Windows 10: Return of the traditional desktop experience could finally redeem Microsoft

The launch of the Windows 10 operating system has finally answered one pressing question - whether or not Microsoft has learnt from its past mistakes.

The answer to that is easy and doesn’t require much thought: “Yes!” After all, it has brought back the Start menu, improved the overall look and feel of the desktop interface and, most importantly, allowed desktops be desktops.

After two years of intense criticism and setbacks, it looks like Microsoft has had enough time to think over its approach to designing a platform, which will please both traditional desktop users as well as the emerging mobile market. Windows 8 tried to do the same thing, but ended up forcing down a uniform mobile interface on desktops which just didn’t cut it. It failed to understand that a mobile interface comes to play only when people need a device they can carry around, and not when sitting in theirs homes or offices when they need to get work done. The Metro interface, optimised for touchscreens, went against how desktops were supposed to be used. The Windows 8.1 version tried to change that, but Windows 8 had left such a bad taste in the mouth that it failed to win back annoyed customers. Though Windows 10 runs on different types of devices , it now understands what kind of user you are. It has two modes - one optimized for touch-controlled devices, and one for PCs using a mouse and keyboard. The desktop mode resembles Windows 7 - one of the best operating systems by Microsoft. Apart from bringing back the much needed desktop experience, there are changes in strategy as well. Windows 10 is expected to give users a familiar and consistent experience across devices to help them be more productive. Microsoft is also delivering a unified app store, which will help developers create applications that will be deployable across multiple device types. This means you won’t have to purchase and update apps on every Windows device you own. At the same time, the unified app store will address the shortage of apps as well. Another great news is that organisations will be able to reuse Microsoft licenses when required. Stressing on security of enterprise businesses, Windows 10  has developed user IDs that customers can use when accessing devices, apps and sites. In a blog post, Microsoft has said the user IDs will improve resistance to breach, theft or phishing attempts. In an aim to make the upgrade to Windows 10 simple and as seamless as possible, Microsoft has included in-place upgrades from Windows 7 or 8 that are focused on making device wipe-and-reload scenarios obsolete. The security is extended to mobile devices as well. Luckily for Microsoft, no company has yet been able to take the position of Windows-run PCs. While Macs and Chromebooks have eroded a substantial part of Windows’ market share during its trying times, a major chunk of users are still loyal to the ol’ Windows PC. This means there’s lots of hope for Windows 10 in redeeming its lost glory and winning back customers to use its platform once again. Nevertheless, loyal customers should now have plenty of reasons to cheer.