Difference Between Android vs Windows

Comparison Updated on : September 8, 2025

Having distinct individual features, the Windows and Android fight seems never-ending. Read our blog on Windows vs Android to find which of these can work best in your favor. 

Both Android and Windows have loyal customers across the globe. As the operating system, Android takes away 41.59% of the global market share. On the contrary, Windows stands at 31.12%. However, when it comes to tablets, data suggests that Android leads with 45.99% while Windows is at 0.03% globally. This is not a surprise given that Windows tablets are relatively new.

Choosing a new device can be overwhelming for most. Making sure one invests in the right kind of operating system can be tricky. We understand that it is crucial to make an informed decision and understand the offerings inside out when buying any device. With a comprehensive comparison of Windows vs Android, a user can analyze the best operating system. This will not only improve productivity and efficiency but also provide a better experience. 

This article will analyze Android vs Windows in depth. It will not only help you make an informed decision but also help you understand your own requirements from an operating system.

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ANDROID: Everything You Need To Know

Android, a Google-owned open-source platform, is one of the most famous Linux-based operating systems. Given its ability to support multiple applications and programming languages, it is a common choice for people who need a variety of applications on a daily basis and for gaming enthusiasts. 

If a user is looking for a reasonable tablet with impressive battery life and a powerful processor that can do basic tasks, Android tablets are a great choice. They are solid investments with great security features as well. It is great for everyday activities like browsing the web or streaming videos. It suits casual users better because of the limited storage. 

Top Features of Android:

• User Friendly
• Android Beam
• Synergies with Google
• Technical Features

User Friendly

Android focuses on the user-friendliness of its user interface. With the innovation in technology, Android constantly upgrades the interface and adds new features, including the intuitiveness of the OS. Android supports various applications, offering a wide variety to its users. It also supports apps being run simultaneously. It also supports multiple languages.

Synergies with Google

Given that Android is Google-owned, it enjoys synergies with Google, including messenger services such as GCM (Google Cloud Messaging). This is a service only available for Android users. This allows data to be sent from one device to the other – not only the usual text messages that can be sent to the other user, but push notifications as well. For example, if one Android user wants to send a notification about a discount on an e-commerce application, he/she can simply send a notification to the other user. 

Android Beam

Android Beam has existed for years now, but it is not very visible in the settings of devices. It is a feature that allows the user to transfer or share any file. If there are two Android devices, any file can be transferred from one to the other. If the NFC option is selected, the two devices have to be in physical contact. These files do not have to necessarily be pictures, they can be YouTube videos, contacts, and more. This might be applicable for only some applications, mostly the ones created by Google itself. 

Technical Features

Android has a wide range of useful technical features, including WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, multiple media support like JPEG, MP3, GIF, MPEG4, etc., WIFI direct to connect apps on the same network instantly, etc.

It is a clear winner for gamers and those looking for the casual utility of the device. Android offers a powerful package, but doesn’t perform too well with multiple tasks. So, evaluate your choices well and decide accordingly.

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Linux vs Windows – Is Linux or Windows Better?

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WINDOWS: All That It Has To Offer

The Windows operating system has been ruling the charts for the last few years. The devices are capable, budget-friendly, and easily available to users today. There are, in fact, both budget and premium devices running Windows. These are ideal for students and professionals who work from home, specifically. They are lightweight and portable, which adds to the convenience. Windows is great for casual use since it is beginner-friendly and has all the basic features that come with an affordable price range.

Top Features of Windows

• Control Panel
• Task Manager
• Disk Cleanup
• Cortana

Control panel

The Control Panel setting is easily available on a Windows device. There are easy ways to access this on the home page or desktop. It is a one-stop to configure and manage various Windows functions. It can also help the user alter the keyboard and mouse settings. Multiple users can be added to a single device with different passwords here as well. The power options can be controlled here as well. In total, Windows devices can be made highly customized with the control panel.

Task Manager

The task manager option can be opened on any Windows device. It is generally used for closing programs that are not operational or are frozen. They might be using up more memory and power, which can be avoided by using the task manager. It also provides the user statistics on the usage of their device. This helps them understand which applications and programs are being used more than others.

Disk Cleanup

The disk cleanup option can be used to clear up memory space and make the device much faster. This is extremely easy to do and does not need expertise as such. All the files and folders that are temporary or unnecessary can be viewed at once. These can be deleted to make the device much faster. Simply deleting a folder from the desktop might not clear up space since it still remains in the recycle bin. The disk cleanup option deletes the folder from the system, making it faster and more efficient.

Cortana 

Cortana is a relatively new feature on Windows devices. This feature helps the user conveniently use the device with voice messages. Cortana is like a voice assistant with which the user can control the whole device. Any application or program can be opened, calls can be made, etc. The user can use the microphone to instruct Cortana and give instructions as voice commands.

Windows has been the most used operating system when it comes to PCs, but tablet users also now have multiple reasons to choose Windows over other operating systems. It offers better security features and overall performance on different devices.

