Survey Says Windows 8 Users Prefer Windows 7

[kevpan815]

NOT ME! Although I am mostly an Apple and Ubuntu User, I LOVE Windows 8 Right Now as Windows 7 has way too many Security Updates and Other Windows Updates available for it right now (even if you get an Integrated Copy with Service Pack 1 on it, still way too many Windows Updates for it) what I love about Windows 8 right now is a minimal amount of Windows Updates needed for it, and just as soon as Apple Boot Camp eventually starts Supporting Windows 8, I am going to put Windows 8 on my Mac's Boot Camp.

[kurupy]

....I LOVE Windows 8 Right Now as Windows 7 has way too many Security Updates and Other Windows Updates available for it right now...

Are we to assume by that logic that you'll no longer "LOVE" Windows 8 in 6-9 months when there are a number of updates to install? (if previous windows versions are anything to go by)

[Boo Berry]

Way too many security updates?!? You want them to not patch vulnerabilities in Windows!?! Seriously? Updating Windows only takes a few minutes each month ONCE you've updated from a fresh install.

And there's nothing wrong with Windows 8. It takes getting used to yes, but once you're used to it and the Metro Start Menu and applications, it's actually pretty neat.

[pupdawg21]

I've moved fully to Windows 8 on desktops and laptops. No primary Windows 7 anymore on any of my physical machines.

[firey]

This means nothing, other than some people like Windows 8 and some don't. I could do a survey with the same sample size and find more than half of the people prefer Windows 8.

Doubt it.

[cork1958]

Seeing as the main people who run Windows 8 now is the geeks, it may mean Windows 8 is going to get slaughtered when it reaches your average user.

Yep,

That's my prediction also.

Another Vista fiasco, for the general populous. I haven't had any issues with 8 like I did Vista, but I prefer 7 over 8, as of right now.

[BajiRav]

Yep,

That's my prediction also.

Another Vista fiasco, for the general populous. I haven't had any issues with 8 like I did Vista, but I prefer 7 over 8, as of right now.

Vista fiasco was a perception problem, perception that was created by geeks like you and me. So yes, it is possible that people who hate the new interface are going to ruin a perfectly fine OS, again.

[FiB3R]

This means nothing, other than some people like Windows 8 and some don't. I could do a survey with the same sample size and find more than half of the people prefer Windows 8.

I bet you couldn't. I'd lay money on it. in fact, ?100 says you can't.

[Calum Veteran]

I bet you couldn't. I'd lay money on it. in fact, ?100 says you can't.

I don't have the time or resources to do a survey of that size, to prove you wrong. I was just pointing out that it's very possible one could easily find results that contradict this survey ;) You must all admit that this survey is very flawed; not only is the sample size very small compared to the amount of Windows users worldwide, but it was conducted on a Windows 8 support forum?a place people go for support in regard to the new operating system. It's very amusing to me that some of you are suggesting you bet I couldn't find 50,000 people who love Windows 8. Just because you and a few other people don't like Windows 8, that doesn't mean the majority of people will dislike it.

Further, if Facebook redesigns are anything to go off, it seems many vocal people may dislike it at first but grow to love it, due to how many people can't adapt to change that benefits them. It's important to note that we don't know whether it was ever the majority of people who disliked Facebook redesigns; there were just a lot of vocal users.

[Yazoo]

Windows 8 will fail, simply cause its aimed at a minority demographic. Only hope of survival is the inclusion of Windows 8 in new PC sales. You may say I'm talking crap, maybe. We shall see.

[(Account no longer active)]

"Survey Says Windows 8 Users Prefer Windows 7". Not surprised at this at all.

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

I can believe that regardless of how the survey was conducted, I'm a Windows 8 user who prefers Windows 7.

At home I use Windows 8, at Work i use Windows 7. Throughout the week i get a good dose of each OS.

In general i find Windows 7 is just the nicer OS to use, Windows 8 has so many little things that just frequently annoy me. Windows 7 is also a lot more visually pleasing to look at, it might appear like i'm picking at small things there, however when looking at a screen for hours on end i believe little things make a big difference.

At the end of the day i can use either OS, I just prefer Windows 7.

[ViperAFK]

the metro interface is just poorly implemented in windows 8, the os feels way too inconsistent. I definitely prefer windows 7.

[aliawalkergw]

When asked for a response on these findings Ballmer was quoted as:

"Liar Liar Pants On Fire!!! *sticks fingers in ears* LALALALALALA! I can't hear you!"

This survey nicely proves you are right to hate Windows 8. Except it doesnt. While this is the interpetation that is being made from this survey. The correct interpetation is actually the opposite meaning. I dont expect you to go out of your way to see that you are wrong, but if you are going to poke fun at something wouldnt it be nice to have all the information?

[*RedBull*]

Wait they didn't get my vote. I say stay with Windows 7. 8 has nothing I want.

[neo1911]

Just like what InsaneNutter said. Windows 8 at home and Windows 7 in my office as I dont want my staff to get near that "made for non-productivity interface" previously called Metro.

[aliawalkergw]

Windows 8 will fail, simply cause its aimed at a minority demographic. Only hope of survival is the inclusion of Windows 8 in new PC sales. You may say I'm talking crap, maybe. We shall see.

