Windows 10’s Best Ideas—And Why Windows 11 Feels Worse

If you’ve been following our coverage for the last few years, you’ll already know that 2025 is the year that Windows 10 effectively retired. Technically. “Retired,” because Microsoft’s formal end-of-support date came and went on October 14th, as the company had been saying for years. “Technically,” because it’s relatively easy for home users to get another year of security updates with minimal effort, and schools and businesses can get an additional two years of updates on top of that. Crucially, core system apps like Edge and Windows Defender will continue receiving updates through at least 2028 regardless. But 2025 was undeniably a turning point for the so-called “last version of Windows.” StatCounter data shows Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the most-used version of Windows both in the US (February 2025) and worldwide (July 2025). Its market share slid from just over 44 percent to just under 31 percent in the Steam Hardware Survey. And now that Microsoft’s official support for the OS has ended, games, apps, and drivers are beginning the gradual process of ending or scaling back official Windows 10 support.

Windows 10: A High Water Mark for Usability

Windows 10 is generally considered one of the “good” versions of Windows, and it was incredibly popular in its prime: the most widely used version of Windows since XP. This is true even though many of the frustrating things people complain about in Windows 11 actually originated during the Windows 10 era. Now that it’s time to reflect on Windows 10’s legacy, it’s worth examining what Microsoft got right, how it laid the groundwork for many of the things people dislike about Windows 11, and how Microsoft has exacerbated those problems since Windows 11’s initial launch.

What Windows 10 Did Right

Like Windows 7 before it, Windows 10’s primary goal was to not be Windows 8. Windows 8 brought solid under-the-hood improvements, but its polarizing full-screen Start menu and touchscreen-centric user interface felt awkward on traditional desktops and laptops.

Restoring Familiarity

The biggest change Windows 10 made was restoring a version of the traditional Start menu. It was altered from its Windows XP or Windows 7 iterations, but familiar enough to avoid alienating users. This was a key decision that resonated with a large segment of the PC user base.

Adopting Modern Conveniences

Windows 10 also adopted features people enjoyed on their smartphones. It initially rolled out as a free upgrade to anyone running Windows 7 or Windows 8, and it ran on virtually the same hardware. It received continuous, predictable updates, allowing Microsoft to add features more quickly. Microsoft even expanded its public beta program, giving enthusiasts and developers a chance to provide feedback before new features were released.

A Shift in Microsoft’s Philosophy

Windows 10 arrived during a period of change at Microsoft. With Satya Nadella taking over from Steve Ballmer, the company began making its Office apps work on iOS and Android and abandoned its proprietary browser engine for Edge. This new Microsoft wanted users to utilize Microsoft products (and ideally subscribe to them), but it seemed more willing to meet users where they were rather than forcing them to change their behavior.

Embracing Open Source and Developer Tools

This shift benefited users throughout Windows 10’s early years. Developers benefited from the introduction and continuous improvement of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing them to run Linux and its apps directly on Windows. Microsoft also replaced its struggling in-house browser engine with a Chromium-based version of Edge. While the dominance of Chromium is debatable, switching to a more compatible rendering engine and an established extension ecosystem was a user-friendly choice. Both projects signaled Microsoft’s growing engagement with and contributions to open-source projects, a significant departure from its past.

Windows 10 wasn’t perfect, but its reputation stems from being a response to real complaints and being rolled out in a way that made its changes and improvements widely accessible.

How Windows 10 Laid the Groundwork for Windows 11’s Problems

Ironically, many of the things people dislike about Windows 11 actually started happening during the Windows 10 era. The foundation for many current frustrations was built within Windows 10, and Windows 11 simply amplified them.

Data Collection and Privacy Concerns

From the outset, Windows 10 collected more information about user activity, ostensibly to improve the OS or personalize ads. This raised privacy concerns that continue to be relevant today.

The Software-as-a-Service Model and Instability

The transition to a “software-as-a-service” approach allowed Windows to move faster, but also introduced instability. Bugs and glitches persisted throughout Windows 10’s lifecycle and continue to surface in Windows 11, despite public beta programs.

Pushing Unwanted Microsoft Products

Windows 10 frequently promoted other Microsoft products, like the original Edge and Cortana, often unsuccessfully. The annoying news and weather widget on the taskbar was a late addition, and advertisements cluttered the lock screen. Icons for third-party apps from the Microsoft Store, often low-quality, ad-supported games, were added to the Start menu without user consent. Some users even criticized the way the free Windows 10 upgrade was offered, with install files downloading automatically and notifications being difficult to dismiss.

The Seeds of Mandatory Microsoft Account Sign-In

Even the mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in, a major complaint about Windows 11, originated in Windows 10. While easier to circumvent then, it was still a step towards the current situation. It was initially limited to the Home edition, but it clearly signaled Microsoft’s direction.

Windows 11: Making Things Worse

While Windows 10 introduced many of these issues, Windows 11 has amplified them. The annoyances have been stacked on top of each other, creating a cumulatively frustrating experience. The Microsoft Account sign-in requirement is a central point of contention, unlocking a barrage of ads for Microsoft 365, Game Pass, and other services.

Increased Intrusiveness

Starting with version 22H2, a Microsoft Account became required for new installations of both Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. While workarounds exist, they require prior knowledge or research. Microsoft is also planning to close some of these loopholes in future updates, making circumvention even harder.

The SCOOBE Experience

Windows 11’s Second Chance Out-Of-Box Experience (SCOOBE) persistently prompts users to “finish setting up” Windows, even on systems that are already fully configured. While it can be disabled through buried settings, a simpler, permanent dismissal option would be more user-friendly, especially considering the constant system notifications promoting the same services.

The AI Push and Feature Bloat

Microsoft’s aggressive push for generative AI is also a significant issue. Copilot, the built-in AI app, has undergone multiple design and functionality changes. Microsoft even changed the default Windows PC keyboard layout to accommodate Copilot. Copilot-branded features have been added to numerous Windows apps, some uninstallable, others not. The relentless integration of AI, even with known security and privacy risks (as seen with the initial rollout of Recall), feels intrusive.

Hardware Requirements and Planned Obsolescence

Windows 11’s stricter system requirements excluded many functional PCs. While it can be installed unofficially on older hardware, it involves risks and requires technical expertise. While the requirements are arguably defensible from a security standpoint (TPM, Secure Boot), they create the impression of a deliberate attempt to force users to upgrade their hardware. Full-screen ads for new Copilot+ PCs, even to users with capable systems, reinforce this perception of planned obsolescence.

Windows 11 Still Has Potential

I believe Windows 11 has a solid foundation. The Enterprise version offers a cleaner experience, tailored for businesses. Microsoft has made significant progress in optimizing Windows for Arm-based PCs. The Windows Subsystem for Linux is better than ever. I’m also intrigued by Microsoft’s efforts to improve Windows for gaming handhelds.

However, as a long-time Windows user, I’ve never felt as frustrated with the operating system as I do during Windows 11’s current phase. While Windows 11 can be tamed with effort, the taming process has become an essential part of the new PC setup, akin to installing drivers and third-party apps. Windows 10 was far from perfect, but as we bid it farewell, it’s important to remember its strengths and why it was so widely adopted. I hope Microsoft will recommit to a cleaner, more user-friendly Windows that prioritizes user control and respects their preferences. A genuine effort in this direction could convince Windows 10 holdouts to make the switch.