Dave Plummer served as a Microsoft programmer and contributed significantly to the creation of the Windows Task Manager along with ZIP file integration for the platform. His involvement has secured him a prominent place in the legacy of Windows development.
In his recent YouTube presentation, Plummer opens by declaring that Windows falls short, a statement carrying substantial credibility given his history. Rather than merely criticizing, he delves into the reasons behind his assessment and proposes ways Microsoft could enhance the system.
According to Plummer, the decline of Windows occurred gradually rather than abruptly, as it drifted from the needs of its core users. He points to Microsoft transforming the OS into a promotional platform for its broader offerings.
Plummer describes how Microsoft dedicated nearly 20 years to refining Windows for a global audience of one billion, simplifying the interface to attract non-expert users and drive sales of the OS itself, a sound commercial strategy at the time.
With the shift to Windows 10, Microsoft adopted a service-oriented approach, involving a single installation followed by ongoing updates. This change necessitated fresh methods for monetizing the platform beyond initial purchases.
The company started guiding users toward its cloud-based and subscription services, including Office 365, OneDrive storage, Xbox features, and Azure cloud computing. Windows 10 evolved into an entryway to Microsoft's larger ecosystem, designed to generate substantial ongoing income rather than serving solely as a one-time sale.
Since Windows 10's launch, Microsoft has increased the collection of user data through telemetry, gaining deeper insights into behaviors. While this information aids OS improvements, it also enables frequent promotions of apps and services to users.
Windows 11 now functions as the primary access point for Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, OneDrive, Edge browser, Copilot AI, and apps from the Microsoft Store. Throughout the interface, it persistently encourages adoption of additional Microsoft services that users may not have sought.
For instance, the Start menu prominently features suggestions for Microsoft 365 applications. In the Settings app, a notice prompts signing into OneDrive. Even local searches via the built-in tool often redirect to Bing web results.
Plummer captures the issue sharply: when the operating system urges a browser change despite a user's deliberate selection of another, it goes beyond helpful guidance into outright disregard for preferences.
To address these concerns, Plummer advocates for an accessible 'professional mode' that strips away advertisements, recommendations, and other disruptive elements, delivering a streamlined experience.
Furthermore, he suggests consolidating all Windows configurations into a single, searchable location for ease of access. His full list of recommendations appears in the 16-minute video.
This piece was first published in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT and adapted from its German version.
Hans-Christian Dirscherl's career in IT started with tools like Autoexec.bat, config.sys, Turbo Pascal, C programming, Sinix OS, and WordPerfect. For about 25 years, he has authored content on diverse tech subjects, ranging from current events and evaluations to purchasing advice.