An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Most laptops come with an OS pre-installed for several reasons:
First, having an OS already installed makes the laptop ready to use out of the box. Without an OS, the laptop hardware would not function properly and users would not be able to do basic tasks like launching applications or connecting to the internet (The Importance of Operating Systems on Computers). The pre-installed OS provides an interface and platform for the user.
Second, laptop manufacturers make special deals with OS companies like Microsoft to pre-install Windows OS versions on new laptops. This benefits both the OS company and laptop maker through software licensing fees and product integration.
Third, having the OS pre-installed ensures compatibility between the hardware and software right from the start. The laptop maker can optimize and test the device with the pre-loaded OS.
Reasons Laptops Come with OS
Most laptops come pre-installed with a major operating system like Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS for convenience and ease of use. Having the OS already installed provides a seamless user experience right out of the box. According to Quora, “Laptops often come with Windows or Mac pre-installed because these operating systems are widely recognized and have a large user base.” Major OS companies like Microsoft and Apple have existing partnerships with laptop manufacturers to pre-install their software for a streamlined customer experience. The average consumer generally expects to have the OS included with their new laptop purchase.
Pre-installing popular OS options like Windows 10 removes the hurdle of installing an operating system manually. The average user may not have the technical know-how to install an OS themselves or acquire a legal license. Having it pre-loaded allows someone to simply power on the laptop and start using it immediately. The pre-installed OS has drivers and compatibility specifically configured for that hardware out of the box. This “just works” approach appeals to most mainstream laptop buyers looking for convenience.
Sources:
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-all-laptops-on-the-markets-come-with-a-Windows-or-Mac-installed-on-them-and-Linux-or-Ubuntu-is-not-an-option
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/
Getting a Laptop Without an OS
Although most major manufacturers pre-install Windows on their laptops, there are some options for getting a laptop without an operating system:
Custom ordering – Many laptop manufacturers will allow you to customize your laptop order and leave off the operating system. This may require calling their sales department directly rather than ordering online. For example, Dell, Lenovo, HP, and others will often allow custom orders without an OS if requested.
This allows the flexibility to install your preferred OS later, whether that’s a Linux distribution, Chrome OS, or something else. Just keep in mind, custom ordering often costs more and takes longer than a standard pre-configured model.
Considerations
There are some important considerations when buying a laptop without an operating system pre-installed. One major factor is driver compatibility. Many laptops are designed to work seamlessly with a specific OS like Windows 10. Buying a laptop without an OS means you’ll have to manually install drivers so that all the hardware components function properly. This can be a complicated process, especially for less tech-savvy users. According to one Quora user, “You need to hunt down drivers for each component individually. It’s a major hassle.”
Another consideration is updates. Having the latest OS updates is crucial for getting new features and security patches. When you buy a laptop with the OS pre-installed, the manufacturer handles pushing out these updates. Without the default OS, you’ll have to manually check for and install any important updates. This requires diligence to ensure your OS doesn’t become outdated and vulnerable.
Speaking of vulnerabilities, security is a top priority for any OS. Major platforms like Windows and macOS have teams of developers constantly working to identify and fix security flaws. Going without the default OS means missing out on these vital security enhancements. You’ll need to be extra cautious and proactive about protecting against malware. According to eBuyer.com, “Without the latest security updates from the manufacturer, you could leave yourself open to viruses and other nasties.”
Installing an OS
When you purchase a laptop without an operating system, you will need to install one yourself to make the computer functional. There are several options for operating systems to choose from:
The most common options are Windows, Mac OS, and Linux distributions. Windows and Mac OS need to be purchased, while Linux distributions like Ubuntu are free open-source operating systems.
To install Windows, you will need to purchase a Windows license and create installation media on a USB drive. Insert the USB drive while booting up the new laptop, and follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows. The process is similar for Mac OS. You can also choose to dual boot Windows and Linux on the same computer.
Installing Linux requires downloading the .iso file for your preferred distribution and making a live Linux USB using software like Rufus. Boot from the USB, and walk through the installation wizard to get Linux set up on your new laptop.
Regardless of which OS you choose, the installation process will involve partition creation, setup of basic settings, account creation, and driver installation. Be sure to back up any data first.
