Feedback on Windows 11 & Vision for Windows 12
Dear Windows Team, As a loyal and long-time Windows user, I am writing to express my hope that Microsoft will take the opportunity with the next version of Windows (what the community calls "Windows 12") to address key usability feedback while making bold, innovative strides. While Windows 11 has made visual improvements, it still feels like a step back in user-friendliness and flexibility in several areas. My primary feedback is this: Please prioritize user control, customization, and a cohesive experience that respects the user's workflow. Based on the feature concepts and leaks circulating online, a "Windows 12" that incorporates the following principles would be a significant step in the right direction: Key Areas for Innovation & Improvement in a Future Windows Release 1. A Truly Flexible and Modern Start Menu The rumored "Windows 12" Start Menu concept is encouraging. Please deliver on this by: Bringing Back Flexibility: A resizable Start Menu/Screen that can function as a compact menu or a full-screen information hub is ideal. Enhanced Live Tiles: The concept of more dynamic and customizable tiles (with sizes, transparency, and animations) would be a welcome return of functionality many users loved. Clear Structure: A logically divided layout (Account, Shortcuts, App List, Pinned Tiles) would greatly improve usability over the current simplified design. 2. A Taskbar and Search That Empower the User Never Limit Functionality: Please restore the ability to never combine taskbar icons and to move the taskbar to other screen edges. User choice is paramount. Prominent, Powerful Search: A larger, rectangular search box that is highly customizable would be a clear improvement, making the primary search entry point more effective. 3. Superior Productivity & Multitasking Enhanced Snap Layouts: Supporting up to 8 snap groups and providing better layouts for ultrawide monitors is a must for power users. Revitalized Virtual Desktops: The ability to drag windows between desktops in Task View and the return of a robust Timeline feature for cross-device history would be a massive productivity win. 4. A Cohesive and Customizable Visual Experience Desktop Widgets: The ability to pin widgets directly to the desktop, rather than being locked to a sidebar, would make them far more useful and integrated into the workflow. Personalization: More lock screen customization (date alignment, photo effects) and the introduction of dynamic wallpapers and glass effects would make the OS feel more personal and modern. 5. Embrace Ecosystem and Compatibility Android Subsystem (WSA): Its return and improvement, especially full-screen landscape support, is critical. Please continue to invest in this. Expanded Controller Support: Native support for PlayStation and Nintendo controllers is a fantastic move for gaming accessibility. Relaxed Hardware Requirements: The rumored tiered approach for "Windows 12e" (low-spec) and mainstream versions without strict TPM mandates would be a welcome change, allowing more users to upgrade. 6. A Balanced Approach to "Classic" Features While the large-scale return of features like Windows Media Center and desktop gadgets is a bold concept, I urge caution. A future OS should look forward, not backward. Instead of re-integrating deprecated features, consider: Modern Replacements: Ensure that new apps (like the new Media Player and Mail/Calendar) are so good that users don't feel the need for old ones. Optional Installation: If classic features must return, make them available through the "Optional Features" menu or the Microsoft Store, keeping the base installation clean and performant. Conclusion My core message is this: We are eager for a version of Windows that feels both modern and powerfully familiar—one that doesn't remove features but enhances them. The concepts outlined for a potential "Windows 12" seem to understand this, aiming to combine the best of Windows 10's productivity with Windows 11's aesthetics, and then pushing further. I sincerely hope Microsoft listens to this feedback and builds a future Windows that is truly user-first, flexible, and a genuine joy to use. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, A Dedicated Windows User
Windows 7 Professional to Windows 10 Upgrade - How?
Can someone please provide details on how to actually carry out the Windows 7 Professional upgrade to Windows 10 Professional as when i run the Upgrade Wizard from the Admin Portal, i get told that the License Key cannot be validated. The Windows 7 install is genuine and even says so...
Windows Explorer is not working
Greetings, I'm facing a very worrying issue since yesterday : Windows Explorer is simply not working as it should anymore. Eveytime I try to open a folder, in every way possible, Windows Explorer just freezes then reboots. As a result, I cannot open any folder on my computer nor access to the files inside. Is anyone able to tell me how to solve this issue, please ? That'd save me !
I can't add an O365 email to Outlook desktop client but I can access it from the web
I can't add a O365 to Outlook desktop client but I can access from the web This a weird thing, whenever I try to add in Outlook from File > Add Account I get the message "Something went wrong and Outlook couldn't set up your account". From Control Panel > Mail > Email accounts > New > Manual Setup > here I put the email and gets stuck at "Searching for... Settings" and then " An encrypted connection to your email is not available, click Next to attempt using an unencrypted connection", so I do that and get the error "We're sorry we couldn't set up your account automatically. To try setting up the account yourself click Next" which is basically the same. Everything works fine in the browser, any ideas on this?
Computer shuts off when opening the lid after closing the lid
So my battery is really bad I get that but even when I plug in my laptop to open the lid it decides to shut down. The shut down process is actually time consuming so it has power for a while and has decided rather than go into sleep or... to take a time consuming process of shutting down despite being plugged in. And after shutting down the login process is extremely slow. (its never quick) but the startup after this kind of shutdown is painfully slow. I have sleep when I close the lid selected. Edition Windows 10 Home Version 22H2 Installed on 2020-12-12 OS Build 19045.6456 HP Laptop 15-dw1xx Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10210U CPU @ 1.60GHz 2.11 GHz Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.81 GB usable) Graphics Card Intel(R) UHD Graphics (128 MB) Device ID 9EEE07E5-D485-4F8E-9B13-D46EF5B002D1 Product ID 00325-81517-08523-AAOEM System Type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
ESU admin account
I have enrolled my Windows 10 for ESU by changing my account to administrator and non-local account. This synced by settings and I didn't need to backup my other files to Onedrive. My update screen confirms I'm enrolled so all good so far. My question is do I need to keep my account as an Administrator now that I am enrolled? I'm a little nervous about leaving it so, as I also have a separate local admin account for installng stuff, and prefer to keep permissions separate from day to day browsing. Thanks, Paul
