Why I switched from Windows to Chromebooks I didn’t look

I’m not saying Windows is a bad operating system, but it’s definitely no longer the system I choose to use on a daily basis.

After more than 30 years of using Windows in its various forms (starting with Windows 95), I’ve moved on – but not to macOS! In fact, I switched from Windows to ChromeOS and I’m loving every minute of it.

Now, I want to be completely transparent: I admit that I still have a Windows all-in-one PC (it’s currently running Windows 10 because Microsoft doesn’t think it’s capable of running Windows 11), and I’ll probably also buy one A new Windows personal before Windows 10 officially ends support.

However, my Windows PC only exists as a backup for those increasingly rare times when my Chromebook isn’t up to the task. Most days, my Chromebook is more than enough. This is why I made the switch and why I now like Chromebooks more than Windows laptops.

Related to: The best Chromebooks for every budget

Why I switched to a Chromebook

Why did you switch from Windows to ChromeOS? There were several factors that influenced my decision. Some may resonate with you, while others may differ from your own experiences.

Reason 1: A simpler and less frustrating operating system

After decades of using Windows in its various forms, I was tired of how frustrating it was to use. It feels bloated and slow most of the time, even with a well-specced device and everything is updated.

I don’t want to wait minutes for the operating system to fully boot up and be ready to use, I don’t want it constantly running in the background doing god knows what, and I don’t want to troubleshoot everything at a time when things inevitably go wrong.

I want an operating system that boots on demand in seconds and simply runs without any fuss or hitches. I just want to get on with my day and do what I need to do. This is what I found in ChromeOS.

Reason 2: Less stress about malware and security issues

Windows has always been a favorite target of scammers and hackers due to its mainstream popularity and several vulnerabilities that keep popping up even as old vulnerabilities are fixed.

In other words, although Microsoft has improved in this area, malware is more likely to hit and infect a Windows device than a Chromebook. (It’s riskier to use Windows than macOS and Linux, too.)

ChromeOS is particularly secure thanks to a range of built-in security features, including Verified Run (which checks for unexpected changes on startup), sandboxing at all levels (which ensures any issues stay isolated), and the inability to randomly launch executable files. .

All of this, combined with the fact that malware creators are less likely to target ChromeOS, means I can use my Chromebook without worry as long as I’m aware of digital security best practices.

Related to: Can Chromebooks get viruses? It’s complicated, but don’t worry too much about it

Reason 3: No system updates take hours to complete

Another constant frustration with using Windows that had me looking for an alternative are the seemingly never-ending updates that Microsoft pushes to users — updates that don’t apply seamlessly in the background but disrupt daily productivity.

I’ve often heard my computer crash while downloading a huge Windows update, which then prompts me to restart my computer to install it. This can sometimes take over an hour.

ChromeOS, on the other hand, is a lightweight operating system so its regular updates are fast, silent, and without any fuss. It takes the hassle out of maintaining the operating system.

Reason 4: Productivity without spending a fortune

As a freelance writer and editor, I’m honored to work anywhere — at home, in the office, at a coffee shop, or even while on vacation. But only if I have a device that is light, portable and easy enough to use.

Sure, there are plenty of Windows laptops and MacBooks that fit the profile, but they generally come with higher price tags than Chromebooks. For me, a Chromebook strikes the right balance between ease of use, performance, and affordability.

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Reason 5: I’m already an integral part of the Google ecosystem

The final reason I switched from Windows to ChromeOS is the fact that I am an integral part of the Google ecosystem.

I have an Android phone and use most of the Google apps (including Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, etc.), so ditching Windows and moving (almost) completely to ChromeOS wasn’t a big leap.

In fact, this switch has made things easier for me as I now have full access to all my data across my phone, Chromebook, and other devices.

Why don’t I regret making the switch

I have no regrets about purchasing a Chromebook and am not ashamed of choosing ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three big ways switching has put me in a better place than before.

I’m actually more productive

The most obvious benefit I felt after the shift was my increased productivity, which in turn led to improved work-life balance.

As a writer who works from home but also needs the option to work outside the home sometimes, a Chromebook offers the perfect combination of power and portability. I can get my work done effortlessly, and I can do it from anywhere, without the operating system getting in the way.

ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it

Even though I’m an office worker, I don’t actually have to sit at a desk for 8 hours straight every day. I have flexibility in my schedule, which is why I need a machine that is always ready to use on demand.

Sure, I could leave my Windows laptop running all day and turn it on/off as needed, but I don’t like the idea of ​​unnecessary slowdown. Sleep and Hibernate modes are also options, but Windows is too slow for me when it comes to waking up.

ChromeOS offers a more practical and environmentally friendly alternative. Given how lightweight Google’s operating system is, it’s no surprise that it boots up instantly and can be used at a moment’s notice.

Web and Android apps are enough for me

One of the biggest fears I had when leaving Windows was losing access to all the Windows programs I’d been using for years. However, these concerns have proven to be (mostly) unfounded since there are enough Android apps and web apps to replace the ones you used on Windows.

What you may not know is that Chromebooks aren’t just about websites and Chrome extensions. A few years ago, Google added the ability to run Android apps natively on Chromebooks, and most apps in the Google Play Store are compatible with ChromeOS.

Some work better than others, of course, and there was a lot of trial and error as I looked for apps that closely matched my needs and preferences. But these days, web apps and Android apps are so good you can easily handle them except in very specific situations.

Related to: Why should your next laptop be a Chromebook?

What you might miss if you switch from Windows to a Chromebook

ChromeOS works perfectly for me 99 percent of the time, but if you decide to follow suit and switch from Windows to Google’s OS, there are a few things you might miss out on — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention them.

Access full-featured desktop applications

Although I was able to find suitable web and Android apps to replace most of the Windows software I had previously relied on, some specialized software simply didn’t have viable web or Android alternatives.

For example, if your job requires you to use a specific Windows-only application — perhaps even your company’s own internal application — you may not have a choice.

Another example is software that comes in Web and Windows versions, with the Windows version being more complete or performant. In this case, switching to the web version may be an obvious downgrade of a previous version that seriously hurts productivity or ease of use.

Therefore, you really have to do your research before Make the switch, whether you’re switching to ChromeOS or another operating system like macOS or Linux. Windows-only apps are a valid deal breaker.

PC gaming without having to rely on cloud gaming

Contrary to popular belief, you are He can Game on your Chromebook – and the experience is much better than you expected. The caveat is that you can’t just install Steam and play all the same PC games you can enjoy on a Windows machine.

Yes, you can install Steam on Chromebooks now, but not all games on Steam are compatible with ChromeOS. You can also install most Android games on ChromeOS, opening up a whole world of casual gaming opportunities (along with mobile ports of popular games like Stardew Valley, Dead cellsand The hollow knight).

Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on cloud gaming services if you want to play mainstream AAA games on your Chromebook. With platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, you can stream gameplay to your Chromebook… but it’s noticeably different from playing games locally on a high-end device.

If these limited gaming options are an issue for you, you should probably skip the Chromebook. (Or keep a separate PC for gaming.)

Related to: Are Chromebooks good for gaming?

Possibility of system upgrades and customizations

If you’re a fan of customizing your system or upgrading your hardware to stay ahead of the curve, ChromeOS probably isn’t for you.

It’s meant to be a lightweight operating system that works out of the box, not something to tinker with, customize, and tinker with. Although this works well for me, it won’t work for everyone. The same goes for appliances, because you’re pretty much stuck with what you buy.

Fortunately, ChromeOS doesn’t consume many resources at all, so as long as you buy a smart system to begin with, the hardware should last.

Further reading: How to turn an old laptop into a Chromebook