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Which is Better: Android vs Windows 

Android – a preferred choice for gaming

Android, as an operating system, gives its users a world of choice. Tablets are often cheaper, and users can do more in terms of consumption. Because of the nature of the Android operating system, more can be customized as well. Although this is a great feature, it can be confusing for first-time users. They often provide users with expandable storage and plenty of apps to choose from. Android might be a better choice for those who are looking for gaming and entertainment. The quality of gaming is also better for Android.

Windows – a preferred choice for Windows Application users

Windows OS for tablets is a new entry on the battlefield, but it has become very popular in recent times. It is a convenient tablet that makes the user comfortable sooner. While Windows might not offer millions of free app options, it does offer a heightened security measure. If you are considering buying a tablet, Windows tablets are relatively cheaper but can be a little more expensive than the Android tablet options available in the market. This might be a more beneficial option for students since it has applications like MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. 

So, which is better for you – Android vs Windows?

The ultimate decision of Android OS vs Windows OS, especially for tablets, depends on the needs of the users and the activities they wish to perform. For example, if the user will use it to study data or type out a lot, a Windows tablet might be better. But if the tablet is mostly for entertainment purposes, an Android tablet might do the job. Experts would describe a Windows tablet as a replacement for a laptop, while an Android tablet is a bigger version of a mobile phone. 

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Difference Between Windows Operating System and Android Operating System

Aspect	Microsoft Windows	Android
Launch	It was launched in 1985	It was launched in 2008.
Primary Usage	Used mainly on personal computers (desktops and laptops) for general computing, office work, gaming, etc. It’s the standard OS for PCs and workstations.	Used mainly on mobile devices, smartphones, and tablets for calls, apps, web, and media on the go. It’s the default OS on most phones.
Developer	Developed and maintained by Microsoft.	Developed by Google (via the open-source Android project).
Device Compatibility	Runs on a wide range of PC hardware (x86/x64 processors, and now some ARM-based PCs like Surface devices). Typically found on desktops, laptops, servers, and some tablets.	Runs on ARM (and some x86) hardware for mobile use found in smartphones, tablets, smartwatches (Wear OS), TVs (Android TV), cars (Android Auto), etc.
Interface & UX	Traditional desktop interface: desktop background, start menu, taskbar, windows, and icons, driven by keyboard/mouse or touch. Designed for point‑and‑click use.	Touch-centric interface: home screens with app icons, swipe gestures, notification shade, and on-screen keyboards. Designed for tapping and gestures on a phone/tablet.
Current Version (2025)	Windows 11 is the latest consumer PC version (released Oct 2021). (Windows 10 is still supported until Oct 2025.)	The latest Android version is Android 16 (released June 2025). (Android 15 was released in Sept 2024.)
App Ecosystem	A vast library of desktop applications (productivity, creative, games) from many sources. Also, a Microsoft Store (with millions of apps).	Huge mobile app ecosystem via Google Play Store (over 2.6 million apps available) (plus other app stores). Users get millions of free and paid apps.
File Management	Uses File Explorer: users see drives, folders, and files directly, making it easy to navigate and organize documents.	Uses a built-in Files app or file manager, shows recent files, and lets users browse the internal storage in folders. (Many apps also store files internally.)
Security Features	Built-in protections: Windows Defender antivirus, firewall, BitLocker full-disk encryption, User Account Control (UAC), Secure Boot, and regular patch updates.	Multiple layers: each app runs in its own sandbox, requiring permissions for data access. Google Play Protect continuously scans for malware. Devices use default encryption and get monthly security updates via Google.
Customization	Limited customization: users can change wallpapers, colors, and themes, but the core interface is fixed (closed source). (Advanced tweaks require third-party tools.)	Highly customizable: open-source Android allows changing launchers, widgets, themes, fonts, or even installing custom ROMs. Manufacturers and users can deeply tweak the interface.
Market Share	About 27% of all devices worldwide (mostly desktops/laptops). (Dominant in PCs but smaller overall when including mobiles.)	About 44% of all devices worldwide. (Dominant in mobile; Android holds the largest share in smartphones/tablets.)
Pricing Model	Proprietary software: Windows licenses are paid for (often bundled into PC price). Upgrades (e.g., Windows 10→11) may be free or paid for depending on circumstances.	Open-source and free for device makers. Android itself is provided to manufacturers at no cost, making the OS free to end users (the cost is in the hardware or services).
Offline Functionality	Fully functional offline: most apps (Office, games, media players, etc.) work without internet. Users manage files, edit documents, and play local media offline. (Some services, like updates or cloud, need a connection.)	Smartphones can do many things offline (calls, texts, camera, music, basic apps). A device can act as portable storage. However, many apps and features (maps, streaming, updates) are enhanced by internet access.
System Updates	Updates delivered by Microsoft: monthly security patches and occasional feature updates via Windows Update. Users are prompted to install updates regularly.	Google (and device makers) provide updates: monthly security patches and major OS releases typically once per year. Android also updates core components via Google Play (so parts of the system can update without a complete OS upgrade).

