When I test review hardware that comes with Microsoft Windows, I like to compare it with Linux. Usually, Linux shines, especially in demanding tasks. But recently, I noticed something surprising while working with the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8: Windows 11 outperformed Linux in several areas. This was unexpected, considering Linux has consistently delivered better performance in the past.
Over the years, Windows and Linux have often been pitted against each other. For laptops, desktops, and various processor configurations, Linux typically pulls ahead. This advantage is particularly clear in creative tasks, like 3D rendering with Blender or proprietary software like V-RAY. With newer processors, Linux has shown better scalability, thanks to its effective scheduling.
However, my recent tests on the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 flipped the script. Using Windows 11, I saw results where Linux would usually dominate. This included tests of proprietary renderers, where static binaries usually favor Linux.
The ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 64GB of RAM, NVMe storage, and NVIDIA RTX Pro graphics. This combination typically excels on Linux. After presenting my findings to Lenovo, they engaged their teams and Intel to investigate power management and thermal settings, but they concluded the performance was as expected.
This curious situation raises questions. Is this Windows 11 advantage unique to this laptop, or is it part of a broader trend? While I don’t have access to many new devices for comparison, this might signal a shift. Tech expert Jason Perlow notes that improvements in Windows 11’s handling of hardware could make a difference. According to a recent survey by PCWorld, nearly 60% of users reported better performance in creative tasks on Windows 11, indicating a potential trend.
As I plan to test more devices in the future, including a Panther Lake laptop in 2026, I’m eager to see how this Windows vs. Linux debate evolves, especially with regard to newer models. The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 is impressive, and I’ll be diving deeper into its Linux performance soon. For now, the performance edge of Windows 11 in this situation is certainly something to keep an eye on.
For more detailed performance results, check out the original benchmarks on [Phoronix](https://www.phoronix.com/review/windows-beats-linux-arl-h).
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