Windows 10: Your thoughts so far?

So I just decided to do a fresh install of W10 and have a few questions:

1. When I upgraded from W7 the W10 start button would bring up a list like what always happens, but since doing a clean install when I press it it just takes me back to the desktop with 3 icons on the left, one at the top and two on bottom.

2. This is probably more of a firefox question but near the bottom how do I get the little bar that appears when say something is loading or what have you?
 
Anyone who is responsible for mail app should be forced to use it till his last breath. It just lacks all the functions one could need from a mail app - there is no way to shift-click few emails and quickly delete them or move them - you just have to do it one by one. There are no conversation trees and such.

I know, MS might be thinking that everyone uses Outlook from office, but that ain't true and some of us still would like to get a functional and modern mail app in system and not be tasked to look for alternatives.

It is also a pity that Corton is not aviable worldwide. I would not mind talking to it in English or it showing the poor results from Bing services which were not officially launched here. I know, that MS wants Cortie to have regional flavour, but I'd rather have it on general settings than not have it at all

And last thing - as I'm always on test build, there is funny issue with installing new build. When it downloads and gets ready to install, simple reboot from start menu won't trigger installation - you have to enter the settings app, then go to update and force reboot and install from it.

Oh and BTW, why they included settings app and control panel? Maybe it's high time to kill one of the duplicate functions.
 
I caved and rolled back to Windows 8.1 and couldn't be happier.

I had attempted to fresh install Windows 10 Pro after a format (Windows 10 Pro was previously activated since RTM after doing the free upgrade from 8.1) just to start clean.. So to note.. Windows 10 Pro was activated for weeks and weeks before my clean install today. Typical Tech OCD things we do.

Anyway.. Skipped both key entries as Windows 10 is supposed to remember hardware hashs etc and auto activate.

NOPE.. Windows 10 Pro first said "Connect to the internet to activate".. Then an hour later said "Windows Is Not Activated" with an error message stating my "key" is blocked.

Upon research, TenForums etc.. This is a nagging issue many are having after first activating Windows 10 via the upgrade path, then attempting a fresh install. Solutions vary from 30000 calls to MS to get them to reissue you a new Windows 10 key, or stab yourself in the stomach because nothing gets accomplished, to "Just wait a few days and it "should" eventually reactivate".

Don't have time for that. I need a functioning loaded OS now, not wait around and "hope" it eventually activates. I'm not configuring things back the way I want just to have a crippled OS because MS is awful at managing credentials. After rolling back to 8.1 Pro (which still activated instantly with my Pro key). It really stands out badly what a fragmented unpolished mess Windows 10 really is.
 
most everything spys on you these days, your cell phone, your smart tv, facebook, nearly every piece of software you install, virtually every website you visit is tracking you, theres really no way to avoid it if you use the internet these days.

That's right, and it begs the question: I wonder how many CPU cycles the whole world's collective processing power would free up if all this espionage were to suddenly disappear? Unfathomable.
 
I know, MS might be thinking that everyone uses Outlook from office, but that ain't true and some of us still would like to get a functional and modern mail app in system and not be tasked to look for alternatives.

It shouldn't be very tasking to install Mozilla Thunderbird.
 
IDon't have time for that. I need a functioning loaded OS now, not wait around and "hope" it eventually activates.

I've reinstalled 8-9 times and have had just a few times it won't activate right away and is usually because when it hits the desktop it is trying to install One Drive and all updates due at that time.
Only way I beat that is before install unplug lan cable and say no to wireless so

1.) I can run my scripts to uninstall/disable One Drive first.
2.) Uninstall Cortana and Search2 = huge privacy issue things
3.) Run W10Privacy to eliminate all the rest of the Chatty Metro APPS and set all Disable Privacy settings host/firewall rules. Only 1 I keep is Weather with Live Tile (OFF) so when you close it all ports are closed
4.) Shutdown, plug cable in and Start it up

No big thing just wait or are you saying things wasn't working? I haven't seen that, its fully functional except sluggish while it trying to do all them One Drive/updates
 
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No issues with Windows 10 I like it so far, the start menu thing is a bit big and has a bunch of crap I don't need.
Other than that no issues.
 
