Even Windows 8 Users Prefer Windows 7

Windows 8 Chrome Metro

More than half of Windows 8 users prefer Windows 7, fearing price and compatibility issues, according to a poll

A recent survey of Windows 8 users has revealed that more than half still prefer the current version of the operating system, Windows 7.

Forumswindows8.com, a Windows 8 help and support site, asked more than 50,000 Windows 8 users what they disliked and liked about the software and found that 53 percent liked Windows 7.

One quarter of respondents said that Windows 8 was their favourite version with the fast boot and shut down feature being the most popular feature.

Windows 8 Survey

This was closely followed by easy installation with 50 percent and Internet Explorer 10 came in third with 35 percent of the vote. Interestingly, only 22 percent saw the vaunted new Metro UI as their most-liked feature.

Microsoft claims that Windows 8 is the first version of Windows to be designed for both tablets and desktops, with users able to switch between the new user interface and the more familiar desktop mode. This was viewed to be a weakness by 18 percent of respondents.

However the biggest concern was price, with 35 percent believing that this could be improved. It is possible to upgrade to Windows 8 for just $39.99, but without promotional prices, the cost is around $199.99. Just over a quarter were worried about system requirements while 25 percent feared incompatibility.

There was some good news for Microsoft from the survey though, as the Windows 8-based Microsoft Surface was more popular than Android tablets and the iPad. Around 35 percent of respondents said the Surface would be their tablet of choice.

Windows 8 is due to be made available in October.

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