[AnimalMuppet]

I'm not the one you're asking. But to me, the (most recent) way they ruined Windows was the new interface. I don't want to interact with my desktop via a phone/tablet interface. I don't want to use a touchscreen. I want to use only the keyboard and mouse.

More: I don't want to use my computer as a media consumption device.

So for me, all the new UI changes are counterproductive. But that's me. Others have different usage profiles; whether it's a net win or a net loss depends on the customer mix.

[GordonS]

So, it seems like you are describing the car crash that was Windows 8?

Seriously, if you haven't tried Windows 10 since it first came out, try it - I held out on Windows 7 for years, but I'm really glad I switched.

[Roboprog]

I can’t thing of anything useful that MS added since Windows XP.

Going from 16 bit cooperative to 32 bit preemptive in the 3.x to 9x change, useful.

Going to multiple accounts with permissions in the 9x to XP change, useful.

Rearranging the UI time and again since Vista, and sucking up CPUs with scannning processes, so what?

Note that I really only used Windows at work, anyway (instead of Linux, or more recently OSX), and I managed to avoid the post-7 cluster-bomb entirely at my current job.

[GordonS]

I see Windows 10 as a part of the continuing evolution of Windows - it's not a million miles away from Windows XP, but I wouldn't want it to be.

Some new features:

- Cortana (I don't use it, but I know lots of people that do)

- The Windows Store and UWP apps

- High DPI support (this is something MS does very well compared to Linux desktops)

- Windows Hello (I find this really for signing in with a fingerprint)

- BitLocker (this is a bit one, IMO)

- Device Guard (Enterprise only, AFAIK. Very usual in certin environments)

- Windows Defender (it's now a 1st class AV - I have no reason to use anything else)

- Window Defender Exploit Guard

- Windows Defender Credential Guard

- Windows Defender ATP (only for large enterprises, but it's amazing)

- Windows S mode (this is a pretty big deal, and it's suitable for a lot of consumers, even if it's not exactly HN users' target market)

- Improved VPN support

- Built-in snipping tool (WIN + SHIFT + S)

- Dark mode (I like this)

- Improved Start Menu (IMO)

- Task switcher

- Action centre

- Improved command prompt (even supports copying with CTRL-C, how incredible!)

- Edge (OK, maybe moot now)

- Multiple desktops (yes, I know these have been a feature of Linux window systems for decades)

I imagine I've left out quite a bit too.

[dlp211]

The secure driver model.

[AnimalMuppet]

I'm on 10. I still hate the interface. Yes, it's better than 8 was, but that's not much. They took a step in the wrong direction, and then they took a half-step back. I mean, that's better than nothing, but it's still less than good.

[duxup]

But all the cards and the tablet interface stuff ... is all side stuff that you don't need to use? At least I hardly ever see any sign of it.

Am I missing something?

There was an issue a LONG time ago when the tiles were more front and center but they dumped that a while ago.

[markbnj]

I agree with you generally but it's not just the tiles. They also made a lot of changes around how settings and other features are accessed to make them more touch friendly, and if you're just trying to get in and change a thing it's often more work to get to it. There are ways to work around almost all of it but its just sort of ongoing evidence of a design direction that didn't really pan out for the mobile users it was intended to serve, and makes life a little harder for technical desktop users. These days I only use Windows 10 for gaming and to host my ubuntu laptop over VNC. If it weren't for games/steam I'd probably uninstall it.

[duxup]

I actually like the settings changes. Fewer things on each screen and the search-ability is pretty great now.

[mixmastamyk]

Still have to dig several screens deep to access common settings. Still prefer the old-school control panel.

[lozenge]

You can find them by typing into the Start Menu.

[mixmastamyk]

Just because you can now search for them (a bonus), doesn’t mean they should then be buried (a negative).

[partiallypro]

Considering Microsoft is likely killing live tiles and there isn't much of a touch interface at all, I don't understand your problem. Are you talking about Windows 8? I genuinely don't know exactly what you mean at all.