Windows 10: Debating staying or leaving Windows 8.1

I am cleaning up a relative's laptop. It's a light surfing/streaming/Office machine. Has a Sandy Bridge i3, 500GB HDD, and 4GB RAM so not a powerhouse by any stretch. Most of the time it will just be Chrome or Word/Excel.

My main system uses W10 and I favor it, but I have to account for the hardware limitations. In particular I know W10 is hard on HDDs. It seems like 8.1 is snappy with its limited RAM and HDD and several forums say 8.1 is better for a weaker system. What do you think is the best choice? Keep using 8.1 (with a clean install) for a couple more years or however long the laptop keeps going?

What are some key settings to change on 8.1 to squeeze all of the performance I can out of the system? How can I get the Start Menu and just speed everything up?

The laptop has a key tied to the motherboard. Probably won't ever change components except possibly adding an SSD. Should I be doing anything to tie the key to Microsoft online? Thank you.

submitted by /u/Lichkaiser
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:)

 

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Valve Inflicts European Gamers with $1 = €1 Equation

Here's where I step in:

• As much as being expressive is fine, being vocal about things isn't...it usually spoils some serious and interesting debates
• Beyond a point let's agree to disagree with things...the participants of the debate hold the higher ground over the moderator of it, to decide when to do so...again, while things are within limits

Use these pointers as you proceed with the ongoing discussion. Thank You.