What do you think Windows should have?

[Nhonho]

In my opinion Windows should have:

- Full control (on, off, light color, intensity, etc.) of all PC LEDs (of motherboard, RAM memory, fans, coolers, etc.).
- Control of the rotation speed of all the fans, including the VGA ones.
- Sensor for all temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, like the HWMonitor app.
- Advanced batch file and folder renamer, like REN32 and ReNamer apps.
- An advanced uninstaller app, like Revo Uninstaller, since all apps, when uninstalled, leave various values recorded in the OS (some of them are even malicious and spyware).
- An advanced driver uninstaller, like DDU.
- An option to use the classic start menu, as the "Open Shell" app (previously called "Classic Shell") does.
- Being able to configure some BIOS options through Windows.
- An advanced and easy-to-use screen recorder (in video).
- An app to take screenshots, with configurable key, in JPG, BMP or PNG formats, at the user's discretion.

I like to use ONLY the classic start menu (of the image below). I don't like any other start menu format at all.

 

[cvaldes]

Fewer bugs.
Fewer nonsensical hexadecimal installation error codes.
A software store that doesn't blow chunks.
A simple, consumer-friendly backup and restore system like macOS's Time Machine.

 

[dgianstefani]

Complete modularity at point of install.

An install size smaller than 2 GB. More than that is unnecessary for most users.

Features off by default, with links/shortcuts to enable them if the user is interested.

MS buy and integrate process lasso and ear trumpet.

Windows 11 task manager and desktop window manager backported to 10.

These settings by default.

 

[mechtech]

True 10-bit colour on 2d desktop

selectable gui

full control of updates like win 7

more simple, useful tools like snipping tool and an easy to find website with all of them in alphabetical order

enterprise ltsc version available to anyone for same price as pro

 

[Shrek]

Windows 11 support for old machines... a person's gotta hope...

 

[Macro Device]

I want the Confederation flag to be the default wallpaper and gunshot sounds as a default for notifications. And FPS counter for desktop, too. I need to be sure my system runs stable 1080p60 at desktop.

Jokes aside, this software lacks user-friendly debug. Why does it not tell you what exactly went wrong? I don't want to need to know all these 0x0FUCK codes, I want something real like "we suspect your RAM and/or CPU being unstable, please check if they're configured correctly," or similar response instead of "we ran into some problem." Will serve a very good purpose.

Another one even more extremely easy to implement feature we are missing is configurable taskbar font size. I can read anything but this from my normal eye-to-display distance.

Nice-to-have, yet unnecessary, is full legacy Visual Basic support. Annoying to spend hours finding a solution to not running games from my childhood.

Ability to use multiple audio outputs at once out of the box. I paid for all satellites, I wanna use all satellites.

Getting rid of W11 context menu bollocks and creating something really useful. I just clicked "advanced options" 99.99% time I right-clicked my stuff before I found out I can tweak the registry so it becomes full-on W10 style.

Keyboard layouts are a mess. US layout is disabled by me by default because Brazilian ABNT2 is more useful for my tasks, yet the US one appears again and again without me ever asking for it. Everannoying bug that completely lacks attention from the M$. I don't wanna install Brazilian Windows, I'm not that fluent in Portuguese, and it's not me who must fix their bugs.

Process affinity and priority permanent change right from the Task Manager. Having to use something else is really balls considering what year it is today.

"RECOMMENDED" section from W11 Start Menu. Evaporate, eradicate, exterminate and leave it to the Void.

Mobile hotspot lacks the feature of renaming the connected devices. Seeing "Unknown" when my iPhone is connected bugs me.

Not exhausting list but will do I guess.

 

[eidairaman1]

Control Panel, not Settings. Aero Glass, W7 start menu, not metro. Ms not forcing updates at all, ms thoroughly testing updates themselves, System restore automatically enabled and backups encrypted so nothing can compromise them

 

[freeagent]

Aero Glass would be cool..

 

[caroline!]

