Chromebook vs Windows 11: 5 reasons I made the switch

Let’s be honest, folks. Windows 11 has become a cluttered mess of features nobody asked for. Between forced updates, ads in the Start menu, and a weird obsession with AI, it feels more like a billboard than an actual tool. That’s why I lean toward Chromebooks nowadays. They just make more sense.

Here are five reasons why.

  1. No real virus worries: ChromeOS is built with security from the ground up. It sandboxes apps, verifies itself at every boot, and doesn’t let you install shady software from random websites. You get your apps from the Chrome Web Store or Google Play. There’s no need for antivirus software, no license renewals, and no pop-ups begging you to scan for threats.
  2. Maintenance is easier: Windows updates have a habit of hitting at the worst times. Sometimes they break stuff. ChromeOS updates quietly in the background and installs the next time you reboot. No registry to mess up. No mystery drivers. No blue screens. It’s one of the few platforms I can confidently hand to a relative without expecting a tech support call later.
  3. A more focused interface: Windows 11 tries to do too much. It wants to be a tablet OS, a gaming hub, an Office launcher, and now an AI assistant. It’s busy and bloated. ChromeOS is stripped down. It boots fast, opens the browser, and lets you get stuff done without nagging you about Edge or Copilot.
  4. It’s actually Linux: Under the hood, ChromeOS is Linux. Not a compatibility layer. Not a hacked-together subsystem. Real Linux. You can even turn on Debian support to run Linux apps alongside your Android and web apps. It’s efficient and trustworthy, and it doesn’t get in your way.
  5. Lower cost without the compromise: Chromebooks don’t always cost less, but often they do. And even the budget models don’t slow to a crawl after six months like many cheap Windows laptops. You can spend under 500 dollars and still get a responsive device that lasts years. You don’t need to blow a thousand bucks to have a good experience.

Look, Windows 11 still has its place. If you need to run legacy software, play high-end PC games, or rely on very specific professional tools, it’s probably the right choice. But for everything I actually do each day (writing, browsing the web, answering emails, watching videos, managing files, and using cloud services) a Chromebook handles it all without the headaches.

Not to mention, it boots fast, stays out of my way, and doesn’t nag me about updates, drivers, or antivirus. And honestly, I think that all applies to most other consumers too. For the average user, a Chromebook just makes more sense. You can buy one here now.


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Author

  • Brian Fagioli, journalist at NERDS.xyz

    Brian Fagioli is a technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz. Known for covering Linux, open source software, AI, and cybersecurity, he delivers no-nonsense tech news for real nerds.

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