Windows 10 eye safe alternatives that worked for me

WhisperingWind

Is your monitor a native 8-bit panel without FRC?

You could also try swapping your graphics card—for example, use an Intel iGPU if your CPU has one. On my Windows 10, the UHD 630/730 and RX 6600 work well.

Testing with a different monitor is another good step. Here's my experience: on my 6-bit+FRC monitor, macOS Sonoma is easy on my eyes, but Windows 10 causes significant strain. However, on a different, native 8-bit display, I have no issues with Windows 10.

markdotpeters5

WhisperingWind I can use Windows 10 22H2 with no issues, provided I ensure it's running in 8-bit RGB full, and no dithering is present. It is my main, safe build. My work laptop is also Windows 10 22H2 and also, no issues.

I've tried MANY builds of Windows 11, using two 'known good' monitors, and others, three different graphics cards at at least three different laptops. ALL of them are very uncomfortable use except the very first build of Windows 11.

Microsoft broke something very very badly.

WhisperingWind

markdotpeters5

Using the same techniques to prevent dithering in Windows 10, it's still extremely uncomfortable to use.

I can use Windows 10 22H2 with no issues

I misunderstood the first phrase. I thought you meant you couldn't use Windows 10 at all. 🙂

Sunspark

WhisperingWind The word you're looking for is probably acutance. One way you can test is to turn off AA entirely. If it seems better, then it was various factors around AA. Gamma, sharpness, etc. You should also turn off "IT Content" in the Intel drivers. This is a form of processing.

WhisperingWind

Sunspark

I have a working setup with Windows 10 22H2 that doesn't cause any eye strain. I think I'll be sticking with it for a long time. Maybe something will change with Windows 12 (though it's unlikely).

markdotpeters5

Sunspark Microsoft's WDDM has dithering since Windows 11 22H2, there is nothing anyone can do about it until MS fix it. No amount of fiddling with GPU settings will fix it.

Aquila

WhisperingWind Did you blocked updates? What is your build number?
I'm stuck on win 10 1809, but I don't know if win 10 22h2 could be problematic with updates.

markdotpeters5

Aquila I've blocked windows 11 using the Incontrol app, or you can just use the group policy registry update.

Still get security fixes on 22H2 by signing up to the ESU.

(Obvs backup daily in case it breaks something!)

Sunspark

The IT Content setting in the Intel drivers does process the image depending on whether it thinks it is looking at a photo, text, etc. It was an optional part of the HDMI specification but it isn't off by default in the driver. That said, it isn't a big change.

simplex

Sunspark

I found same setting in nvidia control panel

With HDMI cables in 2 new monitors

PC programs or video switch

Didnt felt difference

Aquila

Hello guys I have to format my main pc, what windows version do you suggest?
Win 10.1809 or 22h2?
Thanks a lot

markdotpeters5

Aquila I would have thought 22H2 since you can sign up to the ESU and still get security updates.

autobot

cofisc I also use Zorin OS(Zorin OS 17.3 lite).

I've used gemini to make a script that let you choose between using the GPU, or use software to do the GPU's job. I find that using software creates less strain.

To check if it's hardware/software run:

inxi -G
software - you'll see llvmpipe
hardware - your GPU

Here's the script:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQsaDhLvE7-RTEuj-MBFYlWr2RYQi7iM/view?usp=sharing

Again: i've created this with gemini. I don't understand linux that much, so it might have bugs.

markdotpeters5

autobot If you're using lite, you can just turn off compositing in the menu.

autobot

markdotpeters5 the But desktop manager is not the only thing that gets drawn on the screen.

This gives me higher reliability.