The evolution of Windows has seen a shift from a fun, playful ecosystem in the 90s and early 2000s to a more utilitarian interface focused on functionality. Key changes include the phasing out of local accounts in favor of Microsoft accounts, leading to privacy concerns; a Start menu in Windows 11 that lacks customization and flexibility; Microsoft's aggressive promotion of Edge as the default browser, limiting user choice; and an increase in advertisements within the operating system, which has drawn criticism from users.