Chromebooks had come into the market as a form of a curiosity, but with the passage of time, it has now become very popular. Chromebooks come with Chrome OS and are super easy to use and in order to use them all you need to do is you have to know how to use a browser. However, Microsoft is not one which would be sitting idle in the face of this growing threat. They rolled out Windows 10 S which has a super easy Start button and on top of that Cortana assistance which makes the usage even simpler. Both the laptops equipped with respective OS from Google and Microsoft are available at quite affordable prices for the users to choose from.
But when both are offering such good benefits, it is confusing to choose one and the question of which operating system is better to arise. This article will clear your doubts between Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S operating system and which one to choose.
We will discuss the differences between Chrome OS and Windows 10 S on various parameters and you can then decide which one of them is better than the other.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Interface
Windows 10 S
Windows 10 S is a far better organized and seamless version of the operating system than its predecessor. The Start button reveals a totally new menu which gives you the chance to use Cortana as and when needed, you can also expand the menu in order to check out the latest used apps are the ones that have been recently installed. You can also use the Cortana search using the Search bar and the open apps are represented in the form of small icons.
You can also access the Action Centre of Windows to check out the alerts from apps which are active as well as dormant in nature by clicking the button on the bottom right of the Windows screen. You can split the Windows screen into 4 and the touch screen laptops have the advantage of getting converted into tablets with all the apps running thanks to the Universal update.
Chrome OS
The Chrome taskbar, on the other hand, shows you only the open apps that are available and also the essential apps such as YouTube, Docs, Drives which are usually used by the people using this OS. The apps in Chrome OS usually run in the browser as Chrome OS was designed to be a web-based system. The same is true for the various offline apps too. You can split the Chrome screen into two for convenience.
Winner: Windows 10 S as you can work on both offline and online apps
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Virtual Assistants
Cortana
Once you click on the search bar provided by Cortana, you will be able to get a host of important messages which includes the weather and all the updates from your calendar along with a host of local restaurants and other updates. You can easily ask a question to Cortana by saying “Hey, Cortana” followed by the question about the information you want. All your queries will be answered via the Bing search engine. Cortana does a lot more than just this, it allows you to search files using local languages, book appointments and dictate emails apart from telling jokes.
Google Now
The contemporary of Cortana in the Chrome OS is the Google Now virtual assistant. All you need to do is say “OK Google” and the Google Now app will be launched in your Chrome window. You can ask any type of questions to the app and your results will be displayed in the Google search engine. Google Now is more verbal than Cortana.
Winner: Cortana as it evolved and become better day by day
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Apps & Software
Windows 10 S
When it comes to the utilization of apps, most of the apps that are usually required for general usage, are supported by Windows 10 S. Be it Facebook or a photo editing app or Kindle you will be able to use them all in the Windows 10 S. On top of it, it is simple to use. If you like any app, there are chances that Windows 10 S will support it. Yes, we can play games on Windows 10 S and that is the best part we like about Windows 10 S operating system.
Chrome OS
Using the Chrome OS is basically just like using a big browser. So, if you are using something which is browser based, then you can easily work it on Chrome. Although the Chrome Web Store offers a host of various apps for you to choose from and some of them have limited offline features. Also, Google is trying to couple with some Android apps and some laptops will support Android apps and Google Play Store. But all in all, Chrome OS is a work in progress and hence it doesn’t support many things like games and offline apps. Although there are certain exclusive functions that run on Chrome, there is a lot which it doesn’t support.
Winner: Windows 10 S as it supports more apps and software than Chrome OS.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Photo & Video Editing
Windows 10 S
Windows 10 S brings to the users a basket of various apps which are brilliant in editing photos and videos. Some of these apps are meant to be used by the pros like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Apart from these apps, the Windows Photos app is also pretty good when it comes to editing features. The top right navigation bar of the Photos app allows you to edit the photos in a very basic yet effective manner. You can play around with the contrast, brightness, straightening, colors, and saturation of the photo apart from some other very basic features. You can also use the host of filters that are available in the app, it acts much like the Instagram app. The Microsoft Web store also offers a host of video editing apps which can even be used by the filmmakers.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is not a biggie when it comes to editing photos and videos. It offers very basic tools for editing photos and videos which are available in the online mode and which can generally be used in the Chrome browsers. Pixlr Editor and Photoshop Express are probably the only mentionable apps that you can use on Chrome. If you are a novice in the business of editing, then Chrome might be satisfactory for you.
Winner: Windows 10 S as it has a host of apps for photo and video editing.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Web Browsing
Windows 10 S
When it comes to browsing the internet, Windows 10 S provides you with a host of selections to choose from. Be it Firefox or Chrome or default apps like Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge that you find useful.
