PC gaming has gained popularity in the last couple of years. Big companies port their old console hits on the PC platform, and services like GOG promote retro-gaming and restore libraries of the cult classics. The upcoming releases are directed toward PC as well.
Among the essential components for comfortable gaming is an operating system, but which OS is best for gaming? The most widespread solution for this piece of software is Windows. However, Windows is not the only operating system for gaming, and not all of its iterations suit any kind of gaming. This article will cover different operating systems and their specifications for various types of gaming. Maybe this will help you find the best OS for gaming PC for you!
What Is a Gaming OS?
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An operating system is a piece of software that boots up your computer and allows you to communicate with it. It is a software shell that runs applications, contains necessary libraries of files, and, most importantly, runs games.
There is no official, purely gaming operating system. An operating system is a multitasking piece of software that meets different needs, including gaming. However, you may find unofficial, custom installations of operating systems labeled as gaming. They do not differ much from regular OS.
Usually, gaming installations provide wider visual customization or extended file libraries. However, they do not boost performance or provide any certain edge in terms of gaming. Be aware of what kind of operating system you install on your PC.
Best OS for Gaming
Windows 10
Windows 10 is the current-gen product by Microsoft and the best buy operating system. It receives all the updates and support in the first place. In terms of a gaming OS, it is the most advanced and modern system among the rest of them. It has x64 architecture and supports the latest versions of DirectX and OpenGL libraries.
Besides, Windows 10 has the Xbox console companion. This application imitates the Xbox interface and gives access to the Xbox game library. You may use the Xbox Game Pass service via Windows 10 and experience console gaming to the fullest. Windows 10 is the best operating system for gaming.
Display Features
Windows 10 has the usual functions in terms of screen customization. You may change the resolution, font size, and color scheme of your layout with the following steps:
- click Start;
- go to Settings;
- choose System;
- press Display.
If you have two monitors, you may fine-tune the settings for both of them.
Performance
No matter which CPU or graphics card you have, Windows 10 shows a decent performance, making it the best windows operating system for gaming. You’ll be satisfied with this operating system while playing either on the latest top-notch MSI gaming laptop or on the PC with a limited GPU.
Windows 10 allows you to turn to the built-in Game Mode to increase FPS. Besides, with its unique DirectX 12 feature, you can get the most from GPU and CPU.
Game Collection
Windows 10 supports over 30,000 titles.
You have access to the wide game library on Steam and Xbox Game Pass, making Windows 10 the best OS for PC gaming. However, Windows 10 may have issues with old-school games. Games developed for Windows XP and earlier versions of the system may have trouble with the launch. Nevertheless, Windows 10 is, unarguably, the best operating system for gaming.
Specifications
Windows 10 has the following requirements for your hardware.
- Processor: 1GHZ or faster.
- RAM: 1 GB for x32 architecture and 2GB for x64 architecture.
- Disk space: 16 GB for x32 and 20GB for x64 OS.
- Graphics card: supports DirectX9 and higher.
- Monitor: 1024×600 or bigger.
Windows 8
Windows 8 is a predecessor of Windows 10. It remains actual and will receive support up to 2023. The drawbacks of this OS are the lack of DirectX 12 support and the absence of the Xbox Console Companion. In terms of other parameters, this OS is equal to Windows 10.
The library of PC games is available to you. Besides, Windows 8 is more compatible with old games than Windows 10. If you are an old-school gamer and value classic but want to remain actual, Windows 8 is the best os for gaming with comfort.
Display Features
The major improvement in Windows 8 was the ability to handle two monitors. You may configure each of the devices separately and fine-tune them according to your needs. Besides, Windows 8 has all the necessary functions, such as layout customization and font settings, to adjust the system’s image to your liking.
Performance
Windows 8 shows decent performance in modern games in comparison to Windows 10. However, the lack of DirectX 12 is noticeable. Some of the modern titles do not work to their fullest capacity, and future games may not support Windows 8. Still, at the moment, Windows 8 is an optimal solution for gaming.
Game Collection
Windows 8’s game collection does not pale compared to other operating systems. It supports over 20,000 titles, and some of the new releases are optimized for Windows 8 as well. It is easier to run old games on Windows 8 than Windows 10, so add a few more hundreds of quality games to the list.
Specifications
Your PC needs to have the following parameters to run Windows 8 smoothly.
- Processor: 1GHZ or faster.
- RAM: 1 GB for x32 architecture and 2GB for x64 architecture.
- Disk space: 16 GB for x32 and 20GB for x64 OS.
- Graphics card: supports DirectX9 and higher.
- Pixel Shader: 2.0.
Windows 7
Windows 7 was one of the most popular operating systems on the market and the best windows os for gaming. It was fast, reliable, and with high performance. The operating system support stopped in 2020. Windows 7 does not receive updates, and new pieces of third-party software are not optimized for the OS as well.
