty

Call of Duty uses the built-in benchmark, which is cleaner to measure. This is where Windows architecture differences start showing up.

Counter-Strike 2

Tested using the official CS2Haven workshop benchmark. All three versions are close, but the clock is ticking for Windows 10 CS2 competitive players.

The Takeaway

On a fully optimized system, most games perform the same regardless of Windows version. The main exception is newer titles like Call of Duty, where Windows 11 clearly pulls ahead. That pattern will grow as more titles optimize for Windows 11 architecture.

The version is not what makes a PC feel different. A properly configured system on any of these Windows versions will outperform a stock system on the best one every time. That is why optimization matters more than the version number.

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