Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Widest range of games available
Every game that uses Windows is well supported, as there is no variation between one OS and another. Supporting one OS that uses the same framework and libraries across all devices is easier than developing for a fragmented OS, where the variation between one and another changes rapidly. Games developed for Linux usually follow a strict requirement for an old LTS and proprietary driver. If you don't, you're basically on your own.
Pro Game mode
(Introduced in Creators Update)
Dedicates games more GPU cycles and CPU threads.
Works for all games.
Pro DirectX 12
The newest version of Microsoft’s DirectX application programming interface, which handles visual and other multimedia tasks on Windows-based systems.
Cons
Con Collects a lot of user data and sends it Microsoft by default
By default Windows 10 gathers information related to contacts, location, calendar and input (text and touch). The process for opting out of all data collection efforts is both time consuming and requires a reasonable amount of technical know-how.
Con It advertises MS Store Apps in the start menu
However it is possible to turn it off.
Con Forced updates on Home and Pro versions
Since Microsoft has a checkered past in regard to Windows updates, many people worry that a bad patch might break applications, drivers, peripherals or even brick their computers.
Con Tablet mode is a pain to use
The tablet mode of Windows 10 has many issues compared to other major tablet operating systems like Android, for example:
- 1.) In the tablet mode the desktop is replaced by the Windows 10 start menu
- 1.1.) As there is no Desktop there is no proper launcher to start your apps so you always have to open that windows 10 start menu...
- 2.) Virtual keyboard often don't come up automatically(you need to click on the keybord icon near the systray to bring it up)
- 2.1.) If the keyboard is docked and comes up it will lay over the window and if(like here on slant) the entry box is on the bottom of the page it will lay over that box so you have to manually undock the keyboard and move it to any other border which of course breaks other options like scrolling a page etc.
- 2.2.) Virtual keyboard and virtual touchpad have no customization options so you can't make them bigger or smaller etc.
Con Expensive
License costs a lot and a lifetime product will not be granted - only a limited time license is received that allows one to activate and use it.
Con Gamer black screen of death and game blocking
Older games do not work due to the black screen, some older games are blocked by an update. Remove update and restart PC, the game will then load and work fine (securerom issue). if this issue gets googled, there will be information on what update to remove, afterwards just block it from updates.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con Installs bloatware
It installs many Windows Store apps by default. Moreover, it updates them automatically even after they are uninstalled, then they come back whenever a bigger update or service pack gets installed, eg: the creator's update.
Pro All games are supported
Every game that uses Windows is well supported, as there is no variation between one OS and another. Supporting one OS that uses the same framework and libraries across all devices is easier than developing for a fragmented OS, where the variation between one and another changes rapidly. Games developed for Linux usually follow a strict requirement for an old LTS and proprietary driver. If you don't, you're basically on your own.
Con Bad IO performance
Slow when reading files, bad for open-world games.
Con Lacks polish
Many interface and functionality changes have not been finalized yet, creating an inconsistent user experience. For example, there are both simplified Windows 10 style settings menus as well as Windows 7 style settings menus that can easily create confusion.
Similarly, many of the bundled applications (People, Photos, Groove, Mail, Calendar, etc) lack functionality compared to their counterparts in previous Windows versions.
Con Bloated UI, high RAM usage
Win10 uses a lot of RAM for caching and data mining, if you've less than 16GB it'll be a serious performance problem.
Con Horrible stock performance on old hardware
Would recommend windows 7 (or even 8.1) on older (older than 5-6 years) hardware.
Con Forced updates to Home and Pro versions
Since Microsoft has a checkered past in regard to Windows updates, many people worry that a bad patch might break applications, drivers, peripherals or even brick their computers.
Con Not made for gaming
It wasn't designed with gaming in mind although most games are designed for Windows.
Con Lack of long term support
Your devices would likely become obsolete at some point as software won't be supported by the manufacturer, nor OS. And without sources available you wouldn't be able to use it. It is the same for the OS itself - after some point older releases won't even activate.
Con Updates are forced causing restart
Some important updates as well as updates for systems not updated frequently would be force-installed and system restarted. As a result this OS is not applicable for servers (where you could buy even more expensive version that won't install any updates automatically).
Con Is huge and 32GB is not enough
It requires about 32GB to install and this is not enough to perform a major update.