Naysayers love to tell you why you should drop Windows like it's out of style. They tout macOS's great features or how easy it is to switch to Linux. And while there's nothing wrong with those operating systems (OS), sticking with Windows if you're an existing user is still a great idea.

Let's take a look at why you shouldn't say goodbye to Windows in 2018.

1. Windows 10 Is Always Improving

Windows 10's new update cycle means that it regularly receives feature updates. Prior versions of Windows rarely received makeovers and new features like Windows 10 has. Remember all the fun new apps that Service Pack 1 brought for Windows 7? Probably not, because there weren't any.

In 2017, we received the Creators Update in the spring and the Fall Creators Update near the end of the year. Microsoft will continue to prune Windows 10 and introduce new features, as it's a constantly evolving product. That makes it fun to use and keeps it from getting stale.

2. You're Already Used to Windows

It's hard to quantify, but there's a real value to keeping with what you know. Even if little quirks about the Windows operating system annoy you, it becomes practically automatic to work around them. Muscle memory helps you blow through tedious tasks. But if you've used Windows for years, suddenly switching to something new will require a lot of work.

What happens when the keyboard shortcuts ingrained in your head don't work anymore? How much time will you have to spend finding replacements for your favorite software on another OS? And what about the quirks of your new platform? All those efficient ways of getting work done go out the window on a new platform.

If you really want to make a change, it could be worth adapting to a new platform. But you should weigh the familiarity you're giving up as quite valuable.

3. The Microsoft Ecosystem Is Growing

Sticking to one ecosystem makes your tech life a lot smoother. With a Mac, iPhone, and Apple TV, for instance, you can enjoy your purchased content and access your messages on any device. Until recently, this was a pain point for Windows because so few people used Windows Phone/Windows 10 Mobile.

But now? Fans of Microsoft products have a lot to get excited about. You can now load your Android device up with Microsoft apps. iOS users have lots of Microsoft apps to choose from, too. On both platforms, you can use Microsoft Edge and Cortana and sync them with their desktop equivalents. That's pretty cool, and it offers a reason to try the mobile apps.

Now you don't have to be limited to using your Microsoft account on just your desktop. In today's mobile world, this is a big win for Windows and its expansion great to look forward to.

4. Windows 7 and 8.1 Are Still Available

Hate Windows 10? For several years, you still have options for using a supported version of Windows.

Windows 7 will receive extended support until January of 2020, and Windows 8.1 is just ending mainstream support in January 2018. It will enjoy extended support until January 2023. Neither one will receive the major feature updates that Windows 10 users enjoy, but they'll still get security updates.

If you're a Windows 7 lover and your PC is still solid, why not stick with what you like for a few more years? You can reassess as 2020 approaches and consider upgrading to Windows 10 when Windows 7 is on its deathbed.

By the way, if you're still using Windows XP or Vista, you should upgrade to a supported version as soon as you can.

5. Gaming Isn't as Great on Other Platforms

In case you weren't paying attention, 2017 was an amazing year for video games. Most of 2017's biggest hits were available on PC (though some were exclusive to the Nintendo Switch or PS4), but you couldn't play them on Mac or Linux.

Here's just a sampling of 10 big games from the past year:

  • Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (January)
  • Sniper Elite 4 (February)
  • Nier: Automata (March)
  • Sonic Mania (August)
  • Cuphead (September)
  • Destiny 2 (October for PC)
  • Assassin's Creed Origins (October)
  • Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (October)
  • Call of Duty: WWII (November)
  • Star Wars Battlefront II (November)

These were all big hits in 2017, and all available on PC. But not a single one of them is playable on Mac or Linux. Sure, there are lots of great games available for Mac and even some free games that work on Linux. Yet neither can come close to the Windows OS for playing the newest releases.

Plus, Windows 10 has tons of great features for gamers.

6-12. And Many More Little Reasons

Not every reason for using Windows need be a huge one. Here are some smaller grounds for staying with your Windows operating system:

Windows and You: 2018's Perfect Match

Of course, the Windows operating system isn't for everyone. But for the majority of its current users, Windows is enough and is the best choice for their computing needs. Some people keep Windows around because they need it for a specific purpose, but we think it's worth more than that.

If you'd like to try Windows 10 after reading this, check out how to install it on any computer.

Will you stick with the Windows OS in 2018? Why or why not? Tell us why you like Windows or why you plan to ditch in down in the comments!