- Full control (on, off, light color, intensity, etc.) of all PC LEDs (of motherboard, RAM memory, fans, coolers, etc.).
- Control of the rotation speed of all the fans, including the VGA ones.
- Sensor for all temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, like the HWMonitor app.

This basically needs an industry standard, make all the gimmick LEDs 'talk the same language' so that no matter what manufacturer you're using it'll work with a standard software. They couldn't get along to come up with a standard for modular PSU cables so I doubt it's gonna happen anytime soon.

- Advanced batch file and folder renamer, like REN32 and ReNamer apps.

PowerToys can do it but it's still a downloadable add-on and not included with the base OS. It should be, comes with a ton of useful features with no added bloatware or shady paywalls.

- An app to take screenshots, with configurable key, in JPG, BMP or PNG formats, at the user's discretion.

Win+Shift+S? or you know, the print screen key. That key should be linked to the Snip & Sketch program.

Brightness control on desktops. Why isn't it a thing? even my old monitor can do it as long as the correct drivers are installed and configured, and I have to use something used Win10 Brightness Slider to have the option on my desktop.

I'd like less "dumb" settings, it all looks made for 6-year old kids, the settings are ambiguous and the descriptions... cryptic, nonsense even.

Look at this. Make your device easier to HEAR or use WITHOUT SOUND?????????????? WHAT.

Oh, and most importantly. I'd wish the option to create a local account wasn't hidden behind 5+ screens during install. This is a lie:

Oh and install is piss quality, why use a complex GUI during an installation process? I get Linux is the same if you choose GUI install but at least it gives you the option to install via commands or a simple interface. I find using the mouse... weird, during an install, I'm still used to the old NT process that made use of the F keys... F2 to run ASR, F8 for boot modes, F6 to configure SCSI I believe.
Well, it's the same with BIOS setup utilities, using the mouse feels weird, and having, well, colours and backgrounds rather than a simple blue/gray screen with simple text. Thankfully my mobo has the classic setup even though it's UEFI, so it's a lie that "UEFI is newer so it has to use the mouse" like I was told a few years back.

A way to easily uninstall Defender and Edge. Some users don't really need those, if I choose to be an admin then I should be able to do whatever I want with the OS.

 

[AsRock]

Bare bones windows.

 

[Nhonho]

In this window below, there should have an option for the user to choose at what priority a certain app should run. Here on my PC, I want that certain apps ALWAYS run at low priority when I open them to (them) not to disturb other apps.

 

[dgianstefani]

In this window below, there should have an option for the user to choose at what priority a certain app should run. Here on my PC, I want that certain apps ALWAYS run at low priority when I open them to (them) not to disturb other apps.

Just set - high in the shortcut

 

[Nhonho]

Windows should have integrated an app, like the X-Mouse app, to configure all the functions of a mouse, like the lights and functions of its buttons and also its DPI. I use a Logitech G203 mouse here and I need to install the "Logitech G HUB" app to turn off its unfriendly light, configure the functions of its side buttons (which I use to increase and decrease Windows volume) and to set its DPI.


Windows should also have an audio equalizer that works with all audio outputs (analog or digital). Of course, for the equalizer to make a change in the audio of a digital output, it has to come out uncompressed (WAV) and not via passthrough in its original format (AC3, DTS, MP3, etc.).

Just set - high in the shortcut

How/where?

 

[dgianstefani]

Windows should have integrated an app, like the X-Mouse app, to configure all the functions of a mouse, like the lights and functions of its buttons and also its DPI. I use a Logitech G203 mouse here and I need to install the "Logitech G HUB" app to turn off its unfriendly light, configure the functions of its side buttons (which I use to increase and decrease Windows volume) and to set its DPI.


Windows should also have an audio equalizer that works with all audio outputs (analog or digital). Of course, for the equalizer to make a change in the audio of a digital output, it has to come out uncompressed (WAV) and not via passthrough in its original format (AC3, DTS, MP3, etc.).

How/where?

