Windows 10: A Look Back at the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Windows 10 is gone, but not forgotten. Officially, Microsoft stopped supporting it in October 2025. Yet, many users still cling to it, finding ways to keep it alive. This is because Windows 10 was a hit. It was the most used version of Windows since XP. But it wasn't perfect. In fact, it set the stage for many of the annoyances we see in Windows 11 today. Windows 10 was a response to the backlash against Windows 8. It brought back the traditional Start menu, which was a big win for users. It also introduced a new way of updating the operating system. Instead of big, infrequent updates, Windows 10 brought small, regular ones. This made the system more stable and predictable. But Windows 10 also had its downsides. It was the first version of Windows to push for a Microsoft Account sign-in. It was also the first to collect more user data. These changes were controversial, but they paved the way for Windows 11.Windows 11 took these changes and amplified them. It made the Microsoft Account sign-in mandatory. It also introduced new features like Copilot, which many users find intrusive. These changes have made Windows 11 a source of frustration for many. But Windows 11 isn't all bad. It has improved security features. It also runs better on Arm-based PCs. However, these improvements come at a cost. The new system requirements exclude many older PCs. This has led to accusations of planned obsolescence. In the end, Windows 10 was a mixed bag. It had its strengths, but it also laid the groundwork for many of the problems we see in Windows 11. As we move forward, it's important to remember the good, the bad, and the ugly of Windows 10. This can help us understand the evolution of Windows and make informed decisions about the operating system we use.