What is the difference between window 8.1 and windows 10?

[shinhosuck1973]

Can some explain the main difference between windows 8.1 and windows 10? The reason I'm asking this is because I just deleted windows 10 and installed windows 8.1 to compare boot time on a normal laptop HDD. The difference was huge. The windows 10 normally took between 11/2 to 2 minutes. But on windows 8.1, it took between 20 to 40 secs. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

[brummyfan]

Windows 10 is the newest OS and it's more suitable for newer hardware, mainstream support ended in 2018 for Windows 8.1, so you will not receive any security updates, otherwise if you are happy and more familiar with the way 8.1 works you can continue to use 8.1, the boot time depends on the hardware in your PC, I think your PC is more suitable for older OS.

Lifecycle FAQ - Windows

Answers to frequently asked questions about the lifecycle policy for Windows products.

docs.microsoft.com

 

[Bree]

Can some explain the main difference between windows 8.1 and windows 10?

mainstream support ended in 2018 for Windows 8.1, so you will not receive any security updates

No, the end of mainstream support means there will be no further development of Windows features. Extended support means you will continue to get new security updates, but nothing else. Extended support ends on 01/10/2023.

Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Lifecycle

Windows 8.1 follows the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

docs.microsoft.com

 

[carl55]

Exactly: there are still Security Updates and Windows Defender signatures updates. However it is not the same Windows Defender running Windows 10. on WIndows 10 there are several services and processes that could drain your hardware. Anyway my suggestion would be to update your HHD to a SSD for better experience on both the OSes.

 

[Stealth]

For that laptop I would stick with 8, and if you like 8, even better! Windows 10 is a pig, and is not good on old hardware, laptops especially. Some laptops fair better than others, and some require an SSD IMO. Windows 10 is a big PITA!

 

[TechnoMage]

In playing around with different OS's, I've found that the only real benefit, for me, using older PC's, is that Windows 10, pig that it is, has a GREAT Hardware Driver Package. It will install the correct hardware drivers on just about any old PC.
However, Windows 8.1 is a more user friendly OS, and it seems to have the same Great Driver Pack as 10.
Just for fun, I've installed Windows 8.1/Pro/x86 on a very old Dell Laptop, that originally came out with Windows XP on it. Everything on the laptop works great now, with Windows 8.1 installed on it, without me having to chase down any drivers. Then I installed the new Classic Shell on it, and it looks just like it has Windows 7/Pro on it. I prefer that!

Cheers Mate!
TM

 

[Kevin Ismail]

One among the differences is that Win 10 has no option to disable the update. It can only be paused per 7 days. And arrange the active hour so that it won't disturb working time. Other trick is set the connection property as metered connection.

Just for fun, I installed Win 10 64-bit to an old ASUS K42F bought in 2011. Core i3 with 4gb memory. Replaced HDD with 240gb Kingston SSD. It takes only 45 second to complete the boot sequence.

Kevin

 

[Bree]

One among the differences is that Win 10 has no option to disable the update. It can only be paused per 7 days....

That's anything up to 35 days in the Advanced options. In both Home and Pro the update to the next version of W10 remains optional until shortly before your current version reaches end of support. And there is as lot more control in Pro than in Home through Group policies.

Then there are also 3rd-party options to completely control updates in Home or Pro.

Enable or Disable Windows Update Automatic Updates in Windows 10

How to Enable or Disable Automatic Updates for Windows Update in Windows 10

www.tenforums.com

 

[Kevin Ismail]

I read that out.
Thanks @Bree

 

[TechnoMage]

There IS a script, that permanently disables Auto Updates in 10. I install that on every Win-10 Setup.
And then, there are NO unwanted updates. Minus updates is COOL!

Cheers Mate!
TM