Does Linux use more power than Windows on the same hardware?

[Whiffle]

Hi there.

I have a rather old laptop laptop (first generation i3) that still runs Windows 10 OK but I was thinking of having a go with Linux.

Having done a bit of research, there are quite a few videos that suggest that Linux uses more power than Windows on the same hardware.

Is this really the case?

I though that the opposite would be true as Linux uses less resources. However, the inference seems to be that power saving is primarily set up for Windows and thus Linux drivers just are not as good at putting hardware into lower power modes.

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks - encouraging that is not a definitive yes or no situation.

I really want to try and make the jump to Linux, from Windows, but I do not want to start using devices that actually use more power (especially at the moment).

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for this.

Thinking about it, my laptop is rarely going to be leaving my house (if at all) so if running costs differences are going to be negligible, battery power life is going to be largely irrelevant as I can always plug it in whenever needed.

I think the thing that surprised me was that Linux could possibly use more power than Windows, given that it is known for being less resource hungry.

However, it seems that this is flawed - the suggestion seems to be that as Windows has a vastly larger share of the market, hardware makers are more interested in ensuring that Windows efficiency drivers work well with them.

In any event, even if Linux uses more power, seems to be the price you pay for what many consider a superior OS.