Re: Has the Windows 11 user interface yet caught up with that of Win10?

On Thu, 2/5/2026 1:47 PM, Ed Cryer wrote:
> Maria Sophia wrote:
>> 
>> Somebody please tell me why Microsoft removed user-populated menus?
>> Q: What benefit did Microsoft get in removing taskbar pullout cascades?
>> A: ?
> 
> I use Windows PCs regularly; and Apple devices, iPad and iPhone.Oh, and android phones.
> All of those seem debased from previous versions to me. I don't know whether the 
> programmers are becoming less competent, or whether the amount of things that the 
> OSes have to handle is growing too large for them.
> 
> At all events, I welcome the continuing presence of Control Panel in Win11. It's 
> a throwback to former times; but, no doubt, MS will soon be getting rid of it.
> 
> Ed

"The secret to OS design, is finding more and more arcane Start Menu arrangements"

Actually, if you can stomach watching this whole video,
you will notice why this evolution happened.

It was to add space for advertising.

  "Evolution of the Windows Start Menu"

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiIsFoxY6ww

In other words, the menu did not evolve to please the customers,
the menu evolved to please Da Boss. It's a corporate billboard.

I guess that's why some part of it, still looks vaguely like
a menu. As, after all, the customers still have to select a
program... after their eyeballs have been abused by Netflix and
Disney icons.

A reason for suppressing customization, is just in case
there is a way to turn off any billboard effects. A one-high
taskbar, leaves more room for a billboard.

What's interesting, is when you install the OS with the network
cable disconnected, the platoon of billboard icons does not
come in. The start menu then, is just so "peaceful" :-)

    Paul