Redirecting

 

[Kodehawa]

In my opinion Windows should have:

- Full control (on, off, light color, intensity, etc.) of all PC LEDs (of motherboard, RAM memory, fans, coolers, etc.).
- Control of the rotation speed of all the fans, including the VGA ones.
- Sensor for all temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, like the HWMonitor app.
- Advanced batch file and folder renamer, like REN32 and ReNamer apps.
- An advanced uninstaller app, like Revo Uninstaller, since all apps, when uninstalled, leave various values recorded in the OS (some of them are even malicious and spyware).
- An advanced driver uninstaller, like DDU.
- An option to use the classic start menu, as the "Open Shell" app (previously called "Classic Shell") does.
- Being able to configure some BIOS options through Windows.
- An advanced and easy-to-use screen recorder (in video).
- An app to take screenshots, with configurable key, in JPG, BMP or PNG formats, at the user's discretion.

I like to use ONLY the classic start menu (in the image below). I don't like any other start menu format at all.

Replying to yours:

- With how many bullshit proprietary and otherwise insane implementations of RGB, not happening.
- GPU sensor addresses vary per architecture, and sometimes vendors decide to screw with them anyway. Will not happen and would need constant updates; CPU sensors are saner, but still vary sometimes; motherboard sensors are just insanity (and even linux has plenty issue with those sensor drivers).
- Could happen, and its a thing on Microsoft's PowerToys (PowerRenamer). Who knows if it'll actually make it to the core OS, though.
- For both driver uninstaller and advanced uninstallers: not happening, unless we get a more proper package manager. The way "uninstaller" programs work is by basically mapping a program to what files/keys it leaves (or doing a best guess, which is not always accurate). Windows does not know otherwise. It would be nice, sure, but its a far dream on its current state.
- Hopefully. The fact they literally REMOVED this option is annoying enough. (The option to use the classic menu was there till Windows 8)
- Considering how on linux messing with the efivars was enough to permanently brick systems, please no. Would be nice, but as with 1 and 2, they're all proprietary bullshit anyway and change per motherboard.
- Hopefully?
- Already possible with Win + Shift + S, click on notification, save as, choose format.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Windows should have the complete removal of spyware & telemetry tracking, the removal for an online account, and removal of overton window pushing graphics, new feeds, and search results I didn't ask for or want integrated into the OS when I simply want to work or play on my Personal Computer without the bullshit of the world spilling out onto my desktop.

 

[AusWolf]

As little as possible.

An OS's job is to be a blank canvas for the user to do whatever they want with it. Nothing more. Everything else is sorted out by the programs you install on it.

 

[eidairaman1]

As little as possible.

An OS's job is to be a blank canvas for the user to do whatever they want with it. Nothing more. Everything else is sorted out by the programs you install on it.

Yup and tweaks from 98SE that still apply today lol

 

[lsevald]

Protected Game Mode on an encrypted partition, optimized for gaming performance and where only whitelisted apps and drivers can be installed to reduce cheating in online games.

 

[Bill_Bright]

This basically needs an industry standard

^^^This^^^ And it ain't gonna happen - again.

We (consumers) were extremely lucky the rest of the universe decided they needed to gang up on (conspire against?) IBM way back in the day. They all got together and came up with the AT (later ATX) "Form Factor" standard for PC components that dictated things like standard physical dimensions, standard connectors, standard voltages, even screw sizes and screw hole locations were standardized. Without that happening there never would have been the "IBM Clone" industry (from Dell, Compaq, Northgate, Zeos, Gateway, etc.) or the PC parts "DIY" industry. There likely would be no NewEgg or Microcenter. Circuit City never would have existed. Best Buy would be different - if ever at all. Not sure even Amazon would be the same.

Without the AT/ATX Form Factor standard, there would be no "build it yourself" PC computer industry.

But there is no way all those hardware and software giants in the industry today will ever come together again to agree on a single industry standard.

How do we know this? Simple. Greed. Why is there no similar form factor for laptops? Simple. Greed. And this...