One of the good things (subject to personal preference) I noticed with w10 is scrolling only when you have the mouse cursor over the respective window.
 
Does removing Cortana block using the search box?
No, it does not block using the search box. When you open the search box, you can select options through Settings: Turn Cortana on or off and turn on or off automatic "online" web searches (Bing). Turning off the latter will revert searches to local searches.
 
No, it does not block using the search box. When you open the search box, you can select options through Settings: Turn Cortana on or off and turn on or off automatic "online" web searches (Bing). Turning off the latter will revert searches to local searches.

Not talking about turning Cortana off. I uninstall as in folder empty
Search in Explorer still works and search in documents

Uninstall Microsoft-Windows-SearchEngine and search don't work anymore in Explorer :D

A much better local Search is FileLocatorLite. Right click a folder or drive and can search contents and its so much faster than explorer search and shows results in files
 
I solved all privacy issues simply by not using Windows for anything that requires privacy. Simple and effective solution.
 
if you don't like win 10, is there an easy way to restore back to win 7/win 8?

I can do a factory restore on certain PC, but you don't get to keep the programs / data
 
It's amazing how this forum spent 3 years bashing Windows 8, but now thinks of it nostalgically.

Its a sad commentary on Windows 10 if anything. Windows 8 you were just fighting a full screen Metro and that was the main gripe. Once they fixed that in 8.1 the OS was pretty damn good. Now in Windows 10 there's a whole raft of new gotchas and privacy issues you're fighting and have to be on the lookout for, unless you just stick your head in the stand.
 
So judging by this thread, the opinions seem to be mostly negative. Sound about right? Guess Ill cancel my "upgrade" and stick with Win7 which is virtually the perfect OS it seems.
 
Its a sad commentary on Windows 10 if anything.

It's a sad commentary on this specific forum's hatred of any software change. For a place so eager to swap out GPUs every 10 months, boy, you better not suggest that the software all that expensive hardware runs on could possibly use some updating.

So judging by this thread, the opinions seem to be mostly negative. Sound about right? Guess Ill cancel my "upgrade" and stick with Win7 which is virtually the perfect OS it seems.

This place still yearns for Windows XP. Don't use the opinions here to form a solid impression of any software, Windows or otherwise.
 
It's a sad commentary on this specific forum's hatred of any software change. For a place so eager to swap out GPUs every 10 months, boy, you better not suggest that the software all that expensive hardware runs on could possibly use some updating.
Can you not figure out why?

New hardware == faster computer. You don't have to relearn the interface. You just pop the new card in and suddenly magic happens.

The interface shouldn't change significantly, and even then not without good reason*.


* - Well, "good reason" to the end user. I'm sure MS thought they had good reasons.
 
It's a sad commentary on this specific forum's hatred of any software change. For a place so eager to swap out GPUs every 10 months, boy, you better not suggest that the software all that expensive hardware runs on could possibly use some updating.

Software changes that actually improve things? All for it.

Change for the sake of change? Yeah. Not a fan.

Why? Because it's time wasted in retraining when I could be devoting that time to other things.

Windows 8 and Windows 10 are in BOTH categories, with major leanings toward the second.

Do they introduce new and useful functionality? In some cases? Yes.
Do they introduce a lot of useless additions and arbitrary changes? OH HELL YEAH!
 
Software changes that actually improve things? All for it.

Change for the sake of change? Yeah. Not a fan.

Why? Because it's time wasted in retraining when I could be devoting that time to other things.

Windows 8 and Windows 10 are in BOTH categories, with major leanings toward the second.

Do they introduce new and useful functionality? In some cases? Yes.
Do they introduce a lot of useless additions and arbitrary changes? OH HELL YEAH!

Indeed, i dont see any significant improvements in w8 or w10 over w7 for my computing needs, in fact many of the changes are negative. They seem more geared to touchscreen tablet use while complicating and slowing down standard keyboard/mouse functionality/usability.
 
Pretty sure i've been using W10 for at least a month now, and i've settled into it quite nicely. It's no huge break from Windows 7, and i do appreciate the better multi-monitor support (running a 2x2 quad setup) among other things. No crashes, no blue screens, no driver conflicts, no wonky internet - it's actually been 99.9% trouble-free. I've got it set to install Windows Updates automatically (directly from the Internet, no sharing/receiving), and it's been a positive blackbox experience. Can't say much else than that.
 
