I’m not saying Windows is a horrible working system, however it’s undoubtedly now not the one I select to make use of on a day-to-day foundation.
After 30+ years of utilizing Windows in its various forms (beginning with Windows 95), I’ve moved on — however to not macOS! In reality, I’ve switched from Windows to ChromeOS and I’m loving each minute of it.
Now, I need to be totally clear: I admit that I nonetheless personal an all-in-one Windows PC (at present operating Windows 10 as a result of Microsoft doesn’t think it’s capable of Windows 11), and I’m additionally probably to purchase a brand new Windows PC earlier than support for Windows 10 officially ends.
However, my Windows PC solely exists as a backup for these more and more uncommon instances when my Chromebook isn’t proper for the duty. Most days, my Chromebook is greater than enough. Here’s why I switched and why I now love Chromebooks greater than Windows laptops.
Related: The best Chromebooks for every budget
Why I switched to a Chromebook
Why did I change from Windows to ChromeOS? There have been a number of components that influenced my choice. Some might resonate with you, whereas others might differ from your personal experiences.
Reason 1: A less complicated, much less irritating working system
Dave Parrack / IDG
After a long time of utilizing Windows in its numerous varieties, I grew bored with how irritating it has grow to be to make use of. It feels bloated and sluggish most of the time, even with a decently specced machine and every thing up to date.
I don’t need to wait minutes for an working system to completely boot and be prepared to make use of, I don’t need it to always grind away within the background doing God is aware of what, and I don’t need to be troubleshooting it on a regular basis when issues inevitably go flawed.
I need an working system that boots on demand in seconds and easily works with out fuss or obstacles. I simply need to get on with my day and do what I must do. That’s what I discovered in ChromeOS.
Reason 2: Less stress about malware and safety points
Windows has all the time been the favourite goal of scammers and hackers resulting from its mainstream reputation and the various vulnerabilities that proceed to pop up at the same time as older ones are mounted.
In different phrases, whereas Microsoft has admittedly improved in this area, malware is extra prone to hit and infect a Windows machine than a Chromebook. (Windows is riskier to make use of than macOS and Linux, too.)
ChromeOS is particularly protected and safe because of a spread of built-in security measures, together with Verified Boot (which checks for sudden adjustments on startup), Sandboxing in any respect ranges (which ensures any points are saved remoted), and the lack to run random executables.
All of this, mixed with the truth that malware creators are much less prone to goal ChromeOS, means I can use my Chromebook with out worrying so long as I’m conscious of best practices for digital security.
Related: Can Chromebooks get viruses? It’s complicated, but don’t worry too much about it
Reason 3: No system updates that take hours to finish
Dave Parrack / IDG
Another fixed frustration of utilizing Windows that made me go searching for an alternate is the seemingly unending updates that Microsoft pushes onto customers — updates that aren’t seamlessly utilized within the background however disruptive to each day productiveness.
I’ve typically heard my PC chugging away because it downloads an enormous Windows replace, which then prompts me to restart my laptop so as to set up it. That can generally take upwards of an hour.
ChromeOS, however, is such a light-weight working system that its common updates are quick, silent, and with out fuss. It takes the effort out of sustaining an working system.
Reason 4: Productivity with out spending a fortune
Dave Parrack / IDG
As a contract author and editor, I’ve the privilege to work wherever — at residence, at an workplace, at a espresso store, and even whereas on trip. But provided that I’ve a machine that’s mild, moveable, and user-friendly sufficient.
Sure, there are many Windows laptops and MacBooks on the market that match the profile, however they typically include greater worth tags than Chromebooks. For me, a Chromebook strikes the precise stability between usability, efficiency, and affordability.
Reason 5: I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem
Dave Parrack / IDG
The ultimate purpose why I made the change away from Windows to ChromeOS is the truth that I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem.
I personal an Android cellphone and I exploit most of Google’s apps (together with Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, and so forth.), so it wasn’t an enormous leap to ditch Windows and go (virtually) all-in on ChromeOS.
In reality, the change has made issues simpler for me as I now have full entry to all of my knowledge throughout my cellphone, Chromebook, and different units.
Why I don’t remorse making the change
I’ve no regrets about shopping for a Chromebook and I’ve no disgrace in preferring ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three massive methods during which the change has left me in a greater place than earlier than.