List of Windows Operating Systems

Version	Release Year	Key Highlights
Windows 1.0	1985	First GUI for MS-DOS
Windows 2.0 / 2.1x	1987–1988	Overlapping windows, improved graphics
Windows 3.0	1990	Enhanced GUI, multitasking
Windows 3.1 / 3.11	1992–1993	TrueType fonts, multimedia support
Windows 95	1995	Start Menu, Plug & Play
Windows 98	1998	USB support, Internet Explorer integration
Windows Me	2000</span	Home users, System Restore
Windows XP	2001	Highly popular, stable, and user-friendly
Windows Vista	2007	Aero interface, UAC security
Windows 7	2009	Fast, stable, widely adopted
Windows 8	2012	Metro UI, touch optimization
Windows 8.1	2013	Improved Start button & apps
Windows 10	2015	Virtual desktops, Cortana, continuous updates
Windows 11	2021	Modern design, centered taskbar, Android app support

List of Versions of Android Operating Systems

Android Version	Codename	Release Year
Version 1.0 – 1.1	No Codename	2008
Version 1.5	Cupcake	2009
Version 1.6	Donut	2009
Version 2.0 – 2.1	Eclair	2009
Version 2.2	Froyo	2010
Version 2.3	Gingerbread	2010
Version 3.0 – 3.2	Honeycomb	2011
Version 4.0	Ice Cream Sandwich	2011
Version 4.1 – 4.3	Jellybean	2012
Version 4.4	KitKat	2013
Version 5.0 – 5.1	Lollipop	2014
Version 6.0	Marshmallow	2015
Version 7.0 – 7.1	Nougat	2016
Version 8.0 – 8.1	Oreo	2017
Version 9.0	Pie	2018
Version 10	Android 10	2019
Version 11	Android 11	2020
Version 12	Android 12	2021
Version 13	Android 13	2022
Version 14	Android 14	2023
Version 15	Android 15	2024

Top Android OS Alternatives

1. iOS (Apple)
2. HarmonyOS (Huawei)
3. /e/ OS (Murena)
4. GrapheneOS
5. CalyxOS
6. postmarketOS (Linux-based)
7. KaiOS
8. Sailfish OS
9. Tizen OS (Samsung)
10. Ubuntu Touch

Top Windows OS Alternatives

1. Linux Mint
2. Ubuntu
3. Zorin OS
4. ChromeOS Flex
5. macOS (Apple)
6. elementary OS
7. Fedora
8. ReactOS.
9. FreeBSD
10. WINUX (Linuxfx)

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q 1. Can Windows run on an Android tablet?

Ans. No, Windows and Android are two separate platforms. Hence, Windows will not support the Android platform. However, there are a few ways in which an Android tablet user can download the Windows software on the tablet. This might require the user to download a specific app or connect to the PC and change the software. 

Q 2. Will the operating system of a tablet affect the user’s experience?

Ans. Yes. Different operating systems have different pros and cons. An Android-operated device might be more powerful in processing, while a Windows-operated device might have better battery life. Features like screen size, screen resolution, battery life, portability, and personalization might affect the user’s experience.

Q 3. Which is better – Windows vs Android?

Ans. The answer to this depends on the user completely. If the tablet will be used for work or by a student, then Windows might be a good choice. If the tablet is more for casual purposes like streaming videos, browsing the web, or gaming, then Android tablets are better.

Q 4. Which features are better in an Android tablet?

Ans. Along with the best web hosting and downloading a wider variety of applications, it is a great choice for those looking at tablets for gaming. Android devices are fairly simple and cost-effective when compared to other options in the market.

Q 5. Which features are better in a Windows tablet?

Ans. If a user is looking for a more professional use for the tablet, Windows tablets are great. They offer stylus usage as well as a Bluetooth mouse and keypad, which makes it very close to a functional laptop. It also has better battery life.

Q6. What is the most used operating system in the world in 2025? 

Ans. Android is the most used OS overall, while Windows leads on desktops.

Q 7. What are 5 tablets with the Windows operating system?

Ans. The most popular five tablets with Windows operating systems are Surface Pro 11, Surface Go 3, Surface Pro 9, ASUS ROG Flow Z13, and Asus ProArt PZ13. 

Q 8. Is Microsoft Windows an Operating System? 

Ans. Yes. Microsoft Windows is a widely used operating system for desktops, laptops, and tablets.  

Q 9. Which are the best operating systems in 2025?

Ans. The best operating systems in 2025 are Android (leading mobile OS), Windows 11 (most popular desktop OS), macOS Sequoia/Tahoe (great for Apple ecosystem users), Linux (favored by developers), and ChromeOS (lightweight and education-friendly). For gaming, Windows 11 and SteamOS are the top choices. 

Q 10. Operating Systems by Cost Model

Ans.

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Conclusion

The Windows vs Android debate is a long-standing one, which has been thought about by many experts. It is not an easy choice for consumers, but it is important to understand that Android and Windows serve different purposes. 

While Android tablets have their own advantages, Windows hosting providers are very different, focused mostly on security and performance. So, when it comes to the question – Android vs Windows tablet – which is better, it is not a straightforward yes or no. It might be difficult to choose a tablet when you are spoilt for choice. But making smart decisions can go a long way. Hope this article will help users to do just that – understand their requirements, understand the features of the operating service, and then make a meaningful investment.