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

HP Stream 14 Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Purple

HP Stream 14 Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Purple
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Surf the web at speed thanks to the Stream 14-ax020wm’s speedy b/g/n/ac WiFi interface. A sizeable drive allows you to download and manage hundreds of thousands of emails on the Stream 14-ax020wm. Facebook, twitter etc require little processing power or screen specification so the Stream...

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Also great for:
  • Browsing
  • Email
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  • Use in Public Places
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+8 more
$174.93
$174.55

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2

HP Stream 14-ax010nr Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Blue

HP Stream 14-ax010nr Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Blue
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The Stream 14-ax010nr makes surfing the web easy thanks to a reasonable hardware specification and fast, reliable b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity. Email demands very littl e from a laptop. We've taken this into account . Although less powerful than other laptops, the Stream 14-ax010nr is more than...

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Also great for:
  • Browsing
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  • Use in Public Places
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+8 more
$199.99
$174.90

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3

HP Stream 11-y020wm Celeron 11.6 inch SVA eMMC Purple

HP Stream 11-y020wm Celeron 11.6 inch  SVA eMMC Purple
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The Stream 11-y020wm makes surfing the web easy thanks to a reasonable hardware specification and fast, reliable b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity. Sending and receiving email is a relatively lightweight activity that the Stream 11-y020wm can comfortably handle. It also comes with of total storage so you...

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  • Email
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  • Carrying All the Time
  • Carrying Occasionally
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+2 more
$199.00
$174.95

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4

HP Stream 14-cb030n Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Grey

HP Stream 14-cb030n Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Grey
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Surf comfortably as all components of your will easily handle the web Email demands very littl e from a laptop. We've taken this into account . Although less powerful than other laptops, the Stream 14-cb030n is more than capable of keeping you connected to Facebook, Twitter and all the other social...

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Also great for:
  • Browsing
  • Email
  • Social Media
  • Use in Public Places
  • Short Journeys
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+8 more
$219.99
$178.00

at Amazon · checked 25 Sep 19 | 12:05 AM CET

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5

HP Stream 14-ax020nr Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Purple

HP Stream 14-ax020nr Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Purple
WHY WE PICKED THIS

Surf the web at speed thanks to the Stream 14-ax020nr ’s speedy b/g/n/ac WiFi interface. Sending and receiving email is a relatively lightweight activity that the Stream 14-ax020nr can comfortably handle. It also comes with of total storage so you never have to delete a message or attachment...

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Also great for:
  • Browsing
  • Email
  • Social Media
  • Use in Public Places
  • Short Journeys
  • Long Journeys
+8 more
$219.99
$178.45

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Mid-range Windows Laptops

6

HP 15-db0069wm Ryzen 15.6 inch SVA Black

HP 15-db0069wm Ryzen 15.6 inch SVA 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 15.6 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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  • Casual Gaming
  • Simple Music Editing
  • Bookkeeping
  • Documents
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+13 more
$424.99
$410.00

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7

Lenovo IdeaPad 110-15ISK DVD i5 Black

Lenovo IdeaPad 110-15ISK DVD i5 Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the IdeaPad 110-15ISK 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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Also great for:
  • Simple Music Editing
  • Bookkeeping
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+9 more
$429.00

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8

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 VivoBook F505ZA-DB31 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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+8 more
$429.99

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9

Lenovo IdeaPad 310 AMD Black

Lenovo IdeaPad 310 AMD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

As a student or researcher, the IdeaPad 310 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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Also great for:
  • Bookkeeping
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  • Documents
  • Email
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+8 more
$449.00

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10

HP Notebook - 17-by0021dx i5 17.3 inch SVA Black

HP Notebook - 17-by0021dx i5 17.3 inch SVA 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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Also great for:
  • Simple Music Editing
  • Bookkeeping
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  • Documents
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+13 more
$499.88
$482.01

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High Performance Windows Laptops

11

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i9 15.6 inch SSD Black

MSI Gaming GS65 Stealth i9 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 i9-9880H 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 RTX 2080...

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  • Casual Gaming
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  • Basic Video Editing
  • Simple Music Editing
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$3,399.99
$3,399.00

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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 Gaming GS65 Stealth-432 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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  • Casual Gaming
  • College (Students)
  • Basic Video Editing
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+15 more
$2,410.99

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13

MSI Gaming GE63 Raider RGB i7 15.6 inch IPS SSD Black

MSI Gaming GE63 Raider RGB i7 15.6 inch IPS SSD Black
WHY WE PICKED THIS

The Gaming GE63 Raider RGB-499 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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Also great for:
  • Pro Video Editing
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+19 more
$2,599.99
$2,599.00

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14

MSI Gaming GE75 Raider i7 17.3 inch IPS SSD Black

MSI Gaming GE75 Raider i7 17.3 inch IPS 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 i7-9750H 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 RTX 2080...

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Also great for:
  • Pro Video Editing
  • Amateur Photo Editing
  • Casual Gaming
  • College (Students)
  • Watching Movies
  • Basic Video Editing
+20 more
$2,699.99
$2,627.99

at Amazon · checked 25 Sep 19 | 1:05 AM CET

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WHAT WE'D ACTUALLY BUY

For most families: the HP Stream 14 Celeron 14 inch SVA eMMC Purple. 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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