I’m a long-time Windows user, to the extent that I attended college for it and earned certifications in PC, network, and Windows administration. I was employed in IT in network and database admin positions, where Windows is king in business. I’ve been using and covering Windows for my entire tech writing career. I won’t date myself, but needless to say, it’s been a minute.

I was often perplexed by the presence of contrarian opinions about Windows. However, after studying it and discovering that it needs an overhaul, I’m coming to a new thesis. Perhaps Windows really is “that bad.” I mean, I typically need to use a workaround for file management, and I use several alternative apps that are superior to the built-in Windows tools.

Also, something constantly seems to break on Windows. Interestingly, I look back on my years of writing, and I have thousands of pieces that cover fixing something on Windows or making something work better. I have been working with desktop Linux a lot more lately and have been on the verge of blowing my primary production machine away and going all in. However, I am staying on Windows for now and will revisit my options in a few months. I'm not enthused about it, though, and I will tell you why.

Windows has issues

I’ve realized there are many problems with the OS I shouldn't constantly defend

I have been heavily invested in Windows for years and would take it personally when someone would complain about its shortcomings. When you get offended over an operating system, it’s a sign you’ve used it too long. For example, Microsoft irked many users when Windows 8 greeted them with live tiles instead of a traditional desktop. I would advise them to either modify the registry or install Stardock software to resolve the issue. However, a conventional user shouldn’t need to do that or know how to do it. Once I realized that, I stopped defending everything Microsoft did with Windows.

That’s just one of many examples where I started to realize that Windows isn’t that great after all. Of course, Windows 10 and 11 have dramatically improved; however, there always seems to be a problem that comes up. For example, issues such as random app errors, BSOD issues, spontaneous restarts, dropped network connectivity, and more. There is also still the potential for malware, despite security improvements. However, my workload no longer affords me the time to geek out and tackle all of these challenging problems.

To top it off, the default built-in apps aren’t the greatest, and Microsoft is adding AI to all of them, and I promptly remove Copilot from Microsoft apps when the company adds them to ones like Notepad, Mail, and Office. File management and search performance are also reasons I’m looking at other options. After switching to an alternative app launcher, file manager, and search app, traditional Windows features become painful to use.

For example, I use tools like Listary to launch apps, VoidTools' Everything to search files, and the dual-pane file manager XYplorer. After using them, the included features like the Start menu, File Explorer, and search pale in comparison. Alternative Windows tools don’t replace existing features, but work alongside them. This allows me to experience the difference in speed between Windows’ built-in features and alternative tools. It’s also worth noting that running Linux via WSL allows running Linux apps alongside Windows apps. This provides a good comparison of apps and is a straightforward way to use Linux in a familiar environment.

Familiarity and productivity

But I’ve used Windows forever

One of the things keeping me from leaping to Linux or possibly turning into a traitor and starting to use a Mac is familiarity with Windows. I am not comfortable with change. When I need to do something, whether it's intense or easy, I know how to do it. I know where the settings are and how to do it. On a new operating system, I might be lost for longer than I prefer, which would hinder my workflow.

Sure, I can look up any issue I’m having on Mac or Linux, and repetition cures inefficiency; however, I don’t have the bandwidth to learn valleys and crevasses in a new OS. I know all the nooks and crannies in Windows, which is why I still use it. However, it took years to build up that knowledge. With that knowledge, I can quickly fix any issues on my system, which boosts my productivity.

I will reluctantly stay on Windows for now

There are several compelling reasons to switch to a different operating system, but my familiarity with Windows has led to a more efficient workflow and improved productivity. On the other hand, File Explorer and the search experience on Windows drives me nuts. Luckily, there are alternative free or open-source tools I can use as a workaround that dramatically improve the most frustrating issues of the Windows experience.

I've been experimenting with various Linux distros, and I've found Mint Linux and Zorin OS to be the most suitable for Windows-to-Linux converts. I’m also improving my skills as I continue my journey, much like I did with Windows. However, I haven’t made it my daily driver yet as I’m still working on tailoring it to my specific needs. I’ve used Mac enough to get around, and it’s pretty easy to figure out anything. The problem there is that I'd feel like I’m cheating on my wife. So, for now, I will keep limping along on Windows.