I’m truly extra productive
Matthew Smith / IDG
The most evident profit I’ve felt after switching is a lift to my productiveness, and that in flip has improved my work-life stability.
As a author who works from residence but in addition wants the choice to work exterior of the house at instances, a Chromebook provides the right mix of energy and portability. I can get my work finished with little fuss and I can do it from wherever, with out the working system bogging me down.
ChromeOS boots immediately and is prepared after I want it
Dave Parrack / IDG
Despite being a desk employee, I don’t truly should be sat at a desk for 8 straight hours every single day. I’ve flexibility in my schedule, and that’s why I want a machine that’s all the time prepared to make use of on demand.
Sure, I might go away my Windows laptop computer operating all day and soar on/off as required, however I don’t like the thought of unnecessary idling. Sleep and hibernation modes are additionally choices, however Windows is just too sluggish for me with regards to waking up.
ChromeOS provides a extra sensible and environmentally pleasant different. Given how light-weight Google’s OS is, it’s no shock that it boots immediately and can be utilized at a second’s discover.
Web and Android apps are sufficient for me
Dave Parrack / IDG
One of the larger worries I had when leaving Windows was dropping entry to all of the Windows applications I’d been utilizing for years. However, these fears proved (largely) unfounded as there are satisfactory Android apps and net apps to exchange those I used on Windows.
What you could not know is that Chromebooks aren’t simply restricted to web sites and Chrome extensions. Just a few years in the past, Google added the flexibility to natively run Android apps on Chromebooks, and most apps within the Google Play Store are suitable with ChromeOS.
Some work higher than others, after all, and there was lots of trial and error as I sought apps that the majority intently matched my wants and preferences. But lately, net and Android apps are fairly darn good and you’ll simply get by besides in very particular conditions.
What you may miss should you change from Windows to Chromebook
ChromeOS works completely for me 99 p.c of the time, however should you resolve to observe swimsuit and change from Windows to Google’s working system, there are some issues you could miss — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t not less than point out them.
Access to your full-featured desktop purposes
Microsoft
While I used to be capable of finding appropriate net and Android apps to exchange many of the Windows applications I beforehand relied on, some area of interest applications merely don’t have viable net or Android options.
For instance, in case your job requires that you just use a selected Windows-only app — perhaps even an in-house app that’s particular to your organization — then you could not have a alternative.
Another instance is software program that is available in net and Windows variations, with the Windows model being extra full-featured or extra performant. In that case, switching to the online model is perhaps an apparent downgrade that significantly harms productiveness or usability.
Therefore, you actually should do your analysis earlier than making the change, whether or not you’re switching to ChromeOS or another working system like macOS or Linux. Windows-only apps are a legitimate deal-breaker.
PC video games while not having to depend on cloud gaming
Dave Parrack / IDG
Contrary to common perception, you can recreation on a Chromebook — and the expertise is much better than you’d most likely count on it to be. The caveat is you can’t simply set up Steam and play all the identical PC video games you can get pleasure from on a Windows machine.
Yes, you may set up Steam on Chromebooks now, however not all video games on Steam are suitable with ChromeOS. You may set up most Android video games on ChromeOS, which opens up an entire world of informal gaming alternatives (together with cell ports of common video games like Stardew Valley, Dead Cells, and Hollow Knight).
Otherwise, it’s important to rely on cloud gaming services if you wish to play mainstream AAA video games on a Chromebook. Using platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, you may stream gameplay to your Chromebook… however it’s notably not the identical as enjoying video games domestically on a high-end machine.
If these restricted gaming choices are an issue for you, then it is best to most likely skip the Chromebook. (Or maintain a separate gaming PC.)
Related: Are Chromebooks good for gaming?
System upgradeability and customizations
Framework
If you’re a fan of both customizing your system to your coronary heart’s content material or upgrading your {hardware} to remain forward of the curve, then ChromeOS most likely received’t be for you.
It’s meant to be a light-weight working system that works out of the field, not one thing for tinkering and customizing and messing round in. And whereas that fits me completely, it received’t swimsuit everybody. The similar goes for the {hardware}, as you’re just about caught with what you purchase.
Thankfully, ChromeOS isn’t in any respect heavy on assets, so so long as you purchase sensible to start with, the {hardware} ought to final.
Further studying: How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook