Microsoft Needs a Modular Version of Windows 10

What if you don't ever intend to utilize 3D imagery? What if you don't want a Timeline that records everything yous do on your PC? Too bad: Windows 10 at present includes this and many other capabilities a large number of users will never need or want.

Opinions Don't go me wrong. Personally, I love checking out new OS tricks, but I realize there'south a vast army of Windows users who only want a container in which to run their favorite apps.

I suggest that Microsoft'southward operating system become like the Firefox browser, in which you tin add together or remove extensions to get only the features you want. Maybe y'all don't desire a timeline and would rather just have multiple virtual desktops (equally I practise). Just remove it and supercede it with the appropriate module.

I know Microsoft does provide a lot of leeway in turning features on and off, but a modular arroyo would actually allow you lot remove the characteristic from your organization, as opposed to simply disabling it.

In that location are of course problems with this. You'd take unlike capabilities on unlike Windows systems, so users and app developers could meet situations where expected capabilities aren't present. Somehow, though, web browsers however manage to run multifarious websites and apps, and so the thought doesn't seem that preposterous.

In that location are rumors nigh a "lean edition" of Windows 10, but that isn't quite what I'one thousand getting at. That flavor of Windows is intended for depression-power, low-storage PCs, and removes advanced and legacy features such as the registry editor and Cyberspace Explorer. I'm talking about making all the latest bells and whistles optional.

The macOS state of affairs is no amend, and possibly fifty-fifty less flexible. There, Cupertino decides what's best for y'all. Want a touch screen or a USB-A port on your new laptop? Too bad. Messaging and video calling? Yous can simply employ its products.

Linux and Ubuntu lie at the other end of the spectrum: too much choice and non enough usability.

Microsoft really already has a mechanism that could make this modular system piece of work: the Microsoft Store. The company has struggled to become people and developers to encompass the store, fifty-fifty though it plays a big office in its future aspirations; Windows 10S Mode merely runs store apps. Making parts of the Bone available in the store would boost its profile.

A modular approach doesn't work for everything. Information technology's been tried for smartphones and laptops with very niggling success. Just for a piece of software that many would similar to run unobtrusively in the background, it could make a lot of sense. Those who similar to tinker with all the newest features are costless to do and so, but let those who just want bare-bones serviceability accept that, too.

Nigh Michael Muchmore

Michael Muchmore

Michael Muchmore is PCMag'south lead analyst for software and web applications, with an accent on photograph editing, video editing, and Windows. A native New Yorker, he has at diverse times headed up coverage of spider web development, enterprise software (including databases and application servers), and brandish technologies (monitors and TVs). Michael cowrote one of the first overviews of web services for a general audience. Before that he worked on PC Magazine's Solutions section, which educated readers about programming techniques like C+ and Visual Bones, every bit well every bit offering tips on using part productivity software. He previously covered services and software for ExtremeTech.com.