Cost Savings
One of the main reasons people choose to buy a laptop without an operating system is to save money on the OS license fee. Major operating systems like Windows 10 typically add $100-200 to the cost of a new laptop (Source). By opting for a “no OS” model, you avoid paying this additional cost upfront. As one Reddit user pointed out, they saved €170 by buying their Legion laptop without Windows pre-installed, which allowed them to upgrade to an SSD instead (Source). The cost savings can be substantial, especially for budget-conscious shoppers.
Purchasing a laptop without an OS allows you to choose which operating system you want to install yourself later. This gives you more control over your costs. If you already have a valid OS license or can get one at low or no cost, then you can maximize your savings this way.
Use Cases
Buying a laptop without an operating system pre-installed can make sense for certain users, especially tech enthusiasts and Linux users.
Many tech enthusiasts like having full control over the software on their computer. Getting a laptop without Windows or macOS allows them to install exactly the operating system they want. As one Reddit user commented, “You dont. Just buy any cheap laptop that suits your needs and wipe the OS and put what you want on it.” (Source)
For Linux users, not having Windows pre-installed can represent significant cost savings. Linux laptops allow users to avoid paying the Windows licensing fee baked into the cost of most new laptops. According to LaptopWithLinux.com, “If you think about this, it’s actually very annoying to pay for a Windows license if you are a Linux user and won’t use Windows anyway.” (Source)
Overall, buying a laptop without an operating system makes the most sense for advanced users who want full control over their machine’s software and don’t need the hand-holding that comes with an OS pre-installed.
Recommendations
For the average user who just wants a laptop to browse the web, use office applications, and stream video, buying a laptop with a pre-installed Windows OS is likely the easiest route. While you can save some money by purchasing a laptop without an OS and installing Windows yourself, this requires some technical knowledge and the process can be confusing for novice users. Sticking with the manufacturer’s default OS avoids any hassle and ensures full compatibility with the hardware.
However, more advanced users who are comfortable installing operating systems may want to consider buying a laptop without pre-installed software. This allows you to choose the OS you want, whether it’s a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or the latest version of Windows. You can often save $100 or more by not paying for Windows if you plan to wipe it anyway. Just be sure to purchase a Windows license separately if needed. Some manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo offer laptops with Linux pre-installed as well.
Regardless of your skill level, be sure to research the laptop model for hardware compatibility issues before installing your preferred OS. Check user forums to see if other owners have successfully installed the OS you want. And have a plan for troubleshooting if you do run into issues.
Alternatives
There are a couple alternatives to buying a brand new laptop without an operating system installed:
One option is to look for refurbished or used laptops that have had the operating system wiped already. Many sellers and retailers offer refurbished laptops that have been professionally refitted with new components. The operating system is often wiped and reloaded as part of the refurbishment process. This allows you to get an affordable, lightly used machine without an OS preinstalled. Just make sure to verify with the seller that the OS has been wiped before purchasing. Some popular places to find refurbished laptops include Amazon, Newegg, and eBay.
You can also buy a used laptop from an individual seller, like on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure to wipe the operating system yourself once you get the laptop. There are a few ways to wipe an OS from a laptop you already have, including using a bootable USB drive. Just search online for instructions on how to fully wipe or reset the OS for your specific laptop model.
The advantage to buying refurbished or used is that you avoid paying the extra cost baked into a brand new machine for the Windows license. You get the actual laptop hardware itself at a discount since a used or refurbished laptop will be cheaper than brand new.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to purchase a laptop without a pre-installed operating system, but it requires careful consideration. The main reasons laptops come with an OS is for convenience and integration with hardware. Going OS-less can provide cost savings and customization benefits for tech-savvy users. However, it also requires manually installing and configuring an OS, dealing with potential driver issues, and forfeiting included support. Overall, purchasing a laptop without an OS makes the most sense for Linux enthusiasts, developers, and those with specialized needs. For most average users, sticking with a machine that comes with Windows or macOS pre-installed will likely be the better and easier option.
In the end, think carefully about your use case, technical skills, and needs when deciding if you should buy a laptop without an OS. If you do go the OS-less route, be prepared for extra setup work to get your new machine fully operational.