Let me see if I can pick up your logic. Windows 8 is aimed at a minority demographic because it is aimed at tablets? Except that isnt really correct. Windows 8, if you used it, you would know is a hybrid OS just like the Hybrid machines it is inspiring. It is an OS built to fit 2 modes, Desktop and Mobile. In Desktop mode, which is what most people think of when they think of computers works just like windows 7 except the start menu is replaced with a Start screen. Users will need to understand the difference between legacy applications which is to say the desktop applications you use now and Windows RT apps, which arent as necessary in this mode. The start screen makes these tiles quite obvious, so not so hard to figure out. Mobile mode is just as it sound, when you are on the go away from the desk. In this mode, you are not worried about all around productivity and multitasking. Instead, you want to check your mail quickly or search the internet. Pretty much the same kind of think you would use an iPad for. In this mode, the Windows RT apps make a lot of sense. Now you will ask, why is Mobile mode necessary on a desktop computer? And the answer is, it isnt, but it isnt hurting anything either. Since it isnt hurting anything, why not have a consistent experience on what ever platform you go to? If you keep these things in mind and give the OS a real try, you will find that once you get past the initial learning curve, it is so much faster than anything before it. This is really a more productive OS than anything that came before it. Windows 8 hate just doesnt stand up to reality.

[aliawalkergw]

I don't have the time or resources to do a survey of that size, to prove you wrong. I was just pointing out that it's very possible one could easily find results that contradict this survey ;) You must all admit that this survey is very flawed; not only is the sample size very small compared to the amount of Windows users worldwide, but it was conducted on a Windows 8 support forum?a place people go for support in regard to the new operating system. It's very amusing to me that some of you are suggesting you bet I couldn't find 50,000 people who love Windows 8. Just because you and a few other people don't like Windows 8, that doesn't mean the majority of people will dislike it.

Further, if Facebook redesigns are anything to go off, it seems many vocal people may dislike it at first but grow to love it, due to how many people can't adapt to change that benefits them. It's important to note that we don't know whether it was ever the majority of people who disliked Facebook redesigns; there were just a lot of vocal users.

First, 50,000 is a huge poll, so I dont think that you are right on this point. That being said. I think the answers you are looking for are actually in this survey. Misinterpetation of this survey is on an epic scale. There is a point that many people, especially the reports are glossing over. That is the question on what OS the respondents use. In the survery, only 26% of the respondents said they used Windows 8. They did not break down the percentage of the people who used a specific OS vs what was there favorite OS. But it seems unlikely that someone who doesnt use Windows 8 would prefer it. If I look at it that way, the fact that 25% of the users perfered Windows 8. That would mean that 96% of those respondents who used Windows 8, perfered it. Now that is in complete contradiction of what everyone is saying that this survey says. Yet, I think my interpetation is by far the better interpetation. Now for a dose of cold water. The respondents were not randomly chosen, so therefore the meaning only applies to those who would be likely to use this website. Interpeting this on a larger consumer base would be statistically incorrect.

[Deviate_X]

Source and more.

While I might not like Windows 8 myself, I'm surprised at how that turned out. Am I to understand that 53% prefer Windows 7, 25% prefer Windows 8, and the remaining 22% prefer other operating systems (mac, linux)?

Ugh..

There something fishy. The first graph says only 26% of them surveyed have used windows 8.

The second graph says 25% of them surveyed prefer windows 8

This tells me that only 1/4 of the people in the poll have actually used windows 8 and the vast majority of those actually like it.

[+Fahim S. MVC]

Don't understand - if they don't like Windows 8, why are they using it?

Is someone holding a gun to their heads?

[sbasil]

Can only speak for myself, but nope, no one's holding me at gun point to use it. :p I've had Win8 (server 2012) for about a week now and have nothing but good things to say about it. It boots fast (ssd), it's smooth, fun, innovative, scales great on multiple screens, love the new login screen where you can place widgets etc.. Not all change is for bad! :)

[Rickkins]

Vista fiasco was a perception problem, perception that was created by geeks like you and me. So yes, it is possible that people who hate the new interface are going to ruin a perfectly fine OS, again.

Oh this is just freakin' priceless. So, let me see if I get this right. When 8 flops, it won't be ms's fault, it'll be our fault...???

Pure genius. :rolleyes:

[Hum]

Hopefully Microsoft is listening. :laugh:

[Eric Veteran]

Windows 8 hasn't been released to the public yet so this survey is useless.

Also, please stick to the topic.

[Yazoo]

Let me see if I can pick up your logic. Windows 8 is aimed at a minority demographic because it is aimed at tablets? Except that isnt really correct. Windows 8, if you used it, you would know is a hybrid OS just like the Hybrid machines it is inspiring. It is an OS built to fit 2 modes, Desktop and Mobile. In Desktop mode, which is what most people think of when they think of computers works just like windows 7 except the start menu is replaced with a Start screen. Users will need to understand the difference between legacy applications which is to say the desktop applications you use now and Windows RT apps, which arent as necessary in this mode. The start screen makes these tiles quite obvious, so not so hard to figure out. Mobile mode is just as it sound, when you are on the go away from the desk. In this mode, you are not worried about all around productivity and multitasking. Instead, you want to check your mail quickly or search the internet. Pretty much the same kind of think you would use an iPad for. In this mode, the Windows RT apps make a lot of sense. Now you will ask, why is Mobile mode necessary on a desktop computer? And the answer is, it isnt, but it isnt hurting anything either. Since it isnt hurting anything, why not have a consistent experience on what ever platform you go to? If you keep these things in mind and give the OS a real try, you will find that once you get past the initial learning curve, it is so much faster than anything before it. This is really a more productive OS than anything that came before it. Windows 8 hate just doesnt stand up to reality.

ha ha No! nothing to do with tablets. People do not like change, geeks and nerds will get off on this but not your average Joe. Uncles, Aunts, Grand Parents etc will not like this change and they are the ones who have driven the increase in PC sales the last couple of decades. Its new sales that will make a success of this OS, but that particular demographic is not being aimed with this release. IMHO this will be a loss for MS for sometime.