So judging by this thread, the opinions seem to be mostly negative. Sound about right? Guess Ill cancel my "upgrade" and stick with Win7 which is virtually the perfect OS it seems.

Or, you could try it yourself and see what you think. I have learned over the years that when it comes to a great many things, the best thing to do is try it myself and not create an opinion based on other folks agenda riddled opinions. However, if you are happy with where you are at, all is good then. :D
 
if you don't like win 10, is there an easy way to restore back to win 7/win 8?

I can do a factory restore on certain PC, but you don't get to keep the programs / data

Yes, just roll back and you are good. However, just make sure you do not delete the old installation files or that will not work.
 
Indeed, i dont see any significant improvements in w8 or w10 over w7 for my computing needs, in fact many of the changes are negative. They seem more geared to touchscreen tablet use while complicating and slowing down standard keyboard/mouse functionality/usability.

In your opinion, yes. Fact though? No.

Pretty sure i've been using W10 for at least a month now, and i've settled into it quite nicely. It's no huge break from Windows 7, and i do appreciate the better multi-monitor support (running a 2x2 quad setup) among other things. No crashes, no blue screens, no driver conflicts, no wonky internet - it's actually been 99.9% trouble-free. I've got it set to install Windows Updates automatically (directly from the Internet, no sharing/receiving), and it's been a positive blackbox experience. Can't say much else than that.

That is exactly the way it should be. :) Glad everything is working correctly on you system.
 
It's amazing how this forum spent 3 years bashing Windows 8, but now thinks of it nostalgically.

I'm running Win8.1 on my work laptop and really want to ask my boss if he's OK with me putting 10 on it. 8 is still painful to me. It's almost WinME painful.
 
Pretty sure i've been using W10 for at least a month now, and i've settled into it quite nicely. It's no huge break from Windows 7, and i do appreciate the better multi-monitor support (running a 2x2 quad setup) among other things. No crashes, no blue screens, no driver conflicts, no wonky internet - it's actually been 99.9% trouble-free. I've got it set to install Windows Updates automatically (directly from the Internet, no sharing/receiving), and it's been a positive blackbox experience. Can't say much else than that.

On my home machines I went straight from Win7 to Win10. There was barely a hiccup in my understanding of the UI and functionality. Then I got a laptop from work (Asus TP300L) with 8.1. I hate it. I've got Classic Shell on it and it still feels wrong. I prefer win10.
 
It's a sad commentary on this specific forum's hatred of any software change.
With most any new thing, whether it's a municipal ordinance or a major operating system, problems and issues result in more commentary. I typically don't comment on Windows Feedback to Microsoft unless there's a problem.

New hardware == faster computer. You don't have to relearn the interface. You just pop the new card in and suddenly magic happens.The interface shouldn't change significantly, and even then not without good reason*.
I agree with you on that. If I hadn't been working with Windows 10 Insider Preview builds since November 2014, I would have been really disappointed with 10's release to the public this summer. As I've had three quarters of a year to work with 10, I know it well and tend to be more positive about it than other users here. I've installed on several computers, including an old laptop, and quite like it. I wouldn't think of reverting any of those machines back to their previous OSes, which were 8.1 and 7. As to persons thinking of updating, if they aren't the type who enjoy experimenting with their computer, I'd recommend waiting until just before Microsoft's free upgrade windows closes.

Do they introduce new and useful functionality? In some cases? Yes.
Do they introduce a lot of useless additions and arbitrary changes? OH HELL YEAH!
I completely agree with you.
 
On my home machines I went straight from Win7 to Win10. There was barely a hiccup in my understanding of the UI and functionality. Then I got a laptop from work (Asus TP300L) with 8.1. I hate it. I've got Classic Shell on it and it still feels wrong. I prefer win10.

I suppose the irony is that i would indeed take W10 over W7 if i had to chose.

W10 is just smooth. It's incredibly polished. Dare i say that about a Windows OS outside of W7? :confused::D;)
 
Software changes that actually improve things? All for it.

Change for the sake of change? Yeah. Not a fan.

