I’m not saying that Windows is a terrible OS, but it’s definitely not the one I choose to use on a daily basis anymore.

After over 30 years of using Windows in its various forms (starting with Windows 95), I’ve moved on, but not to macOS! I actually switched from Windows to ChromeOS and love every minute of it.

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

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. Here’s why I switched and why I now love Chromebooks more than Windows laptops.

Related: The best Chromebooks for every budget

Why I Switched to a Chromebook

Why did I 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, less frustrating operating system

Dave Parrack / IDG

After decades of using Windows in its various forms, I’m tired of how frustrating it has become to use. It feels bloated and slow most of the time, even with a decently equipped car and everything updated.

I don’t want to wait several minutes for an OS to fully boot up and be ready to use, I don’t want to be constantly lost in the background doing God knows what, and I don’t want to troubleshoot everything. the moment when things inevitably go wrong.

I want an OS that boots up on demand in seconds and just runs without fuss or obstacles. I just want to get on with my day and do what I have 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 the many vulnerabilities that keep popping up even when the older ones are patched.

In other words, while Of course, Microsoft has improved in this areamalware is more likely to hit and infect a Windows machine than a Chromebook. (Windows is riskier to use than macOS and Linux, too.)

ChromeOS is particularly safe and secure thanks to a range of built-in security features, including Verified Boot (which checks for unexpected changes at startup), Sandboxing at all levels (which ensures any problems are kept isolated), and the inability to run random executables.

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 careful best practices for digital security.

Related: Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? It’s complicated, but don’t worry too much about it

Reason 3: There are no hours-long system updates

Dave Parrack / IDG

Another constant frustration of using Windows that made me look for an alternative is the seemingly never-ending updates that Microsoft sends to users – updates that aren’t perfectly applied in the background, but disrupt daily productivity.

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

ChromeOS, on the other hand, is such a lightweight operating system that its regular updates are quick, quiet, and fuss-free. It takes the hassle out of maintaining an operating system.

Reason 4: Productivity without spending a fortune

Dave Parrack / IDG

As a freelance writer and editor, I have the privilege of working anywhere – at home, in the office, at a coffee shop, or even on vacation. But only if I have a machine 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 usability, performance, and affordability.

Related: Don’t go below these specs in a budget laptop

Reason 5: I’m already embedded in the Google ecosystem

Dave Parrack / IDG

The last reason I switched from Windows to ChromeOS is that I’m already embedded in the Google ecosystem.

I own an Android phone and use most Google apps (including Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, etc.), so it wasn’t a huge leap to ditch Windows and go (almost) all-in on ChromeOS.

The switch actually made things easier for me because I now have full access to all my data on my phone, Chromebook, and other devices.

Why I don’t regret making the change

I don’t regret buying a Chromebook, and I’m not ashamed to prefer ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three big ways the switch left me in a better place than before.

I’m actually more productive

Matthew Smith / IDG

The most obvious benefit I’ve felt after the switch is an increase in my productivity, which in turn has improved my 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 blend of power and portability. I can get my work done with little fuss and I can do it from anywhere without the OS locking me up.

ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it

Dave Parrack / IDG

Despite being an office worker, I don’t have to sit at a desk for 8 hours straight every day. I have flexibility in my schedule and therefore need a car that is always ready to use on demand.

Sure, I could leave my Windows laptop running all day and start/stop as needed, but I don’t like the idea of ​​shutting down unnecessarily. 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 greener alternative. Given how lightweight Google’s operating system is, it’s no surprise that it starts up instantly and can be used right away.

Web and Android apps are enough for me

Dave Parrack / IDG

One of the biggest worries I had when I left Windows was losing access to all the Windows programs I had used for years. However, these fears proved (mostly) unfounded, as there are adequate Android apps and web apps to replace the ones we used on Windows.

What you may not know is that Chromebooks aren’t just limited to websites and Chrome extensions. A few years ago, Google added the ability to natively run Android apps on Chromebooksand 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 searched for apps that best suited my needs and preferences. But these days, web and Android apps are pretty good and you can easily get by except in very specific situations.

Related: Why your next laptop should 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 — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention them .

Access to full-featured desktop applications

Microsoft

While I’ve been able to find suitable web and Android apps to replace most of the Windows programs I previously relied on, some niche programs simply don’t have viable web or Android alternatives.

For example, if your job requires you to use a specific Windows-only application—perhaps even an internal application that’s specific to your company—then 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 performing better. In this case, moving to the web version could be an obvious downgrade that seriously hurts productivity or usability.

Therefore, you really need to do your research before make the switch, whether you’re moving 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

Dave Parrack / IDG

Contrary to popular belief, you maybe I’m playing on a Chromebook — and the experience is much better than you’d probably expect it to be. The caveat is that you can’t install Steam and play all the same PC games that 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, which opens up a whole world of casual gaming opportunities (along with mobile ports of popular games like Stardew Valley, Dead cellsand Hollow Knight).

Otherwise, you have to rely on cloud gaming services if you want to play standard AAA games on a Chromebook. Using platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna, you can stream gameplay to your Chromebook… but it’s not the same as playing locally on a high-end machine.

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

Related: Are Chromebooks good for gaming?

System update and customizations

Framework

If you’re a fan of either customizing your system to your heart’s content or upgrading your hardware to stay ahead of the curve, then ChromeOS probably won’t be for you.

It’s meant to be a lightweight operating system that works out of the box, not something to tweak and customize and mess with. And while that suits me perfectly, it won’t suit everyone. The same goes for hardware, as you’re pretty much locked in with what you buy.

Fortunately, ChromeOS isn’t heavy on resources at all, so as long as you buy smart to begin with, your hardware should last.

Further reading: How to Turn an Old Laptop into a Chromebook