If you used aWindowscomputer in the other 2010s , chances are you experienced Windows 8 . Whether it was agoodexperience is another matter all , though . If you need me , it was a bit of a disaster .

For me , update to Windows 8 was an unexpected jumpscare . Maybe you had a similar experience ; perhaps you just updated your computing machine one day to chance upon that the beloved Start Menu disappear without warning . In its place , you saw a full - screen tile user interface that in all probability made you sense like you were using a phone rather than a desktop .

With one update , everything you knew about Windows was … conk .

Please, Microsoft, never again

user chop-chop expressed their frustration about the update and criticized the new layout , which was confusing and too focused on touchscreens . Many called it a step back for productiveness , especially for power workers . I fit with that mentality , and because of that , I really hope Microsoft never resurrects some of these Windows 8 staples .

Tablet-like, overly busy interface

Hopefully , Microsoft wo n’t remove the Start Menu again or attempt to renovate the tiled interface that delineate Windows 8 . Those tiles blinked , flipped , and refreshed always , all trying to get your aid , whether it was calendar updates , weather forecasts , or newsworthiness headlines . It felt like Microsoft design Windows 8 for swiping , not chatter , disrupt the menstruation for anyone using a traditional mouse and keyboard .

The experience was n’t just strange , it was frustrating .

Metro apps

Another frustrating part of the Windows 8 experience was how tightly it sandboxed the Metro apps . Even though the Metro apps are gone in Windows 10 and 11 , hopefully , Microsoft does n’t try something like this again and arrogate it was to “ heighten surety for our Windows users . ”

Why was this thwarting ? For example , if you wanted to edit images , you had to import them into the app , even though they were already hold open on your PC , make pointless duplicate . While the process prevented apps from misdemean , it was horrible for user with crushed storage . Apps could n’t interact with each other since one was adhere in its little workspace . It seemed like Microsoft did n’t rely users to deal their software program and use up a heavy - handed coming .

Charms bar

Adding to the frustration of Windows 8 was the Charms bar , a hidden bill of fare that always seemed to seem when you postulate it the least . It would activate accidentally when you moved your cursor to the corner of the screen or when swiping on a touchscreen , breaking your focus in the middle of tasks .

One Windows 8 user saidthe Charms bar tug him out of his intellect since it would incessantly pop up when tot descriptions and image , take a dewy-eyed outgrowth clock time - consuming . That ’s all in the past , but set it somewhere less intrusive would have been great .

Fine, there were some good things, too

appear back , not everything with Windows 8 was terrible . Microsoft introducedFast Startup , a hybrid boot characteristic design to reduce the boot time by lumber you off while economize essential organisation data file and drivers to a hibernation file . It was a deterrent example in what happens when a fellowship tries something new , and that not every experimentation pay off .

Microsoft ’s energy towards a touch - first design did n’t sit well with user since most still used desktops and laptops . The shift from the familiar screen background experience to a full - screen Metro app made it feel like you were using two unlike operating systems . Thankfully , Microsoft plunk up on user ’ thwarting and essay to fix it as best as it could .

With the release of Windows 8.1 , Microsoft brought back a Start Button ( though not the full bill of fare ) and re-introduce a more familiar desktop experience . The update smoothed out some of the rough edge , but it was too former , and the damage was already done , with users eagerly waiting for something more familiar .

Let the past stay in the past

I ’m not surprised that Microsoft reverse its charge with Windows 10 . I ’m also not surprised that it was a strike , following a less - than - loved release . Windows 10 and 11 , both being solid operating systems , actually burst a blueprint for Microsoft ; drug user receipt vary between releases in the past .

Windows 7 ? Universally loved . Windows XP ? Same . But Windows 8 and Windows Vista ? Not so much .

Ultimately , Microsoft tried to chase a growing trend by adapting its PC OS to the smartphone era . It was n’t incorrect ; smartphones only grew in popularity and are now much more plebeian than personal computer . But with such vastly unlike chassis factors , it ’s best to let each have its own lane and ride out there . That ’s why I hope Microsoft never resurrects any of these Windows 8 feature .