7 things Windows 10 that piss you off the most

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 update after update. But the operating system is still far from perfect. Yes, Windows 10 is not a bad operating system, especially when compared to Windows 8. Microsoft really did its best by adding many new features to the system and optimizing performance. But there are also enough annoying elements. You can get rid of some of them, but you just get used to something.

1. Tablet interface

Microsoft is positioning Windows 10 as a universal system for all types of devices. It was supposed to be convenient on stationary computers, laptops, tablets, and phones. This is a really interesting and even innovative solution. And at the same time it is very controversial.

When Windows 8 was released, users were unhappy with the Metro interface. Huge color elements and large fonts looked quite appropriate on tablets and convertible laptops, but on a desktop they looked at least strange. Windows 10 has stepped on the same rake. True, some mistakes of its predecessor were corrected in it, for example, the "Start" menu was returned.

Microsoft made the mistake of assuming that all computer users need a touch interface. Desktop and mobile operating systems are different: they look and operate differently.

Solution: There are many third-party solutions like Start10 or Classic Shell that make Windows 10's interface more usable on non-touchscreen desktops. But these are crutches. There is no interface customization in Windows 10. You can only change the color of the windows.

2. Long updates

You turn on your computer to urgently do something important, and the system greets you with the words "Updates are in progress." Obviously, Microsoft believes that your business can wait. Downloading and installing updates on Windows 10 can take an obscene amount of time.

Yes, Microsoft has finally rid us of forced reboots. Now you can configure the time when the system will install updates. But the opportunity is still very limited. For example, you won't be able to delay a reboot for more than 18 hours.

Solution: you can turn off Windows 10 updates, but that's only a half measure. This will make the system more vulnerable to viruses. The most convenient way to disable updates is using the System Policy Editor, but this app is not available in Windows 10 Home edition. Also, disabling updates is against the Windows 10 EULA.

3. Universal apps and ads

There are a lot of things in Windows 10. Here you can find “Calendar”, “News”, and “Weather”, and even a program for 3D printing. All of these apps are Metro style and have very limited functionality. In addition, the system itself constantly installs some new items in the Start menu.

Universal apps are for smartphones and tablets only. On a desktop, they look at least strange.

Solution: you can uninstall the pre-installed Microsoft apps. True, this will require some extra body movements. And there is no guarantee that in the next update these things will not appear in your menu again.

4. Microsoft Store

The idea of a universal source of programs is really good. Just imagine how great it would be to open the app store after installing the system and easily download a browser, office client, messenger and media player from there, just like in some Google Play or App Store. This is roughly how package managers work in Linux.

But the implementation of the Microsoft Store on desktops let us down. In-store apps are either phone-focused mobile apps or stripped-down versions of desktop apps. Just remember, have you ever used the Mictosoft Store to install a browser or player?

Solution: to install an application, you have to go to the developer's website the old fashioned way and download the installer.

5. Two control panels

Settings in Windows 10 are scattered without any logic between the classic "Control Panel" and the new "Settings". Microsoft is gradually moving the settings from the old panel to the new one, but it still can't figure it out. As a result, it is not always clear in which panel the desired settings are located.

Solution: get used to the fact that in the process of navigating the links in the "Settings" you will be periodically thrown into the classic "Control Panel".

6. Intrusive notifications

Windows 10 has Action Center, a slide-out bar on the right edge of the screen, similar to the one found in macOS, but less elegant. And Windows 10 loves to notify you about everything. It doesn't matter if you've changed a couple of files in the cloud storage or switched the music track in the player, Windows 10 will tell you that something has happened. It’s even fun at first, but over time it gets annoying.

Solution: go to Settings → Notifications & Actions. Turn off any notifications you don't need. Check the list of enabled notifications periodically, especially if you frequently install new software.

7. Telemetry

Many copies are broken around telemetry in Windows 10. The system collects a lot of information about you: your location, the applications you install, and your search history. Microsoft's right to process your data is spelled out in a license agreement. Naturally, all this is done with good intentions. But does a multi-billion dollar corporation really need to know which keys you pressed and which Wi-Fi hotspots you connected to in order to improve their OS?

Solution: you can disable telemetry in Windows 10 either manually (through the system registry or system policies) or using third-party applications. But no one guarantees that telemetry will not be activated again with new updates. Telemetry can be completely disabled only in corporate versions of Windows.

Outcome

Windows 10 has a lot of flaws that Microsoft has been slow to fix. It remains to be hoped that sooner or later the corporation will bring to mind its brainchild. In any case, we don't have many alternatives.

A radical solution is the transition to other operating systems: Linux or macOS.

Linux is free of the problem of non-disconnectable updates, telemetry and junk applications. You are free to install only what you need and remove whatever you want. The Linux interface is very easy to customize. You can choose KDE or Cinnamon for desktop use, or Gnome and Budgie for touchscreens. And if you could not find an alternative to some software from Windows in Linux, run the required program in a virtual machine or in Wine.

macOS has a much more user-friendly interface than Windows 10. Compare the look and feel of macOS and iOS. The first is optimized for desktop devices, the second is optimized for tablets and phones. Apple did not block the same UI everywhere, so both mobile and desktop systems only benefit.

Less drastic solution: You can stay on Windows 7 until 2020 while it is supported. True, by doing this you will only delay the inevitable.