Best Windows version for a slow PC?

As we got a number of versions on Windows, which is the best one for a slow PC? One of my friends recommended Windows 2000. But I am quite skeptical as I heard that it is being targeted by most of the hackers.

Just wanted to know if Windows version has anything to do with computer speed? And if yes, which one is suitable for a slow PC, without compromising much on safety?

You could try windows XP. It is Bit fast. It is similar to Windows 2000. But i prefer to Windows XP.

Well, in my opinion you can go with Windows XP as it requires very less amount of RAM and CPU. The best thing which I like about Windows XP that you can run almost every programs in your computer and easy to use and very good interface. The version of Windows really does matter when it comes to performance just becuase its all about the hardware if you install Windows 7 on your computer which has old hardware it would not be possible to deliver maximum performance. Windows XP good enough to run on any specification just becuase of the way it designed so my suggestion for you is Windows XP

Originally Posted by lokielovesbunny

Well, in my opinion you can go with Windows XP as it requires very less amount of RAM and CPU. The best thing which I like about Windows XP that you can run almost every programs in your computer and easy to use and very good interface. The version of Windows really does matter when it comes to performance just becuase its all about the hardware if you install Windows 7 on your computer which has old hardware it would not be possible to deliver maximum performance. Windows XP good enough to run on any specification just becuase of the way it designed so my suggestion for you is Windows XP

Thanks a lot for the valuable suggestion and detailed explanation. So Windows XP will not take that much of memory. I have Windows 7 installed in my laptop which has only 2 GB RAM. Will that be a problem for me in future? Anyway my system is not running smoothly and it is taking lot of time to boot. Sometimes it is just like frozen with weird mouse movements. I think in this case the culprit is Windows 7. Then I would prefer to go back to Windows XP as referred by you. In fact I am least bothered about various versions of Windows. I would only opt for a version which supports optimum performance of my laptop.

If you use the computer only for e-mails, web-browsing, watching movies and such activities, you could try and install some light-weight Linux.
Windows platform is needed only for playing games, and in any case, your low RAM PC will not run games !

I use Windows 7 and I never have had problem with my operating system. Once, when my anti virus experienced and I dilly dallied to instal a latest version, my computer crashed because of virus. During the troubleshooting process, I installed Windows 8. In the beginning, I thought it was pretty good. However, shortly my computer became sluggish. Later, I switched back to Windows 7 and performance of my computer is as good as when it was new. In think Windows 7 is good for slow pc.

It really depends on the specifications of your computer such as RAM and processor speed. I believe computer speed isn't solely based on the operating system of a computer, but on its specifications. Your computer could run just fine as long as you install the right operating system in it. Windows XP is good enough for PC with Pentium 3 or 4 CPUs.

In my opinion I think that Windows XP is the best there is for slower computers. There aren't any new updates for XP, but that doesn't matter. You can also use Windows 7 that is more RAM using than XP but it is still good.

Originally Posted by serbog

In my opinion I think that Windows XP is the best there is for slower computers. There aren't any new updates for XP, but that doesn't matter. You can also use Windows 7 that is more RAM using than XP but it is still good.

So, I am getting a lot of recommendations for Windows XP. However I cannot think of going to Linux as I haver never used that before. Windows is my favorite OS.

By the way, what is the ideal RAM required for Windows 7. I am currently on Windows 7 and like its features. My computer has 2GB RAM. Would it be enough for Windows 7? My basic function is net surfing and I never play any games that need high graphics.

If you are comfortable with Win XP, you can very easily shift to Xubuntu linux. The UI is very similar and there is very little additional learning required. It runs very well in older systems also.

It is the first time I am hearing about Xubuntu Linux. In fact I have never used Linux in my life. Would it be comfortable for me to use it? Hope it is an open source program and I don't have to pay for it. I would like to know the minimum RAM requirement for smooth functioning of Xbuntu too.

I heard of a similar program called Ubuntu. By any chance has it got any relation with Ubuntu? I have seen Ubuntu and it was really good. But as I have only used Windows till now, I did not pay heed to Ubuntu.

