Why I switched from Windows to Chromebook and haven't looked back

I’m not saying Windows is a terrible operating system, but it is certainly no longer the operating system I 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 own an all-in-one Windows PC (currently running Windows 10 because Microsoft doesn’t think it can handle Windows 11), and I’m also more likely to buy a new Windows PC support for Windows 10 officially ends.

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

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 grew tired of how frustrating using it has become. It feels bloated and sluggish more often than not, even with a machine with decent specs and everything updated.

I don’t want to wait minutes for an operating system to be fully booted up and ready to go, I don’t want it to be constantly lurking around in the background doing God knows what, and I don’t want to have to troubleshoot all the time when things inevitably go wrong.

I want an operating system that boots on demand in seconds and runs easily without hassle or obstacles. I just want to get on with my day and do what I have to do. That’s what I found in ChromeOS.

Reason 2: Less stress about malware and security issues

Windows has always been the favorite target of scammers and hackers due to its high popularity and the many vulnerabilities that keep popping up even as older issues are fixed.

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

ChromeOS is extremely 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 remain isolated), and the inability to randomly launch executables.

All 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 take into account best practices for digital security.

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

Reason 3: No system updates that take hours to complete

Dave Parrack/IDG

Another constant frustration when using Windows that led me to look for an alternative is the seemingly endless updates that Microsoft pushes to users – updates that are not applied seamlessly in the background, but disrupt daily productivity.

I’ve often heard my PC chugging while downloading a huge Windows update, which then asks me to restart my computer to install it. That can sometimes take up to an hour.

ChromeOS, on the other hand, is such a lightweight operating system that its regular updates are fast, quiet, and hassle-free. It takes away the hassle 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, in a coffee shop, or even on vacation. But only if I have a machine that is light, portable and easy to use enough.

Of course, there are plenty of Windows laptops and MacBooks that meet this profile, but they generally have 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 final reason why I made the switch from Windows to ChromeOS is the fact that I am already embedded in the Google ecosystem.

I have an Android phone and use most of Google’s 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.

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

Why I don’t regret the switch

I don’t regret buying a Chromebook and I’m not ashamed of choosing ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three key 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 making the switch is a boost to my productivity, which in turn has improved my work-life balance.

As a writer who works from home but occasionally needs the ability to work outside the home, a Chromebook offers the perfect blend of power and portability. I can get my work done with little effort and I can do it from anywhere without the operating system confusing me.

ChromeOS boots immediately and is ready when I need it

Dave Parrack/IDG

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

Sure, I could leave my Windows laptop on all day and jump on and off as needed, but I don’t like the idea of unnecessary idling. Sleep and hibernation 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. Considering how light Google’s operating system is, it’s no surprise that it boots up instantly and can be up and running in a flash.

Web and Android apps are enough for me

Dave Parrack/IDG

One of the biggest concerns I had when I left Windows was losing access to all the Windows programs I had been using for years. However, these fears turned out to be (mostly) unfounded, as there are plenty of Android apps and web apps to replace the apps I 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 Run native Android apps on Chromebooksand most apps in the Google Play Store are compatible with ChromeOS.

Some work better than others, of course, and it took 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 when you switch from Windows to Chromebook

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

Access to your complete desktop applications

Microsoft

While I was 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 particular Windows app (perhaps even an internal app specific to your company), you may not have a choice.

Another example is software that comes in web and Windows versions, where the Windows version is more complete or performs better. In that case, moving to the web version can be an obvious downgrade that seriously hurts productivity or usability.

That’s why you really need to do your research for make the switch, whether you switch to ChromeOS or another operating system like macOS or Linux. Windows-only apps are a valid dealbreaker.

PC games without relying on cloud gaming

Dave Parrack/IDG

Contrary to popular belief, you can game on a Chromebook – and the experience is much better than you’d probably expect. The caveat is that you can’t just install Steam and play the same PC games that you can play on a Windows computer.

Yes, you can now install Steam on Chromebooks, 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 possibilities (along with mobile ports for popular games like Stardew Valley, Dead cellsAnd Hollow Knight).

Otherwise you have to rely on cloud gaming services if you want to play regular 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 notably not the same as playing games locally on a high-end machine.

If these limited gaming options are a problem for you, you’re probably better off skipping the Chromebook. (Or keep a separate gaming PC.)

Related: Are Chromebooks suitable for gaming?

System upgrade options and customizations

Frame

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

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

Fortunately, ChromeOS isn’t resource heavy at all, so as long as you buy smart in the beginning, the hardware should last a long time.

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