Best Operating System for Gaming on Laptops and Desktops
You now have a gaming computer that has the most powerful specs available on the market. It’s time for you to start thinking about what the best operating system for gaming is.
The operating system is so obvious that it can be something that can be overlooked when building a gaming computer. So, if you don’t know anything else about gaming computers, remember this: No matter how bad or good the other components are in your gaming computer, the best operating system for gaming will add unsurpassed performance to all of your games.
Operating Systems: What Are They?
The operating system is what helps you perform all the essential functions on a computer. It doesn’t just manage all the peripheral software and hardware; it also accesses the CPU for memory and storage purposes. But the thing you’re probably most interested in is that it allows gamers to run fun applications such as games.
Operating systems can also manage the hardware resources of your computer, such as utilizing the purposes of controlling peripherals and scheduling tasks.
Years ago, the only operating system that was available was MS-DOS. Still, the complexity of it led to the creation of a better alternative.
Today, there are three main platforms: macOS, Linux, and Windows, which can support more natural interfaces that make them the best operating system for gaming. There is no doubt that Mac and Windows are the best operating software for personal and home use. When using your computer for personal use (e.g., writing and web browsing), you don’t need a powerful operating system. But when it comes to gaming, the Windows operating system is the best operating system for gaming.
There is no doubt that the Linux operating system is the best option when it comes to talking about the fastest and lightest operating system. This type of operating system doesn’t require a powerful processor like Windows does.
The Best Operating System for Gaming
Several different operating systems are considered to be the best for gaming on laptops and desktops. Below we’ll go over each one to help you understand which one would be best for your gaming habits.
Windows 10
Hands down, the best operating system for gaming is Windows 10. There are several reasons why Windows 10 is the best operating system for gaming, but the biggest reason is that there is support.
Windows can support more games than any other operating system. It’s not just the number of games that Windows can support. Instead, it’s the number of popular titles that are available on Windows that aren’t available on any other operating system.
Windows 10 from Microsoft is a highly optimized and very efficient operating system. With it comes new characteristics that are concentrated on Xbox programs and the game’s hub. Additionally, it has Direct X12, which is the most updated version of Microsoft’s platform for running games.
Along with the features just mentioned, the best part about Windows 10 is that it does little updates instead of creating a brand-new operating system throughout the years. So, with Windows 10, you’ll find that you can use this operating system for years to come without having to buy a new upgraded version every year.
Pros:
- Stable
- There are a wide variety of online games you can play
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Security can be an issue
- Breakdown issues
Windows 8
Windows 8 has close competition with Windows 10. With this operating system, you can run over 20,000 types of games. However, there is a downside to this because most new games aren’t available to Windows 8 anymore since the creation of Windows 10.
There is also the problem with compatibility since some video games will no longer work correctly. Other than that, Windows 8 is extremely stable and features wide-ranging and perfect drivers for the entire hardware.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- High stability
- Well-known in the gaming industry
Cons:
- Easy to customize
- Hardware expenses
Mac OS
Every single Apple product is built with the Mac operating system already pre-installed. The updated operating system for Mac is Mojave, which is the updated version of OS Catalina.
After the Sierra operating system series, the Mojave operating system is the updated and more modern series for the Mac operating system.
macOS is a highly recommended operating system because it has excellent visuals and graphics. Plus, Mac is more secure than other operating systems and grants very few chances for viruses and threats to attack your computer when you’re on the internet.
macOS can run Steam and can support a small collection of games, including popular titles liked League of Legends and Minecraft. However, the main problem with using MacOS as your gaming software is that there isn’t enough support from game developers to make games that work on operating systems that aren’t Windows.
Games are typically made to be used on a Windows computer. If games do eventually come to macOS, there’s no guarantee that they will continue to be updated regularly or optimized properly.
The good news for Apple lovers is that the same issue that makes MacOS a bad system for gaming is also the same reason why iOS is better for mobile games. Just like PC games are made for Windows computers, more mobile game developers are focused on making games for iOS.
So, while macOS won’t stack up to Windows in terms of high-end gaming, there is a rapidly growing market for mobile games, and it looks like Apple will dominate in that arena.
Pros:
- High-quality graphics and visuals
- No threats online
- Secure
Cons:
- High cost
- Limited gaming options
- Performance decreases with heavy graphical games
Linux
Linux isn’t an operating system you probably considered when searching for the best operating system for gaming. Linux is well-known for being challenging to use, even though, in recent years, extra user-friendly options have become available.
With the Linux operating system, you’re able to change almost everything as long as you have the required information. This is one of the reasons that the Linux operating system is so popular among power users who want to use the complicated tasks of Linux.
For ordinary users, Linux has a complex learning curve that can be challenging for them to use. Some users are scared of using the command line, and it could take a long time to learn the commands that you have to use to make the operating software useful. Because of this, Linux isn’t an excellent choice for less tech-savvy people.
Linux also provides users with a free end to explore options, unlike Windows, which limits user options. However, the speed and performance of Linux is a disadvantage of using it for gaming purposes.
Pros:
- Unrestricted options
- Robust system
Cons:
- Performance issues
- Slower speed
- Sophisticated design
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best operating system for gaming can be difficult because of the options available to you. But if you use this guide to help you figure out which is best for your gaming preferences, then you’ll be good to go. Before you go with any one operating system, figure out what your gaming habits are going to be so you can decide which is the best operating system for you.
There’s no need to worry about finding the right operating system because you have all the information right at your fingertips. But remember to always stay on top of finding the best operating system for gaming because it could change any day.
You can do this by looking at the unbiased comparison between their features and pros and cons. We’ve already started to do that in this article. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a better idea of what you’re looking for in the best operating system for gaming.