No surprise. Windows 8.1 is really an O/S with some zip and not bogged down by nonproductive interferences once lined out. It's amazing to me how fast I already have reinstalled a ton of licensed apps-and freebies again to a new HDD. Unknowns to many, I also push tons of super automations-customizations like additional right click context menu apps (so they are within quick reach) and Wifi (MS Virtual Networking) for smartphone Hot Spot use as well as enhancements to almost every default ICON in the system. 512x512 ICO with more attractive display makes computer use a welcome-familiar experience. Why they swerved away from this O/S when they did never made good sense to me. Security is exceptionally absolute A-1 as well utilizing 3rd party developments compatibility. It's easy to see why it's still a favorite. Even Windows 7 users might enjoy the move over but most I know are as sold on 7 as some of us are on 8. Why lose precious time and productivity when you don't have to. I always said and always will, that newer doesn't and won't always equate to being better. That goes for software as well as O/S strictly in my own opinion. However, results speak for themselves.
Easter, there's also the fact that, based on my brother in law's experience, Windows 8.1 uses a third less memory than 10. I don't know if that's common on all machines, but he was using an average 32% memory under Win 10, running Firefox browser. On Win 8.1 now, he's using just over 20%, about the same as me with my 8.1 and Opera browser, which uses a lot less memory than Firefox. I know they say RAM isn't a problem these days, but everyone doesn't have 8 gigs of it or more to play with. Windows 8.1 is just a better deal all the way around.
I'm actually doing a Custom Refresh creation right now. Most installed apps I come to depend on are now in place (although there will be more), but the beauty is you can add anything overlooked or new, delete that WIM file, and create a brand new one again-in fact as often as one wishes. The memory usage is a HUGE matter I agree as most others will too. Anyone who has as a practice or part of their routine work schedule tasks their machinery with heavy video editing-office computing-etc know the weight that can stack up on memory intensive programs so a balance must be attained to accommodate in order for tasks to run efficient enough as not to drastically retard performance or worse. RAM as you say-is important. Windows 8 as you recall introduced us to STORE & TILES among others so it depends on how one tailors their preferences to it in spite of that parallel universe I like to call it. Beyond that mention made of less memory, 8 also IMHO is a performance satisfaction O/S-That backup/Refresh (or reset)-is a doable extra in event of file corruption-or overload that is easily & simply remedied. And as always, a good backup image is your icing on the cake if nothing else.
Easter - you're saying you're working on a template where you have a deployable system image preset with a configuration you like and tend to use as a baseline on your systems?
That's the precise ticket @chrome_sturmen. In this instance, a baseline configuration is created using Custom Refresh feature built-in with Windows 8-8.1 which to my surprise has proven resilient with zero error from the multiple times it required to fallback on it, either from some error or even an error where reaching the Windows GUI proved in vain and time was of the essence. The Image Backup carting that System Refresh .WIM file simply ensures IMO that you have a fallback within a reasonable timeframe. Perhaps could be seen as redundant given a recent system image can suffice, however Windows Refresh (not done a full Reset) does seem to replenish and my experience has showed it is very dependable. Perhaps the single best feature Microsoft ever devised that will save the bacon and time if you're pressed for it. Or of you don't image with your favorite backup program as often as some folks.
It's true that I enjoy using Windows 7, but I'm thinking of upgrading - to Windows 8 off course. This way I'll get another 3 years of support and use good OS before having to decide what to do next. I use Windows 8.1 at my work and with Classic Start it's similar to use as Windows 7.
is this like a sysprep of some sort? i don't use 8 /8.1 so i don't know sysprep has this functionality
Sort of with slight differences of some settings and especially files. I found on an 8-8.1 Refresh, and to my surprise, Windows "always" leaves enough of my Portables alone if not all of them actually. Since it's designed to let's say Flush and replace with default like-new install system files, that what it does remove is no issue since those are collected completely intact in a preserved folder, just pulled from Directory, chiefly Program Files etc. but are so easily reinstalled it isn't even funny. This is one Feature of 8 that's of enormous benefit in saving time. https://newatlas.com/how-to-windows-8-pc-refresh-reset/32801/
Yes of course, it's Win 10. But you're saying that you're not sure everything will work? I forgot that you need the right drivers for all hardware, so I guess when the time comes I will see what happens. Hopefully I can first make a back up of Win 10 with all needed drivers, in case Win 8 is not supported.
Exactly. Especially, again, with IGP driver. This is where M$ + machines vendors tackle down for you to desist doing downgrades of that nature. In case you run into igp driver issues you can always get a pci-e graphics card. Yup. Never forget when doing downgrades. Or upgrades in such a case.
