Windows 7, 8 and 10 - What are the differences?

Which version of Windows is right for me? You may have asked yourself this question before and even thought about switching to another higher version. What is there to consider? What are the differences? In this Windows 7, 8 and 10 comparison, we take a close look at all 3 operating systems and explain their features. After that, you should be sure which Windows is right for you. All 3 versions are actively developed by Windows and regularly provided with updates. This primarily ensures more security against attackers and other malicious programmes, but also stability. If you still have an older operating system such as Windows XP, we strongly recommend that you switch to 7, 8 or 10. All versions below this are no longer supported and are therefore no longer provided with security updates. If you compare Windows 7, 8 and 10, the first thing you notice is the graphical user interface, which has changed a lot. From Windows 8 onwards, Microsoft caused a lot of confusion with the tiles instead of the classic desktop and quickly took a different course. With updates and extensions, the classic desktop screen with Start menu was brought back, because that is what users are and were used to. In the background, some technical developments and changes have taken place, which we would like to discuss in more detail in the following sections.

Operation and start menu

Windows 7 has the classic Start menu, as users have always been used to. With version 8 came the big change with the tile interface, which caused a downright dislike among many users. As already mentioned, several updates were rolled out, with which Windows 8.1 got back its classic desktop overview with Start menu. Nevertheless, Microsoft has not abandoned its concept with the tiles, as can be seen very clearly in Windows 10. Still, the good old Start button at the bottom left is back and makes for a much friendlier experience.

Search under Windows

In Windows 7, the search field can still be found in the Start menu, where programmes and files of all kinds can be found. With Windows 8, all you have to do is open the tile interface, now you can simply enter a term without having to click on a search field. Search results from the Bing search engine are also displayed. In Windows 10, on the other hand, the search field can be found in the taskbar and can alternatively be displayed as a small icon. Microsoft has also released the search assistant Cortana with Windows 10, which responds directly to voice commands and answers them.

The functionality of Windows

Those who want to use multiple monitors do not have to do without this in all 3 versions. With Windows 10, even virtual desktops can be managed for the first time, which is not the case with 7 and 8. You want to access files from your laptop, tablet or smartphone at the same time and share them with others? Then OneDrive is the right thing to do! However, this handy tool is only available for Windows 8 and 10, not for 7. Windows 7 still works with Internet Explorer 8, while Windows 8 and 10 work with Internet Explorer 11 or 11 Edge.

Safety First! This is how safe the Windows versions are

While you have to install an extra virus scanner with Windows 7, 8 and 10 come with the in-house virus scanner Defender. This is a security software from Microsoft that scans your files for viruses, malware and spyware. With Windows 8 and 10, the new Secure Boot system was released, which provides more security when starting the computer. Windows 7 does not yet have this tool on board. To make a backup of the files, Windows 7 still has the classic backup. Windows 8 and 10 have a file version history, which automatically backs up data in the background.

Performance

While DirectX 11 is still installed on Windows 7, Windows 8 and 10 come with DirectX 11.2 and 12. There are also some differences in the supported USB versions. Windows 7 still works with 2.0, Windows 8 and 10 support USB 3.0 and 3.1. This allows higher data rates, so files are copied back and forth to your USB medium or device faster.

Comparison table

In the following we show you once again the most important facts and differences between Windows 7, 8 and 10 in a clear table.

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