Former Microsoft engineer explains why Windows 'sucks' now

TLDR

Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer criticizes recent Windows versions for being too user-friendly and lacking transparency, suggesting a hardcore mode for power users and advocating for more control over settings and telemetry. He also calls for a new social contract with users, ending surprise reboots and offering automatic rollbacks after updates. Plummer acknowledges Windows' strengths but emphasizes the need for respect towards users' choices and a shift away from the OS feeling like a sales channel for Microsoft's other properties.

For folks struggling with Windows rn:

https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm

For locking Windows Update to a specific version and preventing unexpected upgrades.

https://nilesoft.org

For adding custom context-menu actions.

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp89dcgq3k6vld?hl=en-GB&gl=SK

For restoring a classic, compact start menu.

https://github.com/rcmaehl/MSEdgeRedirect

For routing forced Edge links to your actual default browser.

And, most importantly, https://winaero.com

for futzing with deep Windows settings without having to manually edit the registry.