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Do the like the design of windows 8 or windows 7. Tell me the honest answer.

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<M/> commented: 8, windows 8... +10

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Short, practical take: pick the UI that fits how you use the PC. Windows 7 is a traditional, desktop-first design with the familiar Start menu and Aero chrome (many here — , — note they prefer that look). Windows 8 moves to a tile/Start‑screen model built for touch; some posters (for example ) liked 8 once the Start menu returned, others (like and ) either installed a Start‑menu replacement or switched OS entirely. The honest answer is “both are fine” — but the right choice depends on your workflow (mouse/keyboard vs touch), software compatibility, and how much you value continuing security updates.

Important support facts you need to know before choosing: Windows 8 (the original 8.0) reached end of support on January 12, 2016; Windows 8.1 reached end of support on January 10, 2023; Windows 7 reached end of support on January 14, 2020. Running any of those today means no regular security updates from Microsoft. (learn.microsoft.com)

If you like Windows 7’s Start menu but want current security, consider the later Windows releases: Windows 10 reintroduced the Start menu and hybrid desktop/tiles behavior, and Windows 11 is the actively supported platform Microsoft recommends. Note that Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so it is also now unsupported unless you purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) or move to Windows 11. (blogs.windows.com)

Actionable checklist: (1) Choose the OS that your critical apps support and that receives security updates. (2) If you must run an unsupported OS for legacy apps, isolate the machine, keep backups, and use layered protection — but treat that machine as higher risk. (3) If you prefer the Windows‑7 UI, Start‑menu replacements (many were discussed here) or a tuned Windows 11 install can bridge the gap. For users on very old hardware, a lightweight Linux distro (as noted) is a realistic alternative.

Recommended Answers

All 16 Replies

Member Avatar for JorgeM

Ok my honest answer is.... Windows 7. If I wasnt honest, I'd say Windows 8.

However, if im not being honest then my answer about Windows 7 may be dishonest.

Member Avatar for Hiroshe

If I'm using Windows 7, then I'll enable the classic theme, and set up my taskbar so it looks like windows 95. I think that aero jazz is ugly.

If I'm using Windows 8, then I'll use classic shell to make it look like windows 95, and disable all that metro jazz.

Member Avatar for Dani

I'm happy with Windows 8. Happier once the Start menu gets reintroduced, but honestly I don't see a huge difference. I don't know what all the fuss over the dashboard-thingy is all about.

Member Avatar for khakilang

I would say Window 8 just because it will live longer than Window 7.

Member Avatar for AffineMesh

With every new release of Windows, after dabbling around with the new features for a while, I invariably end up configuring the look and feel to a way that makes sense to me. The final result usually resembles Windows NT. Bring back the Start button!

Windows 8 and 8.1? I'm very disappointed with the direction Microsoft has gone, and their seeming unwillingness to listen to desktop users. They've invested a lot of effort into their new UI, and understand why they might want to persist with it, but there are some flaws in the design that seem ridiculous to me and I'm puzzled how they could get it so wrong.

Recently Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP, an OS that worked adequately for my needs, so I felt it was time to upgrade an old laptop. I managed to find a suitable replacement. It wasn't Windows 8.1, in fact it wasn't even a Microsoft product. Yay for Lubuntu!

Member Avatar for deceptikon

I like them both, actually.

Member Avatar for nullptr

Who cares what I prefer, isn't it about which design you prefer?
If I was to get a new Windows PC then I'd go for Win 8.1 simply because it's architecturally superior.

Member Avatar for rahulrao

I would suggest windows 8 because I use it and it works well and has a better user interface than windows 7

Member Avatar for jwenting

Once you get comfortable with the different user interface (which cost me a few hours at most), there's very little difference for all sense and purpose.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

I would suggest windows 8 because I use it and it works well and has a better user interface than windows 7

Keep in mind that this is one user's opinion and was given with no explanation as to why the interface is "better".

Member Avatar for Member #1109047

Honestly, I like them both but I will suggest you Windows 8 because it's design is very nice...if you want some more advantages and themes and wallpapers, etc. than Windows 8, 7 or the older versions then try Windows 8.1! Try it! It's more than an operating system!

Member Avatar for Hiroshe

if you want some more advantages and themes and wallpapers, etc

Default wallpapers and themes arn't a cause to update.

It's more than an operating system!

No it's not.

Member Avatar for deyamag

using windows 7.better than 8.
windows 8 about to die.

Member Avatar for deceptikon

windows 8 about to die.

Please elaborate.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

While this article isn't proof it does come from a respected source and is (IMO) spot on. Of course, that doesn't mean Windows 8 will "die" any more than any other previous version of Windows.

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