Windows 10S vs Chrome OS: Which is the better OS?

presentation of the challengers

Windows 10s. In case you missed it, this is the “new” operating system developed by Microsoft. Announced at a conference in New York on May 2, this is actually a pretty scaled down version of Windows 10. The idea is to simplify management and limit performance as well as security risks. Therefore, it is a new possibility for users, but remains close to an already known system. Regulars of Windows 10 classic should therefore not be confused.

Chromium Operating System. Launched by Google at the turn of the decade, Chrome OS has been a direct competitor to Microsoft ever since. It is mainly based on the Chrome browser, works mostly thanks to the cloud and is therefore very lightweight. This makes it the operating system of choice for laptop enthusiasts.

1 / Weight of the operating system: possible advantage for Chrome OS

We still do not know the exact details of the Windows 10 S operating system and its weight specifically for the machine. But he can easily think It shouldn’t be too different from classic Windows 10. because it is mainly changes in autonomy and performance. It is not yet clear whether other constrained elements will play a sufficient role.

On the other hand, Chrome OS is famous for being lightweight. running primarily from servers located in the cloud. The operating system’s desire to quickly get you to the Internet meant a complete change in logic compared to the competition. Windows 10 S doesn’t seem to follow the same path.

2 / OS update: Windows 10 S advantage

This is, paradoxically, one of the main criticisms that can be made to the advantage of Windows 10 S, as well as. Are you dissatisfied and think you are too limited? You can then switch to classic Windows 10. But the transition will be free until the end of the year, according to an announcement made by Microsoft earlier this month. You will have to pay to upgrade to Windows 10 from 2018. The single price will be $49.

On the other hand, replacing Chrome OS means completely replacing your computer’s operating system. The open-source solution, Chromium OS, however, could be an interesting alternative for those who like to get their hands dirty.

3/ Hardware selection: Chrome OS advantage for now

Currently, only one PC is offered with Windows 10 S, the new Surface laptop, but at a price of $999, that’s far from the price of classic Netbooks. But during the presentation of the operating system on May 2, Microsoft announced that things would change quickly. Seven computer manufacturers (Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, etc.) have positioned themselves to sell computers that integrate Windows 10 S. Initial price should be around $189. However, we will have to wait for the release of these models. First of all, the target audience seems to be education first and foremost.

• Explore all the features of Surface Laptop

On the other hand, there are already several dozen (at least) devices equipped with Chrome OS on the market. Initial prices are around 250-300 €..

4 / Available apps: Chrome OS advantage

We can blame Windows 10 S the most in this category. As early as 2015, Microsoft was trying to dissuade its users from using Chrome or Firefox. This time the goal is achieved. Among the limitations of this system Unable to install apps not in Windows 10 or Windows Store. Even though her store is the least stocked of the big three, this selection might seem surprising. It will take a lot of effort from the developers to balance this negative point.

On the browser side, it’s the same story. The only browser available is Edge. Worse still, Bing is the only preconfigurable search engine. If you want to use Google, you will have to go through a bookmark in the address bar, which is impossible. For these two elements, Microsoft advocates for products that are considered safer. Information has recently been denied again Pwn2Own Hacking Contest 2017.

Note one minor exception in the gaming space, where Windows 10 S seems more interesting with a more advanced catalog, offering games that aren’t limited to the simple browser.

Result: Chrome OS wins by far

To tell the truth, there is really no possible comparison between the two operating systems. Windows 10 S is sorely lacking in arguments to support comparison. While Chrome OS offers something truly new to meet the needs of users looking for a minimalist yet efficient configuration, Windows 10 S turned out to be just a limited edition of the original model.

This is a perfect example of Microsoft’s problem right now. Migrating to other devices is more complicated if Windows remains the preferred solution on classic PCs for now. It also reveals that the one point in our comparison where Windows 10 S largely dominates has to do with its ability to evolve. When paying for an upgrade to Windows 10.

However, it is likely that Windows 10 S manages to reach a very large audience in the first place. After all, several manufacturers have already positioned itself to integrate it as an operating system. However, it can be doubted that this is a viable long-term solution for the Richmond firm.