Xubuntu is a light version of Ubuntu using XFCE desktop as against the heavier Unity desktop used by normal Ubuntu. All ubuntu based softwares can be installed in Xubuntu also. The OS itself can be downloaded for free. Xubuntu can run on 512 MB but 1 GB RAM is preferable. The desktop UI is very similar to XP and so its easier to adapt for Windows users.

Originally Posted by webworld

As we got a number of versions on Windows, which is the best one for a slow PC? One of my friends recommended Windows 2000. But I am quite skeptical as I heard that it is being targeted by most of the hackers.

Just wanted to know if Windows version has anything to do with computer speed? And if yes, which one is suitable for a slow PC, without compromising much on safety?

Man you could try Windows XP, but the problem is that most of the programs done nowadays are not compatible anymore with that Windows version. Is the PC really old? I would suggest you install Windows 7, I think Wndows Vista is heavier than Windows 7. If you think that the PC doesn't support neither the Vista or 7 I suggest you to install the XP version then. But nothing previous to the XP of course. But be aware that with the XP version you will have less access to the variety of programs!

Originally Posted by bluegreen

Man you could try Windows XP, but the problem is that most of the programs done nowadays are not compatible anymore with that Windows version. Is the PC really old? I would suggest you install Windows 7, I think Wndows Vista is heavier than Windows 7. If you think that the PC doesn't support neither the Vista or 7 I suggest you to install the XP version then. But nothing previous to the XP of course. But be aware that with the XP version you will have less access to the variety of programs!

That is a valid point I think. My laptop is only 2 years old and runs on Windows 7 ultimate. The issue is that it get stuck in between and sometimes I am not even able to run video/audio files. One of my friends suggested me to change the OS as it got only 2GB RAM in place.

So, by installing Windows XP I will not be able to run many programs. Can you just help me with a list of common programs that cannot be installed in Windows XP. That would be very useful for me before taking a decision.

Originally Posted by webworld

The issue is that it get stuck in between and sometimes I am not even able to run video/audio files.

i also use win 7. when i buy win xp was installed later then i change it to win 7. you know, its working fine and i got no problem. even i did not installed drivers for win 7 and still every video audio games like gta, max payne works fine. you works on 2gb ram and i am on 1gb.

Originally Posted by webworld

So, by installing Windows XP I will not be able to run many programs.

which program you are talking about that run win 7 and not in win xp. my all software that i uesd on win xp are working on win 7, only i have to download again some for win 7 version.

I was also under the same impression that any programs that would run in Windows 7 would also run effectively on Windows XP also, so I'd also like to ask which programs are you struggling with, because maybe it's the settings of your OS rather than the individual programs themselves?

@webworld - i also have an 8-yr laptop, with a core2duo processor and 2GB RAM, and am typing from that. i have run Win XP, 7, 8.1 and now running 10 on it. 8.1 and 10 by far ran the best! over time, both XP and 7 slowed it down, even with usual maintenance. but i really liked 8.1 (used on my desktop too) and now 10 as well. running very good. can play some light indie games too, like limbo, etc. (laptop has an nvidia GPU too - Go 7400). i use ubuntu in a virtual machine on my PC. that's mainly to cater to my plug computers' needs, which are running on debian. you could use an easy variant of linux too on your laptop (multiple are there i presume). i use my laptop as a media-server, and for some heavy browsing (more than 50 tabs open in any browser at once), notes-taking, some documentation-work, almost 24x7 downloads, file-sharing, etc. i use a variety of softwares and apps, hence had decided against migrating to linux earlier when relegating the laptop to file-server duties. familiarity with windows was another reason. since your laptop-usage is much less than mine, i would say try Win 10 definitely, if not linux! its good, and won't bog down your laptop. boot-time is so very quick too! otherwise, use linux. learn about it whenever/wherever reqd. that is also fun!

Originally Posted by MegaMaverick

since your laptop-usage is much less than mine, i would say try Win 10 definitely, if not linux! its good, and won't bog down your laptop. boot-time is so very quick too! otherwise, use linux. learn about it whenever/wherever reqd. that is also fun!

