I’ve been using Windows for over 30 years, but I’ve recently made the switch to ChromeOS and I’m loving every minute of it. In this article, I’ll share the reasons behind my decision and why I’m now a Chromebook convert.
Reason 1: A Simpler, Less Frustrating Operating System
After decades of using Windows, I grew tired of its frustrations. It feels bloated and slow, even with a decently specced machine and everything updated. I don’t want to wait minutes for an operating system to fully boot and be ready to use, I don’t want it to constantly grind away in the background doing God knows what, and I don’t want to be troubleshooting it all the time when things inevitably go wrong. I want an operating system that boots on demand in seconds and simply works without fuss or obstacles. That’s what I found in ChromeOS.
- ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it
- It’s a more practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional operating systems
- It’s less stress about malware and security issues
Reason 2: Less Stress About Malware and Security Issues
Windows has always been the favorite target of scammers and hackers due to its mainstream popularity and the many vulnerabilities that continue to pop up even as older ones are fixed. In other words, while Microsoft has admittedly improved in this area, malware is more likely to hit and infect a Windows machine than a Chromebook. ChromeOS is especially safe and secure thanks to a range of built-in security features, including Verified Boot (which checks for unexpected changes on startup), Sandboxing at all levels (which ensures any issues are kept isolated), and the inability to run random executables.
Reason 3: Less Stress About Updates
Another constant frustration of using Windows is the seemingly never-ending updates that Microsoft pushes onto users — updates that aren’t seamlessly applied in the background but are disruptive to daily productivity. I’ve often heard my PC chugging away as it downloads a massive Windows update, which then prompts me to restart my computer in order to install it. That can sometimes take upwards of an hour. ChromeOS, on the other hand, is such a lightweight operating system that its regular updates are fast, silent, and without fuss. It takes the hassle out of maintaining an operating system.
Reason 4: Productivity Without Spending a Fortune
As a freelance writer and editor, I have the privilege to work anywhere — at home, at an office, at a coffee shop, or even while on vacation. But only if I have a machine that’s light, portable, and user-friendly enough. Sure, there are plenty of Windows laptops and MacBooks out there that fit the profile, but they generally come with higher price tags than Chromebooks. For me, a Chromebook strikes the right balance between usability, performance, and affordability.
Reason 5: I’m Already Embedded in Google’s Ecosystem
The final reason why I made the switch away from Windows to ChromeOS is the fact that I’m already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. I own an Android phone and I use most of Google’s apps (including Gmail, Meet, Calendar, Maps, Photos, etc.), so it wasn’t a huge leap to ditch Windows and go (almost) all-in on ChromeOS. In fact, the switch has made things easier for me as I now have full access to all of my data across my phone, Chromebook, and other devices.
Why I Don’t Regret Making the Switch
I have no regrets about buying a Chromebook and I have no shame in preferring ChromeOS over Windows. Here are three big ways in which the switch has left me in a better place than before.
- I’m actually more productive
- ChromeOS boots instantly and is ready when I need it
- Web and Android apps are enough for me
What You Might Miss If You Switch from Windows to Chromebook
ChromeOS works perfectly for me 99 percent of the time, but if you decide to follow suit and switch from Windows to Google’s operating system, there are some things you may miss — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention them.
Access to your full-featured desktop applications may be limited, as some niche programs simply don’t have viable web or Android alternatives. Additionally, you may miss out on PC games without needing to rely on cloud gaming, as well as system upgradeability and customizations.
However, these are just minor drawbacks, and for me, the benefits of using ChromeOS far outweigh the costs.
