Windows 7 or Windows 8 - which is better for gamers?

Windows 7 vs. Windows 8: Gamers are asking themselves whether it is worth switching to the new operating system from Redmond or whether it is better to continue playing with the reliable Win 7. After all, all games run on Windows 8 - and it is pre-installed on almost every new desktop PC. An OS decision aid for gamers.

Gaming PC - a question of performance

For gamers, PC performance is the be-all and end-all - so the first question they ask themselves is: Does Windows 8 affect the performance of my PC when gaming?

Microsoft has turned up the performance screw in some areas of Windows 8 and added a few functions in other places that consume more performance.

In principle, however, it is not to be expected that the performance of games will be negatively affected when switching from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

Graphics card manufacturers such as Nvidia and AMD have been offering optimized drivers for a long time and ensure at least consistent performance. Each Gaming PC with Windows 8 runs with the usual performance.

Compatibility problems Windows 7 / Windows 8?

Every software (and just about every Hardware), which runs under Windows 7, also runs flawlessly under Windows 8. Microsoft took this into account right from the start when developing its new OS. So there is no need to worry about compatibility.

When playing older titles, you can fall back on the compatibility mode, as usual with Windows 7. This ensures that games from the last decade can also be run.

However, caution is advised with the slimmed-down Windows RT edition: If you have a tablet with this edition, you can only install apps for the new start interface and no desktop applications. Conventional games can therefore not be installed. Instead, you can only use the apps from the Windows Store.

Windows 8 - the improvements for gamers

Xbox games can be purchased in the Windows Store - but do not run on all platforms.

While the new user interface is debatable, Windows 8 does offer some improvements for gamers. For example, you can now purchase not only apps but also games directly via a unified store.

There are also many free, entertaining games. Paid games can also be tried out without obligation.

Xbox 360 owners can also benefit from the strong interaction between PC and console. With the Xbox SmartGlass App control the Xbox from your PC. And with the direct integration of Xbox Live via the "Games" tile, you can also access the online network including statuses, friends and avatar from your PC.

In the future, if Microsoft's vision is to be followed, games will be started on the PC and then continued on the Xbox in the evening and on the smartphone on the way to work the next day.

However, there are not yet many games that support all three platforms - Xbox, Windows PC and Windows Phone.

(Photos: Screenshots from windows-tweaks.info)