Chrome OS
When it comes to Chrome OS you have no choice of browsers and have to go along with Chrome only. So, if you aren’t a fan of the Chrome browser, then you are in tough luck.
Winner: Windows 10 S as it gives you many browser options to choose from.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: File Management
Windows 10 S
When it comes to Windows 10 S, you get the traditional view of the files just like any other Microsoft OS. You can find all your files from the File Explorer that is available and also look into the Microsoft OneDrive to search for files that you have saved on the clouds.
Chrome OS
Chromebook also has a similar file option where you can look for the files that you have saved on Google Drive. The only problem with this OS is the fact that you have a limited amount of space to store your files and the expansion of space requires the payment of a monthly subscription to access the same.
Winner: Windows 10 S as it allows you to store ample of photos, videos, music files, etc.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Productivity
Windows 10 S
Windows 10 S is probably one of the most productive OS that you will find which is lightweight and easy to use. It is so user-friendly and you will find all the apps related to business or personal use. Microsoft Office, on the other hand, takes care of all the needs that a person might have in their daily life be it Word or PowerPoint or Excel. You can even access the Google Drive or Open Office via Windows 10 S which makes it one of the standard bearers for productivity.
Chrome OS
If you want to be productive on Chrome, you either need to use the apps that have been created by Google or you have to use the limited number of apps that are available on Chrome OS itself, and the main problem is the fact that you have to download mist of these apps which are usually fully productive only when you are connected to the internet.
Winner: Windows 10 S as you can Windows 10 S and Microsoft Office at the same time.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Gaming
Windows 10 S
When you are into hardcore gaming, there are certain specs which are an absolute must without which you can’t play games like World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3, Overwatch, Rocket League or Dota 2. Graphics card, hard drive space, processing power are some of those features which are pretty well available on the Windows 10 S and will allow you to play your favorite games with ease.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is good for people who are satisfied with minimalistic games such as Cut The Rope and Plant vs. Zombies as you can never play hardcore games on Chrome OS. Chrome OS simply doesn’t support games like Dota 2, Rocket League, The Witcher 3 or Warcraft. On top of that if your games need Flash Player, then tough luck playing them on Chrome.
Winner: Windows 10 S! Do we need to tell you why?
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Media Playback
Windows 10 S
When it comes Windows 10 S, it supports a host of media players which includes the likes of .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, m4v, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga. .webm .aac, .asf, .asx, .m2ts, .m3u, .mpg, .mpeg, .qt, .wmv, .vod and .wma and .wav files among others.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS supports only supports a part of the files that are supported by Windows 10 S. It supports files like .3gp, .avi, .mov, .mp4, m4v, .mp3, .mkv, .ogv, .ogm, .ogg, .oga. .webm along with .wav files.
Winner: Windows 10 S as you can play any file format you can think of.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Security
Windows 10 S
Microsoft is one of the top targets of hackers for a number of years now. But the Microsoft Defender, which comes inbuilt gives some relief as it removes some basic virus and also notifies you as and when it fails to recognize an app. Also, Microsoft has started off with the fingerprint scanner and the RealSense camera which will do away with the use of PIN and protect your device better with the finger print and your face as the opener of your device.
Chrome OS
One of the unique selling points of Chrome OS is the advanced security that it provides to the users. Even though Chrome is not targeted by many hackers, still it helps in automatic checking and updating of the security features and fact that you can’t use the Flash Player helps in removing any security issues with the app. The only problem with Chrome OS is probably the sites which you use and which can be hacked by thieves.
Winner: Chrome OS obviously as no hacker is interested in hacking this OS yet.
Chrome OS vs Windows 10 S: Hardware
Windows 10 S
If you are a believer that variety is the spice of life, then you will be in love with the Windows 10 S devices as it comes in a host of colors, materials, and sizes which allow you to choose from the basket of goods which will surely give you the freedom of choice.
Chrome OS
Chromebooks are a very new market, which is growing at a steady pace. Hence, your set of choices are very limited and you have to be satisfied with the little option you have when you are buying a Chromebook.
Winner: Windows 10 S has a lot many options to choose from and frankly we love the Surface laptops designs.
Now that you are aware of all the various differences between Windows 10 S and Chrome OS, you will be easily able to choose, the choice of the machine which is needed by you to accomplish the daily work you have.
However, the article clearly shows that Windows 10 has emerged as the winner in most all the categories. Still, if you are not much into download too many apps and happy with browsing, a little editing and watching videos online, you can go with Chrome OS.
What do you think? Do let us know in the comments section below.
