On July 29, 2015, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, a significant pivot from the missteps of Windows 8. This new operating system seamlessly integrated the live tile interface with the classic Start menu, reestablishing a focus on the desktop experience for users who preferred keyboard and mouse navigation. Windows 10 marked a series of industry firsts, notably being the first version developed in collaboration with the public through the Windows Insider Program. This initiative allowed users to engage with the development process, influencing the evolution of Windows 10 in ways that previous iterations had never experienced.
To encourage adoption, Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 7 and Windows 8 users for one year. However, this time-limited offer turned out to be more flexible than initially suggested, as the free upgrade remained available until 2023, seven years beyond the original deadline. This strategy contributed to an impressive uptake, with 100 million devices running Windows 10 within just two months of its launch.
The ‘Get Windows 10’ (GWX) fiasco
One of the more controversial aspects of Windows 10’s rollout was the aggressive promotion of the upgrade through the “Get Windows 10” app, commonly referred to as GWX. This application, which appeared in the system tray of Windows 7 and 8 users, frequently prompted users to upgrade, leading to claims that it sometimes initiated upgrades without user consent. The backlash from users resistant to leaving Windows 7 prompted Microsoft to acknowledge their overly forceful tactics, ultimately leading to the removal of the GWX app from Windows 7 systems.
A modern telemetry nightmare
Windows 10 also raised eyebrows with its approach to data privacy and telemetry. Upon launch, it faced criticism for extensive data collection practices that many users found intrusive. While Microsoft introduced the Diagnostic Data Viewer to provide transparency about the data being collected, the option to completely disable telemetry was never available. Instead, users could only limit data collection to a “basic” level. Over time, the volume of telemetry data collected has only grown, leading many users to either accept the situation or forget about it entirely. Interestingly, similar telemetry systems were later introduced to Windows 7, meaning that users who opted to stay on the older OS were not entirely shielded from these practices.
The birth of Windows as a Service
Windows 10 also pioneered the concept of “Windows as a Service,” introducing a biannual update schedule that aimed to deliver significant new features and enhancements. This approach was ambitious, given Windows’ historical challenges with in-place upgrades. The first feature update, known as the November 2015 Update, arrived just months after the initial launch, introducing quality-of-life improvements such as dark mode. However, the service model faced criticism, particularly after the problematic October 2018 Update, which resulted in data loss for some users. This incident led Microsoft to reassess its update strategy, ultimately scaling back to one major platform release per year.
Windows OneCore and form factor diversification
Another noteworthy initiative was the OneCore project, which aimed to create a universal Windows core adaptable to various device types. This vision allowed Windows 10 to run on a diverse array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. Despite its technical achievements, the OneCore initiative faltered, as Microsoft eventually withdrew support for most versions outside the primary desktop OS, limiting Windows’ viability primarily to traditional computers.
Broken Dark Mode
The introduction of dark mode in Windows 10 was met with mixed reviews. While the OS launched with a dark-themed shell interface, many elements remained stubbornly light-themed. It wasn’t until the 1511 update that a dedicated toggle for light and dark modes was introduced, but even then, inconsistencies persisted. Many areas of the OS, including file properties and copy dialogs, did not fully support the dark mode, leaving users frustrated. Unfortunately, these issues have continued to plague the OS, even extending into Windows 11.
Windows 10 fails on phones
Windows 10 Mobile represented Microsoft’s foray into the smartphone market, building upon the legacy of Windows Phone. Despite launching shortly after Windows 10, it struggled with performance issues and a lack of compelling hardware. Although it introduced innovative features like Continuum, which allowed users to connect their phones to external displays, the platform never gained significant traction. Microsoft ultimately ceased support for Windows 10 Mobile in 2017, effectively ending the UWP initiative.
The Universal Windows Platform
The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) was designed to enable developers to create apps that could run across all Windows 10 devices. However, the platform’s initial limitations hindered adoption, as many developers opted to maintain legacy applications or develop web apps instead. The demise of Windows 10 Mobile further diminished UWP’s relevance, leading to its gradual decline and eventual replacement by WinUI in 2021.
Fluent Design System (was disappointing)
In 2017, Microsoft introduced the Fluent Design System, promising a comprehensive overhaul of the Windows user experience. However, the rollout fell short of expectations, delivering only minor updates rather than the transformative redesign users had anticipated. While some elements were updated, the overall impact was minimal, leaving many disappointed.
My People was an embarrassment
My People was an ambitious attempt to integrate contact management directly into the Windows 10 Taskbar, allowing users to pin contacts and communicate seamlessly. Despite its potential, the feature suffered from a lack of third-party support and was ultimately disabled by default due to poor adoption rates.
Windows 10: Defining Windows Today
Windows 10’s legacy is multifaceted, having played a crucial role in shaping the current Windows landscape. It marked the end of Microsoft’s own web browsing engine, introduced the Your Phone app, and set the stage for the evolution of Windows beyond traditional computing. While it may not have fulfilled all its promises, Windows 10 undeniably laid the groundwork for the future of the platform. As mainstream support draws to a close, Windows 10’s impact on the industry will be remembered, even as users transition to newer versions.