Why? Because it's time wasted in retraining when I could be devoting that time to other things.

Windows 8 and Windows 10 are in BOTH categories, with major leanings toward the second.

Do they introduce new and useful functionality? In some cases? Yes.
Do they introduce a lot of useless additions and arbitrary changes? OH HELL YEAH!

Exactly what in Windows 10 requires you to retrain someone coming from Windows 7? The UI functions almost exactly the same! The system search was moved out of the start menu and into the taskbar. There's a new system settings panel that duplicates most of the functionality of the control panel. That's it! The window controls are still in the same place, drag and drop still works the same way, the apps listing is still an annoying scroll hellhole, and system icons still group next to the clock.

Change for the sake of change? Not found here. The UI relative to Windows 7 is almost static. The average user—those who would actually require some training on how to use a GUI—will see little to no difference coming from Windows 7.

Your complaints are nonsensical.

Can you not figure out why?

New hardware == faster computer. You don't have to relearn the interface. You just pop the new card in and suddenly magic happens.

The interface shouldn't change significantly, and even then not without good reason*.

The interface didn't change significantly. It's almost ridiculous how Windows 10's UI purposefully tries to not change functionality relative to Windows 7. It's a change in the sense that it reverted new UI from Windows 8, sure, but reverting back to something everyone claims to love is not the introduction of new changes.
 
most everyone else seems to think the exact opposite of that it seems, :eek:

It's that herd mentality of online personalities. People don't want to appear as edge cases. Cowards, i say. ;)

Either way, back to the topic: I will always <3 W7 (just like 98) but W10 is every bit the worthwhile successor of W7. At this point, I'd pick W10 over W7 any day for every day usage because of exactly what GilmoreD stated:
There was barely a hiccup in my understanding of the UI and functionality.

One can always make the case for qualifying that statement with respect to busines/enterprise requirements-driven considerations/critiques, but I am not including those business/enterprise requirements as a fair qualification against my W10 > W7 assertion. My assertion is squared up against the typical use case scenarios of an enthusiast power user who does software development, content authoring, and light gaming - and does not want to have to relearn a new OS gui.
 
most everyone else seems to think the exact opposite of that it seems, :eek:
People who are using Windows 10 on a daily basis and have no major issues with it and are able to get everything done, well, they don't have much to say (such as myself).

I have Windows 10 on every Windows machine I interact with on a daily basis and hey, works for me.
 
People who are using Windows 10 on a daily basis and have no major issues with it and are able to get everything done, well, they don't have much to say (such as myself).

I have Windows 10 on every Windows machine I interact with on a daily basis and hey, works for me.

Well mine definitely wasnt smooth, but i didnt do a clean install either so that may have been part of it. when hovering over icons sometimes the info would pop up and sometimes it wouldnt, very sporadic behavior there. Also had a weird major issue when streaming video from netflix through an hdmi cable, if i paused it and then clicked play again it would play video but no sound for about 3 seconds, like it went to sleep and took a while to reactive or something. windows 7 doesnt do that, it plays instantly.

any idea why that would be? audio wasnt out of sync, it was just nonexistent for 3 seconds, when it did kick on it was synced up with the video normal. I use my pc for my main source of tv and this problem is super annoying and a dealbreaker for me. Otherwise i guess it wasnt so bad after i tweaked all the settings and changed all the default apps like photo viewer and movie player back to the win 7 versions cause the new ones suck.
 
I'm running Win8.1 on my work laptop and really want to ask my boss if he's OK with me putting 10 on it. 8 is still painful to me. It's almost WinME painful.

It's not painful at all if you install Classicshell and boot direct to desktop. I pretty much ignore Metro screen on my 8.1.
 
Woo, it is amazing, we were thinking the exact same thing. :) It's almost eerie.

Ah. I see.

Wizard_troll_doll-low_res.jpg
 
For the most part I really have enjoyed using Windows 10, very few and minor issues with the OS itself as far as my use of it goes. I cannot say the same for the Windows Store or many of the Apps, pretty much just garbage. No where near the level of Google Play or the Apple Store. The Store is also very buggy, a number of apps wont install or wont update, just giving you a error code. Many of the apps are also outdated and very spartan in functionality.
 
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