We like many of the new features in Windows 10, but there are some things we're not so keen on. Here are six things we don't like about Windows 10
By Ashleigh Allsopp | PC Advisor | 02 October 14
Windows 10 was unveiled by Microsoft during a special event on 30 September. It's got a lot going for it: there's a new Task View, a new Snap Assist feature, Windows Explorer improvements, Universal apps and lots more. However, there are some things that we're not so keen on (though they're all subject to change as Windows 10 is still in beta). Here are six things we don't like about Windows 10. Read next: Windows 10 hands-on review
1. The name
This point could be seen as trivial but it's the first thing that springs to mind when talking about Windows 10… where's Windows 9? Perhaps it meant to call its Windows 8.1 update Windows 9, but it didn't. So why, oh why, did Microsoft skip right past Windows 9 and go straight for number 10? Microsoft says that it's because it's such a huge update, but that seems like an odd excuse to us.
2. The release date
Windows 10 is not coming out until the middle of next year. Microsoft wants to make this the most beta-tested product it has ever released. That means you can actually test Windows 10 from today by downloading the Windows 10 Technical Preview, though expect it to be buggy and quite different from the final version.
For many, Windows 10 is what Windows 8 should have been (though we also hate the fact that Microsoft is backtracking, as explained in point six). People really didn't like Windows 8 and continued to dislike the Windows 8.1 update that followed, so it's annoying that we have to wait so long for the next generation to replace it.
3. Multiple desktops
While the ability to have multiple desktops in Windows 10 is undeniably useful, it definitely needs some tweaking. Sure, being able to effectively divide work programs from leisure apps is neat, but the fact that you can't also have separate icons on each desktop is maddening. What's the point of banishing Netflix to another window if its icon is still winking at you tantalisingly from the desktop?
4. Wallpapers
Another frustrating feature is the fact that you currently can't set different wallpapers for different desktops. It means you can't lead the double life of hiding your One Direction problem on your home desktop, whilst maintaining a professional demeanour at work with the inoffensive Michael Buble. On a serious note, however, it also makes switching rapidly between desktops somewhat disoirentating, as it's sometimes difficutl to differentiate between them immediately.
5. The return of the Start Menu
Yes, ok, the return of the Start Menu is also one of the things it's got going for it in the eyes of some, but hear us out on this one. PC Advisor Editor-in-Chief Matt Egan is particularly bothered by the return of the Start Menu.
"For all that's wrong with Windows 8, the lack of a Start Menu isn't one of them," he explains. "Using Search to find apps, web pages, files and docs is much faster and more intuitive. Pinning them to the Taskbar equally so. And the Start Screen fulfils all the deeper functions required of the Start Menu."
"People don't like change, and that is the only reason that Windows 10 has a Start Menu. Microsoft should have had more courage, and limited the retrograde steps to those that actually make Windows better again."
6. The whole strategy is confused
Looking back at the previous three points it seems clear that Microsoft's strategy is confused. It's all over the place, in fact.
For example, as Matt also points out, Microsoft spent lots of time promoting Windows 10 for desktop and enterprise during the launch event, putting back in Windows 7 features, but then it made a big play of touch and hybrid devices.
"Microsoft is trying to appease Intel's desire to drive forward sales of thin and light consumer laptops and tablets (because Intel and Microsoft missed the boat on mobile), whilst keeping enterprise and desktop PC users happy," Matt suggests. "It's probably doomed. It is a knee-jerk reaction to failure, rather than a long term revolution, and it smacks of a company that has lost touch with its customer base."
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