Windows 7 or 8.1

[raildogg]

Hello, I've been using Windows 7 for a while now and quite happy with it but I'm looking to buy another OEM or retail Windows for a computer I'm about to buy. I'm not quite sure if I should stick with Windows 7 or not.

There is really nothing about Windows 8.1 that is attractive to me - I don't really like the design (tiles). I have heard that Windows 8.1 is transferable to another PC as long as only one is being used at a time. I believe Windows 7 is tied to the first motherboard that its installed on.

I'm not quite sure about the PC I'm buying so I would like to possibly use the copy of Windows on another computer if it doesn't work out. If Windows 7 is really tied to the first motherboard that its installed on, then Windows 8.1 makes more sense.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

 

[SwiftWind]

The only good thing I have to say about Windows 8.1 is that it seems to be incredibly stable.

On Windows 7 and 10 I still had crashes and freezes once in a while, but never on Windows 8.1. Not even sure why.

 

[Kenmitch]

Retail version of 7 should be transferable to another machine. Only OEM is tied to MB.

I like 8.1 better than 7. Takes getting used to feels snappier to me.

Running 10 pro x64 currently on my rigs.

On another note Microsoft needs to fix Windows 10 install issues. Had 8.1 Pro x64 on my main rig. Upgraded to Win 10 and it was activated. Been playing around with my 4790k overclock and figured I had enough bsods to possibly jeopardize the install. Did a clean install a little while ago which won't activate. Dreaded key is blocked message!

Had to start over with 8.1 which doesn't take long on my rig....Somewhat annoying tho.

At the very last part of the Win 8.1 install it now prompts/pimps the free upgrade to Windows 10. Must be a recent change on their part.