Writing this tribute to Windows 10 on a MacBook Air speaks volumes about my evolving relationship with the platform. Yet, looking back, Windows 10 represented a significant leap forward for Microsoft, showcasing its ambition through features like Cortana, the digital assistant that aimed to redefine user interaction with technology.
Having spent decades covering every iteration of Windows, from the early days of Windows 3.1 to the latest Windows 11, Windows 10 holds a special place in my heart. It addressed many of the missteps of its predecessors while introducing innovative features that enhanced the user experience. As we mark Windows 10’s tenth anniversary, however, we face the reality of its impending retirement in October, when Microsoft will cease support for this once-popular version. Despite Windows 11’s recent rise, partly hindered by stringent TPM 2.0 security requirements, Windows 10 maintained a robust user base until very recently.
Not all the great ideas
Over time, Microsoft Edge transformed into my preferred web browser, celebrated for its speed, stability, and unique features like vertical tabs. Despite its merits, it still lags behind Safari and Chrome in market share, even though it operates on the same Chromium engine as Chrome.
Windows 10 also introduced Windows Hello, a biometric security feature that was ahead of its time. The face recognition system, utilizing both standard and infrared cameras, offered a seamless unlocking experience, although many devices, including the Surface Pro 3 I tested in 2015, lacked full compatibility. Subsequent Surface models, however, embraced this technology as standard.
Additional features like the Action Center and the Xbox App enriched the Windows experience, providing users with a more integrated environment. While some aspects remained familiar, such as the Printer menu and File Manager, there were lingering elements from Windows 8, like Continuum, which aimed to convert Windows into a touch-friendly interface for devices like the Surface Pro. Ultimately, the vision of Surface devices competing with both the iPad and the MacBook Air fell short, as they primarily contended with traditional laptops.
Then there was Cortana, Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to bring a digital assistant to the forefront of the Windows experience. Drawing inspiration from the AI character in the Halo series, Cortana was positioned prominently next to the Start button, effectively replacing the traditional search function. Users could engage with her in a conversational manner, managing tasks and retrieving information with ease. I fondly recall an early interaction where Cortana not only understood my requests but also responded with a touch of humor, showcasing her personality.
What Windows 11 got wrong
Fast forward to Windows 11, which debuted about six years after Windows 10. While it brought a fresh design and integrated AI features that Cortana could only dream of, it also introduced a controversial requirement for TPM 2.0 support. This move alienated many users who owned PCs that did not meet the new standard, straying from Microsoft’s traditional approach of inclusivity. Although enhanced security is undoubtedly beneficial, the abrupt shift left many consumers feeling overlooked.
As we transition to Windows 11 and anticipate the arrival of Windows 12, it is essential to reflect on the legacy of Windows 10. This version served as a bridge between the classic Windows experience and the innovations of the 21st century, embodying a spirit of experimentation while remaining accessible to a broad audience. In contrast, Windows 11 has yet to capture that same sense of community, making the farewell to Windows 10 all the more poignant.
