Performance-wise, we haven’t seen any difference amongst

　　Which OS is ideal for gaming? Windows 7 or Windows 8? There’s lots of heated debate around the topic, but the answer is relatively simple.

　　There are actually few technical variations involving the two operating systems where games are concerned, and any game that will run on Windows 7 really should run on Windows eight. See our Windows 8 review.

　　Because of the fact that Windows 8’s new ‘modern user interface’ supports apps, some casual games are available only on Windows eight due to the fact Windows 7 can not run these apps. See also: what's the difference amongst Windows 8 & Windows 7?

　　If you’re choosing a new PC or laptop and cannot decide whether to go for Windows 7 or 8, then from a gaming perspective it doesn’t really matter which you choose. From a future-proofing point of view, Windows eight is the obvious choice. However, if you dislike the modern UI then bear in mind that the imminent Windows eight.1 update includes an office professional plus 2010 retail pack option where you can bypass the new Start screen and boot straight towards the old desktop.

　　You’ll probably want to install a replacement start menu, such as Start eight or Pokki, considering that Windows 8.1 still doesn’t have a ‘proper’ start menu (unless you’re happy to use the Start screen, of course).

　　Performance-wise, we haven’t seen any difference amongst Windows 7 and 8 when it comes to frame rates, so a given game will run at the same speed around the same hardware regardless of whether you have Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed.

　　If you’re interested in the technical variations, Windows 7 has only partial support for Direct3D 11.1, which is part of DirectX. Windows 8 has full support.

　　However, while it’s possible that game developers will use some features that aren’t supported in Windows 7, it’s very unlikely that you’ll notice the distinction. The game will still run in Windows 7, but the graphics quality might be slightly reduced.