Thanks for this detailed answer. To be frank, I am a little bit confused now as there are too many options.

I was planning to upgrade my OS to Windows 10, then I heard a news that it has a built-in keylogger. Even though Microsoft has cleared it that they will be using it to study the general behavior of online users, I was somewhat uncomfortable to go for it. Is that true?

Hope in Windows 10 they will be having their new browser too. Have you used it and how was the experience?

Originally Posted by webworld

Thanks for this detailed answer. To be frank, I am a little bit confused now as there are too many options.

I was planning to upgrade my OS to Windows 10, then I heard a news that it has a built-in keylogger. Even though Microsoft has cleared it that they will be using it to study the general behavior of online users, I was somewhat uncomfortable to go for it. Is that true?

Hope in Windows 10 they will be having their new browser too. Have you used it and how was the experience?

don't mention! i don't know if there're any workarounds to prevent MS from taking stats from one's PC running Win 10. there must be some. with time, more and more things are being explored and found out about Win 10, and thus many workarounds and tweaks have come out. but regarding this particular issue, how much foolproof is any preventive measure, IDK. since it didn't bother me so i didn't read about it in depth. Win 10's browser 'edge', is a far cry from its laggard ancestor 'internet explorer'. though it still needs some refinements, but its much better than IE. its quite similar to Win 8.1's browser.

if not Win 10, then use Win 8.1. i found a pleasant difference on my laptop after installing 8.1, from 7. quicker boot-time, intuitive UI, swiftness, etc. made the experience better. there isn't a world of difference between 8.1 and 10, and you won't miss much by using the former than the latter. just that Win 10 has a start menu, new icons, etc. but that can be had on Win 8.1 too with some minor tweaks.

Originally Posted by webworld

That is a valid point I think. My laptop is only 2 years old and runs on Windows 7 ultimate. The issue is that it get stuck in between and sometimes I am not even able to run video/audio files. One of my friends suggested me to change the OS as it got only 2GB RAM in place.

So, by installing Windows XP I will not be able to run many programs. Can you just help me with a list of common programs that cannot be installed in Windows XP. That would be very useful for me before taking a decision.

I don't know exactly which programs don't run on Windows XP, but I know that the most recent versions of Chrome and Firefox don't run on XP. I'm pretty sure that the Microsoft Office latest version also don't run on XP. Mainly the latest versions of programs that exist since a long time!

If you can run Windows 7 on your machine I don't think you should change to XP, the difference is not abysmal and the cons of changing to XP are more than the benefits. Probably you need to format your PC and only install te programs you need. Check which programs are starting when your windows starts up. And you need to know that you can't ask much of a machine that only has 2GB RAM, nowadays 2GB RAM is not very good, of course that you can't open several programs at the same time, and opening a video will be really hard nowadays with only 2GB RAM! :S Probably the best thing you can do is either buy some RAM or buy a new PC if you don't like the slowliness of your pc right now :S

Thanks for your advice, that is really helpful.

So the latest versions of Firefox and Chrome will not run in XP. Then I think as suggested by you, I should look for a RAM upgrade. Let's see how it goes. Anyway, I am not keen to look for a new PC as this one is only two years old. It would be too early to go for a new one.

Yes, running videos on a 2GB RAM gives headache.

Windows XP is a good option, as long as you're not planning to surf the internet much. Windows XP has some security holes and is no longer updated by Microsoft. Also on older machines, it's better not to install Service Pack 2 as that slows things down considerably. It's a pretty snappy operating system if you're running Service Pack 1 though. I don't recommend using earlier versions of Windows as they lack many features, like the inability to access your USB ports which is far from convenient.

For an old PC I would recommend using Windows XP. It will be fast for any PC

But:

- XP is no longer supported
- Security issues
- I am not sure does Chrome work on XP...

Try it first on Virtual Machine.

