Windows
As outlined in the article “First PC - The Beginning”, I have been using Microsoft Windows for the past three decades.
During that time, I believe I have used every major release of Windows targeting consumers, whilst also spending a year administering Windows Server (NT/2000) for a large enterprise business.
I vividly remember upgrading from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95 using floppy disks (thirteen disks plus the boot disk). I also remember getting to see a pre-release version of Windows XP, which fueled my excitement for the first Windows NT-based operating system specifically targeting consumers.
Throughout this time period, I also used Apple OS X and later macOS, alongside various Linux distributions. However, Windows was always a major part of my computing world, delivering value at home and work.
Therefore, it is with some regret that for the first time in my life, I no longer have Windows installed on any of my core systems. The only Windows device I have left is a Microsoft Surface Laptop, which I use (very rarely) for Work.
Between my two primary laptops, I use macOS and Linux (specifically Fedora), with Linux also installed on my desktop PC. As I consider my common software and usage scenarios, I have reached a point where Linux has moved from being a compromise to being viable and even preferred. This includes gaming, recognising that I do not play competitive multiplayer and therefore have no issues with Windows proprietary anti-cheat software.
In my opinion, Microsoft has completely lost sight of Windows to the point where there is no clear vision, direction, or meaningful innovation.
I recognise the Microsoft priority regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and even agree with the strategic direction from a business persective. However, I feel they have allowed this to distract them from their “right to operate” responsibilities, which must include the estimated 1.5 billion devices running Windows.
As a result, Windows (specificlly Windows 11) has become a mismatch of features, that are mostly self-serving (Microsoft-centric, not customer-centric). For example, forced system hardware requirements, mandated software features, unwanted bundled applications and relentless advertisements for Microsoft services.
In addition, the user experience is more disjointed than ever before, with years of technical debt impacting performance and legacy user interface elements scattered across the operating system, which has eroded any sense of quality or attention to detail.
To be clear, Windows has never been perfect, and Microsoft has historically made very public mistakes (e.g., Windows ME and Windows 8). However, even Windows 8 had a vision and direction, even if it was misguided. In short, even during these more difficult periods, I have always felt that Windows offered enough unique value to warrant its existence.
As I consider my current usage of computing systems, I no longer see a logical place for Windows, where it offers clear value. Ironically, it has now become the “compromise” in the way I used to consider Linux.
For example, if I want a highly opinionated system that “just works”, I would turn to macOS, whilst also reaping the benefits of Apple Silicon. For everything else, there is Linux, which has reached a point of maturity where it is “compatible enough”, usually delivering higher performance and a better user experience that also respects community (e.g., prioritising openness, privacy, choice, etc.)
I sincerely hope Microsoft are able to improve the state with Windows. However, I see little evidence of any meaningful attempt. Personally, I still believe they should consider a more dramatic pivot, as outlined in my article “Microsoft Linux”.