Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Windows Laptop

Windows is an operating system that needs no introduction. The world’s most popular computer platform runs everything from huge multinational corporations to a child’s school powerpoint presentation. But with Apple’s macOS and Google’s ChromeOS hot on Windows’ heels, the choice is not so straightforward. So if you’re curious as to whether Windows is the one for you, check out these ten key considerations below.

1. Greatest range of software available

Of course, there is. Anyone who wants the highest number of buyers/subscribers or downloaders are going to choose the most popular and most open operating system possible. This means windows laptops…

  1. are compatible with the widest range of software
  2. have more free software options available
  3. have more games available

...boom!

2. Widest range of laptops 

With an infinite number of manufacturers, from the general to the niche, you are more likely to find a Windows machine that suits your needs perfectly than either Mac or Chromebook which have narrower identities and capabilities. Alongside Chromebooks, Windows also come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, fashions and colours. It’s the most diverse galaxy in the laptop universe.

3. Most familiar

Although not the very easiest to use (both Mac and Chromebook would be easier to pick up from zero computer exposure) most people have at least some experience of it, so the learning curve for a Windows machine will be the least (even if you’re jumping versions of the operating system).

4. Value for money

Compared to Chromebooks, which aren’t that much cheaper, you get a lot more capability. You can often pick up a great windows machine for less than half price when comparing like for like specifications with Macs. Also, Macs start from around £/$1000 upwards, whilst there are thousands, yes thousands, of sub £/$1k Windows options out there as well as outstanding machines over £/$3k.

5. Most configurable OS

Windows has been trying to make its system easier for consumer users since the 90’s trying to balance its corporate and consumer markets. Covering the endless settings, with simpler high-level menus, has been a part of that. This means running a windows machine requires less fiddling with. However, the endless settings are there, if you want it. This allows for a very high degree of configurability right down to the functioning of individual components. If you like getting under the hood, then your Nirvana awaits!

6. Most configurable hardware

With the OS built to handle almost limitless combinations of hardware, you’re more likely to find a laptop that you can configure its specification to your needs, before and indeed after purchase. Macs, in particular, are locking down more and more components which limits hardware configuration. Which leads on to...

7. Upgradeable

When your machine ages, as all do, you may want to beef-up components rather than buying a new machine. Also, your needs may change - you may take up photo editing. Therefore you may wish to switch from a traditional hard drive to an SSD which is much faster at processing your portrait touch-ups. Indeed, you may want to a bolster the RAM to manage a larger image library or to deal with heftier RAW image files. Conversely, many Macs have locked down even RAM from manual DIY upgradability. Most Windows machines are still easily upgradable from home with a little bit of YouTube assistance.

8. Work and study

If you’re going to need to use the machine in non-personal settings such as connecting to a business or college network, then chances are that Windows will be your best bet. Whilst networks are becoming more and more OS agnostic, if you want to reduce your risks of complication, Windows is the way to go

9. Gaming

Not only are there more games available for Windows laptops, but they are better for gaming. Here’s why:

  • Chromebooks are generally speaking very lightweight machines. This has just started to change (see the launch of the Pixelbook) but generally, they simply aren’t designed for the demands that games put on hardware.
  • Macs, also, are simply not designed for gaming. Moreover, you can spend up to double the amount of money to get the same specification of machine.

… boom!

10. Support and maintenance

From software packages to online/telephone assistance to hands-on tech repair, there’s more providers available and consequently more competition. This results in lower costs to Windows support than the competition.

Conclusion

So if you’re convinced that Microsoft’s ubiquitous operating system is for you don’t worry about trying to scour the world wide web for the best value Windows laptops and then combing the net for the best prices. We’ve done all that work for you. Just check these out...

Cheap Windows Laptops

Our scores reflect the needs in this guide, rated across 40+ dimensions by the Choosist engine.

Choosist may earn a commission if you buy through retailer links. Recommendations are based on product fit, not retailer commission. Prices and availability can change. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1

Microsoft Surface Laptop i7 13.5 inch SSD Grey

Microsoft Surface Laptop i7 13.5 inch SSD Grey
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the Surface Laptop provides a good balance of portability and performance. With b/g/n/ac WiFi support, you can easily roam between networks in libraries, offices and labs. This laptop gives you the tools you need to research and write outstanding papers.

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C$0.00

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:35 AM CET

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2

Asus VivoBook W202NA Celeron 11.6 inch eMMC Blue

Asus VivoBook W202NA Celeron 11.6 inch eMMC Blue
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The VivoBook W202NA-DH02 makes surfing the web easy thanks to a reasonable hardware specification and fast, reliable b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity. A sizeable drive allows you to download and manage hundreds of thousands of emails on the VivoBook W202NA-DH02 . Social networking is relatively...

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C$298.99

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:34 AM CET

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3

Acer Aspire One Cloudbook AO1 Celeron 14 inch eMMC Blue

Acer Aspire One Cloudbook AO1 Celeron 14 inch eMMC Blue
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Surf the web at speed thanks to the Aspire One Cloudbook AO1-431-C3TM’s speedy b/g/n WiFi interface. Sending and receiving email is a relatively lightweight activity that the Aspire One Cloudbook AO1-431-C3TM can comfortably handle. It also comes with of total storage so you never have to delete...

