Is it time to finally do it?

[Tommy154]

I'm just about ready to order my parts for my gaming rig. As much as I love windows 7, I should probably opt for 8.1 right? I mean is there really a reason not to at this point? Especially since 8.1 would help future proof. I wouldn't have any problems running Windows 7 games right?

 

[Nathan Willis]

If you think 8 is right for you go for it. It depends on what you like. If you like 7 stay with it.
I'm waiting for 9 to come out because it is much better then 8.
No, you should not have any problems running Windows 7 games on 8.
Happy computing!

 

[Araisi]

Since it's a new build, it'll be good to go with 8.1 than 7. Not only that it's better future proofing, Win8 'OEM' also no longer have that Win7 crappy OEM license that tied your OS to 1 PC. You can upgrade your PC later on and easily transfer Win 8.1 across.
Furthermore, with Live account, your personal setting for Win 8 will also carries across multiple PC.

 

[Jaxem]

8.1 fixed many of my knit picks with 8, but i still prefer and run 7 probably 98% of the time (though i have 8.1 in my boot menu). 7 is far more power-user oriented and undiluted in being a desktop OS instead of some tablet desktop mashup. There isn't much performance difference between them gamewise, but MS is on the fence about whether or not DX12 will be available on 7, which could make a difference down the road.

 

[envy14tpe]

Personal preference. I went back to Windows 7 cuz it was excellent. I do not care for Windows 8 at all.

 

[ThePaperAirplane]

I went from 7 to 8.1 and I see no point doing so. I completely ignored the “metro” interface, but if you enjoy a flatter design then go for 8.1. However, you will be switching back and forth from metro settings and control panel which is very annoying to me. I agree with Jaxem.

 

[Major_Trouble]

Before you commit to Windows 8 or 8.1 check the games you plan to run on it first. For example Fallout 3 has issue running under 8.

I presume you still have a copy of Windows 7. It might be better to stick with Win 7 for a bit as there is no guarantee Win8 will support DX12 and you might then have to purchase Win9 for that anyway. DX12 is slatted as running on a majority of recent hardware (even Xbox One) so there should be no reason it could not be implemented into Win8. MS might want to alienate some more customers and force them to upgrade though.

 

[Tommy154]

Wow I thought I was going to tons of answers saying to definitely update to 8.1, but I see most of you are advocating for 7. Which is fantastic because I love 7 and honestly that's what I really want, but I thought that was me just being stupid. I think I'll stick with 7 and upgrade to 9 if I need to. Thanks a bunch for all your help. I wish I could pick all of you as solutions because you were all equally helpful

 

[Jaxem]

We're just glad to help, and are glad to save you from Windows 8

 

[Major_Trouble]

I run Win7 on my desktop and have Win8.1 on my newish laptop as it came with it. I wouldn't go as far as to buy another copy on Win7 to replace Win8 but I wouldn't buy Win8 and it's freaky Metro / destop split personality to replace Win7 either.

 

[Jaxem]

Neither would i, but i would install a start menu replacement and just be done with all metro interaction on 8.1

 

[ThePaperAirplane]

Yes just be glad you're not using 8.1 now. it's a mutant.

 

[Major_Trouble]

Neither would i, but i would install a start menu replacement and just be done with all metro interaction on 8.1

The trouble is Metro is still there and must be using resources I don't care it to do.

For a start menu replacement I created Desktop folders with my program shortcuts in and added a Desktop toolbar
to the notification tray area. All standard Windows stuff so no Start Menu replacement required