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The various versions of Microsoft's desktop operating system, Windows, have received a lot of criticism since Microsoft's inception.
Integration of Internet Explorer into Windows[]
- Main article: Removal of Internet Explorer
Windows is criticized for having the Internet Explorer web browser integrated into the Windows shell from Windows 98 onwards. Previously Internet Explorer was shipped as a separate application. One problem was that since Internet Explorer cannot be easily replaced with a product of another vendor, this undermines consumer choice. The issue precipitated concerns that Microsoft engages in monopolistic practices and resulted in the United States v. Microsoft court case, which was eventually settled out of court.
Another issue with the integration was that security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer also create security vulnerabilities in Windows, which could allow an attacker to exploit Windows with remote code execution.
In January 2009, the European Commission started to investigate Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer into Windows; the Commission stated: "Microsoft's tying of Internet Explorer to the Windows operating system harms competition between web browsers, undermines product innovation and ultimately reduces consumer choice." The European Commission and Microsoft eventually agreed that Microsoft would include a web browser choice selection screen to Windows users in the European Economic Area, by means of BrowserChoice.eu.
Windows 10 includes Internet Explorer, but switched to Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Windows 11 removed Internet Explorer almost entirely, except for Edge's Internet Explorer mode for legacy applications.
Windows rot[]
Google, a Microsoft competitor, has criticized Windows for becoming slower and less reliable over long term use.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, writing for ZDNet, believes that the slow-down over time is due to loading too much software, loading duplicate software, installing too much free/trial/beta software, using old, outdated or incorrect drivers, installing new drivers without uninstalling the old ones and may also be due to malware and spyware.
Accessibility[]
Microsoft Windows based systems do not cater properly for accessibility users. They require a high level of dexterity in order to operate them properly, and they are often unsuitable for accessibility users or users with limited fine motor skills. - Mark Hobley