I binned Windows 11 recently (only kept it around for gaming) because I didn't like the direction it was clearly going (and has been for a while - including their shoehorning of AI into everything when I don't want it or need it) and don't game enough that I care much any more.
For the first time since the 80's I'm not running a Windows OS on any of my machines.
I doubt they'll care, I'm one user of hundreds of millions but I don't have to consider whether every update is going to turn on something I don't want/hate so I care.
Windows is _always_ a pain in my a*. Every time I boot my windows box it costs me and average of 45 minutes of software updating.
And, FWIW MS's gaming-business is around 10% of its revenue, which is likely to be slowing soon:
- Valve made Steam OS (aka Proton) run on ARM architecture in addition to x86, and Valve also releasing a Steam OS PC to play Windows Games on in addition to its pioneering Steam Deck + clones (https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/virtual-reality/valv...)
- Cross-platform title releases are happening more and more frequently, with MS / XBox owned studio games being released on PlayStation
I grew up using pretty much every major Windows OS release (3.11, 9x, 2000, XP, etc.) and that comment about bringing back Windows 7 was on point. That was the turning point for me when I felt like it was the relatively perfect OS.
It got out of my way and acted as a nearly frictionless layer between the user and the programs.
I'm usually a cross OS/platform guy. Using each for what they are good at. But lately Win11 has just felt like it's not bringing anything to the table except pain. Especially with Steam making linux so attractive for gaming lately.
I'm trying to switch to desktop linux these days. It's way better but still a few kinks relative to my windows7 experience but if they get there I'm done with Windows for personal stuff, hopefully work as well some day.
It is so hard to believe there was a time where bundling a browser with an operating system was a huge scandal requiring a huge government antitrust case to correct.
Maybe it’s just that I’m old and crotchety but we need regulation to debundle everything, including phones. Yes iCloud, so forth no longer is bundled with a phone you have to choose the providers you want and those providers have to compete and no the Apple company isn’t allowed to make its phone work better for its own products. Just like Microsoft once upon a time wasn’t allowed to make its OS work better for its own browser (how quaint).
Even if they "close replies", it's a message that needs attention. People should write a new message starting with "Re: @account ..." like in the past.
* One with Windows 7 level of features (with Windows 11 level security fixes).
* One with all the bells an whistles that gives product managers the feeling of having done something and justifies their raises and career advancement.
They mostly exist with IoT LTSC being the first one. (well, to some extent, it still has the "two control panels, two context menus, non-deterministic start menu search, hiding scrollbars by default" issues).
But they only sell the second one to regular customers. IoT LTSC is for companies only. Other customers don't deserve respect apparently.
I currently support an accounting business. We're eternally vendor locked on Windows desktop because Intuit products are it for accounting outside of the ERP space.
I'm presently in planning meetings with them to move the desktops from Windows 10 to Linux, and run Intuit over RDP in quarantined Windows 11 VMs.
These are people are the most conservative type of user you can imagine. One of the silent cores of staunch Windows users.
They approached me about migrating to Linux on the desktop.
Honestly, at this point if you’re still on Windows for your personal hardware, that’s on you. Linux gaming with proton is great. Most apps have web versions even.
While the argument can be very much made that Windows has been in decline for years, now, this ignoring of power users and evangelists will likely be seen as the beginning of the plunge.
Every company eventually loses its soul. And this is how it becomes truly visible to the public at large - by pissing off those who advise and influence others.
Recently I had two cases (Car map update, Phone software fix) that requires Windows and only Windows. Wine didn't work, possibly due to some USB port connectivity permissions lost.
[+] [-] noir_lord|4 months ago|reply
I binned Windows 11 recently (only kept it around for gaming) because I didn't like the direction it was clearly going (and has been for a while - including their shoehorning of AI into everything when I don't want it or need it) and don't game enough that I care much any more.
For the first time since the 80's I'm not running a Windows OS on any of my machines.
I doubt they'll care, I'm one user of hundreds of millions but I don't have to consider whether every update is going to turn on something I don't want/hate so I care.
The linked video (via a linked post) from Dave Plummer does indeed sum up my feelings pretty well - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTpA5jt1g60
[+] [-] ncr100|4 months ago|reply
And, FWIW MS's gaming-business is around 10% of its revenue, which is likely to be slowing soon:
- Valve made Steam OS (aka Proton) run on ARM architecture in addition to x86, and Valve also releasing a Steam OS PC to play Windows Games on in addition to its pioneering Steam Deck + clones (https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/virtual-reality/valv...)
- Cross-platform title releases are happening more and more frequently, with MS / XBox owned studio games being released on PlayStation
[+] [-] wormius|4 months ago|reply
The AI guaranteed I will never touch MS again, and recently switched when it did expire.
"No ethical consumption" under capitalism or whatever; every tech company has their finger in the pie. sigh
I'm slightly worried about the Linux Kernel and whether AI features pushed by NVidia, and MS in particular, will get brought in.
[+] [-] vunderba|4 months ago|reply
It got out of my way and acted as a nearly frictionless layer between the user and the programs.
[+] [-] ferrouswheel|4 months ago|reply
I'm usually a cross OS/platform guy. Using each for what they are good at. But lately Win11 has just felt like it's not bringing anything to the table except pain. Especially with Steam making linux so attractive for gaming lately.
[+] [-] ClimaxGravely|4 months ago|reply
I'm trying to switch to desktop linux these days. It's way better but still a few kinks relative to my windows7 experience but if they get there I'm done with Windows for personal stuff, hopefully work as well some day.
[+] [-] erentz|4 months ago|reply
Maybe it’s just that I’m old and crotchety but we need regulation to debundle everything, including phones. Yes iCloud, so forth no longer is bundled with a phone you have to choose the providers you want and those providers have to compete and no the Apple company isn’t allowed to make its phone work better for its own products. Just like Microsoft once upon a time wasn’t allowed to make its OS work better for its own browser (how quaint).
[+] [-] hiccuphippo|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] sionisrecur|4 months ago|reply
* One with Windows 7 level of features (with Windows 11 level security fixes).
* One with all the bells an whistles that gives product managers the feeling of having done something and justifies their raises and career advancement.
[+] [-] Krssst|4 months ago|reply
But they only sell the second one to regular customers. IoT LTSC is for companies only. Other customers don't deserve respect apparently.
[+] [-] zyrukhn|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] cornonthecobra|4 months ago|reply
I'm presently in planning meetings with them to move the desktops from Windows 10 to Linux, and run Intuit over RDP in quarantined Windows 11 VMs.
These are people are the most conservative type of user you can imagine. One of the silent cores of staunch Windows users.
They approached me about migrating to Linux on the desktop.
[+] [-] GOD_Over_Djinn|4 months ago|reply
What were the reasons they gave? I’m glad to hear this anecdote.
[+] [-] ewuhic|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] ta9000|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] pjmlp|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] rekabis|4 months ago|reply
Every company eventually loses its soul. And this is how it becomes truly visible to the public at large - by pissing off those who advise and influence others.
[+] [-] theanonymousone|4 months ago|reply
God dammit!
[+] [-] Lapsa|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] rolph|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] sloped|4 months ago|reply
[+] [-] matt_12345|4 months ago|reply