- With how many bullshit proprietary and otherwise insane implementations of RGB, not happening.

Everyone has their own "proprietary" (and trademarked, patented, and copyrighted) way of doing things and no way are any of them going to give that up to comply with (and pay licensing fees to) another company's methods.

- An advanced uninstaller app, like Revo Uninstaller, since all apps, when uninstalled, leave various values recorded in the OS (some of them are even malicious and spyware).
- An advanced driver uninstaller, like DDU.

No! I totally disagree with this. That would be a HUGE and horrible step backwards, and mistake!!!

These features and several more you want will simply add bloat and complexity to the OS. And that likely will affect performance and have to potential to expose the OS to more vulnerabilities and security threats. And who will get blamed for degraded performance and increased security problems caused by others? Microsoft, of course.

In the beginning, Windows included code for 100s of different hardware devices. It was a HUGE mess that just got messier and messier each day as new products hit the market.

So Microsoft and others in the industry got together and came up with new industry standards. A single set of standards the OS and the hardware and software developers would comply with. USB came out of this.

Windows Uninstall already is an advanced uninstaller for both apps and device drivers. And Microsoft and others in the industry have gone to great lengths to publish and make available the various standard protocols.

The problem is, Microsoft cannot police, and Windows cannot address every hardware and software maker, and every product they make to ensure each device complies with those published standards. There are 10s of 1000s (if not 100s of 1000s) different products. And sadly, many companies don't comply with those standards. That is exactly why many apps and drivers fail to totally uninstall and clean up after themselves, to include resetting where necessary and removing orphaned entries in the Registry.

And for sure, part of that is, again, greed! Norton, for example, was a master at making it near impossible to completely remove it - coercing users to give up and pay for another year. Programs and drivers that fail to totally remove themselves is the only reason programs like Revo and DDU are out there.

Microsoft has done their part to ensure a level playing field and common set of protocols. This is the best way to ensure Windows doesn't become a totally unmanageable, bloated mess - again. If a program or driver fails to totally uninstall itself when requested by the users, we users need to revolt and refuse to buy from those companies.

As little as possible.

An OS's job is to be a blank canvas for the user to do whatever they want with it. Nothing more.

^^^^This^^^^ Well, one thing more - the OS needs to be able to protect itself (and its users) from security threats. It shouldn't have to do this, but thanks to the bad guys and the failure of the antimalware industry (Norton, McAfee, CA, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET, Avast, AVG, etc.) from stopping them when they had a chance , this task has fallen on the OS developers. Why? Because they are going to get blamed anyway - just like they got blamed for nearly 2 decades after XP - even though it was the badguys perpetrating the offenses, and the antimalware industry who let them flourish.

 

[A Computer Guy]

...There likely would be no NewEgg or Microcenter. Circuit City never would have existed. Best Buy would be different - if ever at all. Not sure even Amazon would be the same.

Circuit City hold my beer, don't forget about CompUSA!

 

[Frick]

Only allow software from the store. No more random exe launches.

As little as possible.

An OS's job is to be a blank canvas for the user to do whatever they want with it. Nothing more. Everything else is sorted out by the programs you install on it.

Sure, up to a point. It needs a browser, and a bunch of basic programs. I'd hate to have to install a ton of small programs on every install.

Complete modularity at point of install.

Nightmarish on windows. I want a one click install. Sure make a version of Windows where you can choose if you get 32bit compatibility, but generally I feel that modularity is the point of Linux.

 

[AusWolf]

Sure, up to a point. It needs a browser, and a bunch of basic programs. I'd hate to have to install a ton of small programs on every install.

I install Chrome on every new OS install. I don't need a built-in browser. The only built-in program I need is Defender.

 

[Frick]

I install Chrome on every new OS install. I don't need a built-in browser. The only built-in program I need is Defender.

And how do you install Chrome?

 

[AusWolf]

And how do you install Chrome?

With the installer file on my external hard drive's "programs to install on a fresh OS" folder.