I’ve often heard that the reason Windows has suffered from bloat and so much has been built on top of ancient underlying technologies, partially to ensure compatibility with old software.
If something like Windows 11 requires specific hardware in order to install it, why does it need to accommodate compatibility for archaic devices/software?
Would it not be preferable for Microsoft to start from scratch with an OS that is considerably more efficient and cut-down for newer devices, similar to something like Apple’s MacOS transition from Intel to Apple Silicon, and just provide security updates for the legacy operating systems that would be in use on un-upgradable hardware?
Toyota has become the number one auto manufacturer by making middle of the road low risk cars that are dead reliable. Any other auto maker could follow this, but the executives don’t want to follow this simple approach. they push for flashy cars. they push for cheap parts. they prioritize volume over quality.
Similarly Microsoft absolutely could streamline their operating system. What’s stopping them? The decision makers don’t care about this. They want flash AI features ham fistedly shoe horned into the ever shittier pile of tech debt. Anyone could say I want to be a manager who prioritizes quality and resource management but if the people at the top don’t care resources will not be allocated and the product will not go in that direction.