Windows 10 eye safe alternatives that worked for me

cofisc

Since I can't use Windows 10 because it causes me eye strain, I've tested other operating systems and I'm sharing the ones I've been able to use without any issues:

1- Zorin OS 18: This is a Linux distribution that's very similar to Windows. I was even able to install Microsoft Office on it using the Crossover tool. It has a software marketplace and is very easy for people who want to switch to Linux.

2- Chrome Flex OS: A very lightweight operating system, ideal for browsing the internet. You need the paid version to install the Google Play Store.

3- Fyde OS: A free alternative to Google Chrome OS with the option to install the Play Store.

4- Prime OS: An operating system based on Android 11.

5. Bliss OS: an operating system based on Android 13.

6. Puppy Linux: a very lightweight operating system that boots via USB in seconds, ideal for older PCs.

The advantage is that you can try them without before installing and they work on the old EyeSafe laptops .

I opted for Zorin OS in a dual boot configuration with Windows 7 for my desktop PC, I use it with a GTX 650 Ti and a TFT monitor via VGA port.

markdotpeters5

cofisc Not sure about Zorin in this list.. maybe light, but not Core.. it definitely has dithering or some other stuff going on.

It's very nice though

WhisperingWind

markdotpeters5

Temporal dithering relies on GPU hardware that is managed by the driver. This is why you can see different behavior on the same Linux OS when switching GPUs or changing driver configurations.

cofisc

markdotpeters5 I agree that Zorin OS Core is the least comfortable on the list, but I was able to work with it for several days without any issues, perhaps because I didn't update the third-party graphics drivers in the setup or because I used a VGA cable.

markdotpeters5

WhisperingWind I know.. it's been the same for me across two different systems though with different hardware. The OS is the common factor, hence the reason this thread exists and that no-one can use Windows 11 🙁

markdotpeters5

cofisc I've used it on two different systems now, and whilst it's not symptom free, it's not too bad, particularly on the laptop screen.

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.

WhisperingWind

markdotpeters5

The OS is the common factor, hence the reason this thread exists

In the case of temporal dithering, the OS is not the primary factor. However, you're correct. Besides temporal dithering, there may be other causes of eye strain. And in such cases, the OS can indeed be the primary factor, as it is with Windows 11.

After testing on Windows 11 with various GPUs (Intel UHD630/730, Arc A770, AMD RX6600, Nvidia GTX 1650) and an HDMI recorder, I can confirm that temporal dithering was not enabled by default on my hardware. None of my tests showed any evidence of it on the recorded output.

I think that the real issue for me is different: Windows 11 presents an image with excessive sharpness and contrast, creating a slight "false 3D effect" that causes significant eye strain on the same monitor where Windows 10 22H2 and macOS Sonoma are perfectly comfortable. But it's just a hypothesis without evidence, since I don't know how to verify it.

markdotpeters5

WhisperingWind I totally agree with your theory! Using the same techniques to prevent dithering in Windows 10, it's still extremely uncomfortable to use.

I'm really desperate to find a solution since it threatens my ability to work 🙁

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

markdotpeters5

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. 🙂

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.