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C$299.00

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:39 AM CET

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4

HP Stream 11-y020nr Celeron 11.6 inch SVA eMMC Purple

HP Stream 11-y020nr Celeron 11.6 inch SVA eMMC Purple
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Surf comfortably as all components of your HP will easily handle the web Sending and receiving email is a relatively lightweight activity that the Stream 11-y020nr can comfortably handle. It also comes with of total storage so you never have to delete a message or attachment again. Facebook,...

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C$299.55

at Amazon · checked 21 Oct 18 | 12:26 PM CET

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5

HP Stream 11-y010nr Celeron 11.6 inch SVAeMMC Blue

HP Stream 11-y010nr Celeron 11.6 inch SVAeMMC Blue
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The Stream 11-y010nr makes surfing the web easy thanks to a reasonable hardware specification and fast, reliable b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity. A sizeable drive allows you to download and manage hundreds of thousands of emails on the Stream 11-y010nr. Facebook, twitter etc require little processing...

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+8 more
C$331.72

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:32 AM CET

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Mid-range Windows Laptops

6

Microsoft Surface Laptop i7 13.5 inch SSD Grey

Microsoft Surface Laptop i7 13.5 inch SSD Grey
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the Surface Laptop provides a good balance of portability and performance. With b/g/n/ac WiFi support, you can easily roam between networks in libraries, offices and labs. This laptop gives you the tools you need to research and write outstanding papers.

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+13 more
C$0.00

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:35 AM CET

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7

ASUS X751NA Pentium 17.3 inch HDD Black

ASUS X751NA Pentium 17.3 inch HDD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher in the social or physical sciences, this device provides a good balance of portability (with it's 17.3 inches screen size) and performance so that you're free to roam the labs or libraries with a machine that can competently multi-task your data crunching,...

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C$524.92

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:34 AM CET

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8

Asus VivoBook 15 X542BA A9 15.6 inch HDD Grey

Asus VivoBook 15 X542BA A9 15.6 inch HDD Grey
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Light, portable, and full-featured, the DH99 is ideal for carrying between offices and libraries. You’ll have all the tools you need to research and write outstanding research papers and theses.

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C$573.88

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:34 AM CET

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9

ASUS VivoBook F505ZA-DB31 AMD 15.6 inch SSHD Gold

ASUS VivoBook F505ZA-DB31 AMD 15.6 inch  SSHD Gold
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the provides a good balance of portability and performance. With b/g/n/ac WiFi support, you can easily roam between networks in libraries, offices and labs. This laptop gives you the tools you need to research and write outstanding papers.

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C$589.00

at Amazon · checked 21 Oct 18 | 12:28 PM CET

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10

HP 255 G6 AMD A 15.6 inch SVA SSD Black

HP 255 G6 AMD A 15.6 inch SVA SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the 255 G6 provides a good balance of portability and performance. With b/g/n/ac WiFi support, you can easily roam between networks in libraries, offices and labs. This laptop gives you the tools you need to research and write outstanding papers.

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C$673.86

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 8:32 AM CET

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High Performance Windows Laptops

11

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

A resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, means rich graphics to shoot Zombies or cross the galaxy in detail Your 's Intel Core i7-8750H processor means whilst your thumbs may struggle with the Call of Duty or Doom your will not. The 32 GB RAM combines nicely with the GPU on the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070...

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C$4,817.99

at Amazon · checked 21 Oct 18 | 12:21 PM CET

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12

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The has been designed with gaming in mind. Featuring an ultra-fast processor and dedicated GPU, you have all the raw power needed for the latest games releases. Factor in 32 GB RAM and a super-fast SSD and this laptop has everything you need to compete with the best.

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at Amazon · checked 21 Oct 18 | 12:21 PM CET

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13

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i7 15.6 inch SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Raw power is everything when playing games on the move. The is equipped with a high-power 2.2 GHz CPU and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPU for faster refreshes and higher frame rates. These are complemented by a SSD and 16 GB RAM to deliver a lightning fast gaming experience.

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C$3,228.86

at Amazon · checked 8 Jun 18 | 7:34 PM CET

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14

MSI Gaming GE63 Raider i7 15.6 inch HDD+SSD Black

MSI Gaming GE63 Raider i7 15.6 inch HDD+SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The has been designed with gaming in mind. Featuring an ultra-fast processor and dedicated GPU, you have all the raw power needed for the latest games releases. Factor in 16 GB RAM and a super-fast SSD and this laptop has everything you need to compete with the best.

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C$3,399.99

at Amazon · checked 21 Oct 18 | 12:39 PM CET

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View a full list of Windows laptops.

WHAT WE'D ACTUALLY BUY

For most families: the Microsoft Surface Laptop i7 13.5 inch SSD Grey. Don't overthink it.

These picks are ordered around fit, not retailer commission. If your needs are more specific, Choosist can narrow the choice for your budget, use case, and region.

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