If you're using a PC which is generally slow like me, I would suggest Windows XP. It doesn't occupy much of the system RAM and provides you an highly optimal environment to work in. I would highly recommend Windows XP rather than something like Windows Vista or Windows 8.

I'm presently writing from a Core i5 laptop with 2 GB RAM. It has Win7 installed but presently I'm on Xubuntu booted from pendrive.
Never faced any problem with either of the two OS.
Just ensure that there are not too many start up programs, use ccleaner to disable the startups.

Windows XP is probably the best OS for slow PCs. As long as you have 1+ GBs of RAM it will be a very snappy OS. By itself it only occupates around 300 MB of RAM, and you have the option to further decrease the memory load by turning off visual UI effects, though it will look ugly. Some Linux distributions are also a good choice.

BTW, the latest version of Firefox runs just fine on XP.

Originally Posted by mbuzma

Windows XP is probably the best OS for slow PCs. As long as you have 1+ GBs of RAM it will be a very snappy OS. By itself it only occupates around 300 MB of RAM, and you have the option to further decrease the memory load by turning off visual UI effects, though it will look ugly. Some Linux distributions are also a good choice.

BTW, the latest version of Firefox runs just fine on XP.

I agree with you on this one. Even a 512mb ram computer could run Windows xp just fine like the 1gb ram. You can do light works on Windows xp like browsing the net, microsoft office typing and computing and even 2D gaming.

If we only consider the performance, I recommend Windows XP. But when we consider the performance and safety Windows 7 Starter with Windows Classic visual (to decrease the memory usage) is an interesting option. Windows XP does not receive Microsoft technical support which it an easy target for viruses, malware, adware and hackers. In contrast, Windows 7 still supported by Microsoft.

Originally Posted by vinisouz

If we only consider the performance, I recommend Windows XP. But when we consider the performance and safety Windows 7 Starter with Windows Classic visual (to decrease the memory usage) is an interesting option. Windows XP does not receive Microsoft technical support which it an easy target for viruses, malware, adware and hackers. In contrast, Windows 7 still supported by Microsoft.

These are some very good points I think. When it comes to security there is no compromise. If you compromise on security, your identity can be at stake. It is more important in the present day scenario.

I have Windows 7 ultimate installed on my PC, I think I need to change it to starter version then. I think even the desktop theme has a great influence in the speed of your PC. It got enhanced when I changed it to classic theme with no wall paper.

If Windows XP doesn't have any technical support, it may create issues in case of a situation. Thanks for sharing these valid points.

Originally Posted by webworld

These are some very good points I think. When it comes to security there is no compromise. If you compromise on security, your identity can be at stake. It is more important in the present day scenario.

I have Windows 7 ultimate installed on my PC, I think I need to change it to starter version then. I think even the desktop theme has a great influence in the speed of your PC. It got enhanced when I changed it to classic theme with no wall paper.

If Windows XP doesn't have any technical support, it may create issues in case of a situation. Thanks for sharing these valid points.

I have the same problem with old pc. I used to use Windows 7 - Ultimate, but this version is so "heavy" for my computer. Remember that Windows 7 Ultimate is intended for large corporations. In addition, using this version for ordinary users is not interesting because many of the additional resources will never be used by home users because they are focused on the business, which can only be solved with a powerful hardware.

Then I think that is crux of the problem for my PC's slow performance. Anyway, I am going to change it to starter if it goes well for a home user. Moreover I am not an extensive hi-tech user of PC. I mainly use it for net surfing and for entertainment like movies, games etc. AS you already mentioned if Windows 7 ultimate is meant for corporates I am sure there can be a lot of unnecessary features which might be eating the memory.

XP is still a great software, although it has been discontinued by Microsoft, and they won't be releasing any new patches for it. However, XP has all the essential features that the new versions of Windows have, and it's still very compatible with applications. The best thing is that it doesn't require much processing power, and it's pretty lightweight.

On the other hand, you could try out windows 7, and disable the windows 7 Aero theme which will boost performance. Windows 7 would be a much better choice, as it's still a pretty recent OS, which still has a lot of life left in it.