However, you still may engage in gaming with Windows 7 due to the highest compatibility with the old titles. Windows 7 has a wide library of games and supports small indie games. If you are a passionate gamer who looks for an unobvious experience, Windows 7 may suit you.
Display Features
Windows 7 has the usual in terms of visual customization and screen layout personalization. One of the biggest advantages of the system is an intuitive interface: every function and panel are at hand. There are no excessive functions in the system, and it may look a bit obsolete, but it handles the most demanded tasks with ease.
Performance
The most popular drawback of an operating system for gaming computer is that it consumes too many hardware resources and slows down games. In the end, even the high-end machines could not pull off modern games at their highest. In terms of performance, Windows 7 is one of the most well-optimized systems and the best windows os for gaming.
Game Collection
Windows 7 has troubles only with the most recent releases due to software limitations. However, there are still plenty of games that you can play on Windows 7. It is the best OS for gaming laptop. The OS easily handles titles from the 2000s to the modern releases up to 2020. Twenty years of gaming have much to offer if you do not chase the latest blockbusters.
Specifications
Windows 7 requires the following hardware parameters.
- Processor: 1GHZ or faster.
- RAM: 1 GB for x32 architecture and 2GB for x64 architecture.
- Disk space: 16 GB for x32 and 20GB for x64 OS.
- Graphics card: supports DirectX9 and higher.
Mac OS
Mac OS is an operating system for Apple’s desktop devices. Its main function is to provide comfortable conditions for work with Apple applications. Gaming for the Mac OS is purely optional. The hardware and software limitations of Mac OS make it not the best operating system gaming.
Usually, Mac OS supports casual games, indie titles, and something less demanding to the hardware. If you treat gaming as a distraction from everyday tasks, then this OS may be a suitable choice for you.
Display Features
Mac OS provides the most detailed display customization among other desktop operating systems. It has a friendly user interface, clear and sleek resolution, brightness automation, scale, and layout tweaking. Besides, Mac OS has Night Shift mode, contrast and transparency settings, and many more useful features. All of these greatly contribute to mac os gaming.
Performance
Mac OS is not the most popular choice for game developers. Games are created without Mac OS in mind. Therefore, this OS receives ports from Windows that are optimized to run on Mac OS only. Most of the games on the OS work not to their fullest and may not be the best gaming experience available.
Game Collection
In comparison to other operating systems, Mac OS has a modest library of 7000 titles in Steam. Besides, Blizzard Entertainment supports this OS and releases its games here as well. The choice is not excessive, but it presents high quality. The biggest problem with Mac OS gaming is that the OS does not support games that are not exclusively adapted for it.
Specifications
Mac OS comes with the following hardware specifications.
- Display: 21,5 inch.
- Processor: 2,3 GHz dual-core Intel i5.
- RAM: 8GB DDR4.
- Disk space: 1256 GB.
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.
Linux
Linux is an open-end operating system that can be anything you want it to be. There are plenty of the system’s variations, including linux os for gaming. In a common package, it has only the most necessary and vital functions of an operating system. The rest of the components are up to the user.
Gaming, in this case, is only one of the possible functions of the OS. Linux games usually are ports from Windows, casual and indie games. If you choose Linux as your operating system, note that it is not for gaming.
Display Features
Display features in Linux, like the rest of the system, are not so obvious and approachable. You should be ready to dive deeper into the lines of code to set the proper settings of the display. However, if you are not afraid to deal with the hardships of the open-end system, then you may customize it literally in any way you want.
Performance
In terms of in-game performance, Linux shows results close to Windows. As in the Mac OS case, Linux receives ports from Windows. However, in recent years, Linux establishes itself as a decent gaming platform too. Thus, we may expect performance improvements and more ports to this best free OS for gaming.
Game Collection
Linux has a moderate collection of 7000 adapted titles. Other alternatives are Wine and Proton extensions that are required to run Windows applications and games on Linux. Besides Steam, GOG has a few dozens of titles that work on Linux.
Specifications
Linux requires the following parameters from your hardware.
- Processor: 2GHz or higher.
- RAM: 512 MB.
- Graphics card: supports DirectX9 and higher.
- Disk space: 300 MB for client components.
Final Thoughts
A PC is a relevant gaming platform. A great bunch of new releases is developed with a PC in mind. Windows 10 is the best gaming os for modern players. It receives support and has a great variety of functions for gaming. However, other desktop systems are not deprived of gaming entirely; what is the best os for gaming depends on your preferences.
Whatever kind of gaming you prefer – old-school or modern, casual or intense, there is an operating system that can meet your needs. The world of gaming is immense, and there is always a choice in games on any platform.