Windows 8.1 and Gaming

I can find plenty of information comparing gaming on Windows 8.1 to Windows 7, but I currently have Windows 8 installed and I come up short when digging for answers related to the two closer cousins. My question is-- Is it worth it to finally give in to the annoying on-screen prompts to "Upgrade to Windows 8.1 for Free"? All of my games and everything run like a charm currently and I'm hesitant to mess with something that works, but I wanted some of your opinions and experience. Is there anything phenomenal about Windows 8.1 (gaming or otherwise) that would warrant me to make the jump? Also, I've heard about the mouse lag issue in 8.1, but is there anything else I should be worried about?

@beez_wax:

Its better than W8, theres nothing else to say.

In my experience, it's mostly just all round UI improvements, everything else is the the same as 8.0. I haven't had any problems with games at all, though admittedly I only play old and low-spec games on my notebook.

UI improvements might sound minor, but between 8.1 and the Update on top of that, it has cut a lot of things which I found very annoying about 8.0. I'd say it's definitely worth the upgrade if you haven't done so already.

8.1 is better in every way to 8, just do it.

Its not just UI improvements, memory management is better, and with games that's a lot.

Windows 7 is 5 years old. Time to move on. The only reals negatives I've heard about 8 are about the UI.

Though I use Linux myself.

8.1 is basically windows 8 service pack 1. a few tweaks, updates rolled up into 1 update etc etc. if you are using 8 there is no reson to avoid 8.1.

im using it myself and no issues. games work fine. system is stable etc etc.

Why do operating systems have to work like a subscription? If something isn't broke...

(Furthermore, why move on to an O.S. with less customization, less familiarity, and less to offer overall?)

@beez_wax: I haven't had any issues with 8.1...go for it!

My gaming laptop has the 8.1 upgrade. No problems with games. It starts up to the desktop and I haven't seen Metro in months.

Same here, get a start button app, have 8.1 everything runs great. Love 8.1 except for shit metro, but like you i never see it fortunately

I don't understand why you are so hesitant to get the 8.1 update if you already have 8. Dude, it's basically just like a service pack update like previous generations of Windows always had. Your games will still run just as good and likely a little better.

Thanks for the input guys, I went ahead and updated to 8.1. Although I had a bit of a time tinkering with an uncooperative video driver, everything (as of now) seems to be running fine. I've only briefly tried a few games out, but they seem to be running alright as well, and that was my main concern.

I can't remember where I found it. But, there is a folder that have shortcuts to all the applets that used to be in the Accessories folder of the Windows 7 Start Menu (example: Calculator).

I can still get shortcuts one by one from the System32 folder and rename them. But, that folder saves a lot of time. The Accessories folder is the only reason why I might want a Start Menu. Since I have the shortcuts in a toolbar, no need.

Everything I need is here. Laptop desktop:

So you still use hardware for gaming that works from 10 years ago or have you upgraded them?

Why shouldn't an OS evolve with the hardware?

I know you'll answer with some random idea of yours to justify your point, and I'm not saying everyone should upgrade every time a new OS comes out, but I just don't understand why people separate upgrading hardware to upgrading software.

Go Win 8.1. No regrets with gaming here.

I'm on Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit, is it worth me upgrading to windows 8.1 ?

I'll be getting an SSD soon so I was going to install Windows 8.1 on that and wipe my old Sata to use as second hard drive.

Do you think that's a good idea ?

Nope wait until DX 12 comes out next year 8 does not offer enough from 7 for the price they ask. its going to be on Windows 8.1 as an update and will be on 9.

will do, I'm happy with Windows 7 anyway its compatible with everything and I managed to change the start icon to my avatar :)

If you can get Windows 8.1 for free or cheap, and since you need to do a reinstall cause of a new HDD then go for it.

If you're happy with Win7 or don't want to spend more money, then stay on 7.

Both are great operating systems.

I have Windows 7, but my friend is telling me he refuses to upgrade his PC because Windows 8.1 is so horrible. He said the interface is very ugly, everything is flat,, is it really that bad?

Your friend hasn't used W8 but he knows its horrible?

Your friend is an idiot.

It takes some getting used to, and while there is still lingering clumsiness, it's a whole lot better than 8.0. And yes, there's also no aero or any interface effects, giving it a somewhat more minimalistic look.

I guess it's a matter of taste. I don't mind it myself, and I actually found the Start Screen to be overall more useful than the old Start Menu, even if it still lacks some features.

IMO, Windows 8.1 is the best OS Microsoft has ever released. It runs quick, and it's program and driver support is 2nd to none. Plus the full screen "metro" start menu is far more useful then the old style windows start menu. Plus the ability to search from desktop and minimize mobile apps makes it a full package.

I've used both Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for a while now. I however went back to Windows 7 and it just feels faster and more responsive. There are also a lot of things they've done in the background that makes Windows 8 harder to use and hurts the advance users. I mean come on, you're not even the administrator of your own computer in Windows 8....