Windows 10’s secret ingredient was that we believed in it

The article reflects on the launch of Windows 10, which took place 10 years ago. It argues that the key to Windows 10's success was the sense of optimism and collective enthusiasm that surrounded its development and release. The article highlights how features like Windows Hello and Cortana were designed to be user-friendly and create a sense of warmth, while the Windows Insider program fostered a collaborative relationship between Microsoft and its community. This, the author suggests, contrasts with the current climate of uncertainty and concern over job security, AI, and the future. The article acknowledges that Windows 10 was not perfect, but argues that it represented a time when Microsoft and its users were working together towards a shared vision of the future. In contrast, the author suggests that Windows 11 increasingly feels like a mere software shell, lacking the same sense of optimism and community involvement. Overall, the article reflects on the nostalgia for the Windows 10 era and the belief that it represented a more positive and collaborative approach to technology development.