Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are older operating systems still supported by Microsoft.
Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 are older operating systems still supported by Microsoft.
**Pros:**
- Better performance on newer hardware
- Enhanced security features
- Improved compatibility with modern apps
- Streamlined user interface
After setting up the start menu to resemble Windows 7, my experience has been similar. (I don’t rely much on the Metro interface.) I appreciate seeing transfer rates when copying files—it’s nice. However, it varies depending on your needs. I have a program called Novapoint that mentions possible compatibility problems with Windows 8.1 compared to Windows 7, but I haven’t seen any issues yet. It might be worth checking compatibility for the programs you plan to use. Right now, since the OS has been around longer, there shouldn’t be major problems. Still, as it’s free, it’s worth trying. 8.1 is still good to go.
Yes, Windows 8 tends to be faster than older versions for many users.
In daily use I didn't notice it. (Word processing, excel, internet, etc). As for gaming I believe (correct me if I'm mistaken) Linus did a video explaining that there was a performance advantage using W8 over W7. I can't seem to find the video at the moment. Perhaps for the specific programs you use, performance may vary. I am sure that there is information somewhere in the wide internet that could help you with that though. If not, post the programs in this forum and some one will know :
I’d consider upgrading because Microsoft is phasing out support for Windows 7 soon, and there’s a free transition from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. You can turn off the Metro interface if it bothers you, but I’ve grown accustomed to it and found it easy to overlook. It runs smoother and feels more pleasant based on my experience. I’d definitely suggest it.