Is Windows 11 Really the Worst? A Look Back at Windows 8
Most people think Windows 11 is the worst Windows version ever because of the crazy system requirements and a lot of AI stuff in it. But it isn't the worst Windows version because you can still make it work for you. You can bypass the system requirements, you can debloat it. You just need to tinker some things in the system and you can make the Windows 11 usable.
Remember Windows 8? Yeah. Let me tell you one story. Back in 2012, I bought my first computer. It was a laptop. It had two gigabytes of RAM and it was running Intel Celeron or something. It was a really cheap and really slow laptop. It came with Windows 7 and I used it for a couple of months. And later at the end of 2012, I think it was in October, Windows 8 was released. I saw the trailer and I was like, "I need to install this. This looks really cool." And that was a big mistake, and this was the only Windows version that I actually didn't use. I went back to Windows 7.
Why Windows 8 Failed
1. Removed the Start Menu
The removal of the familiar Start Menu alienated long-time Windows users. The Start Screen was confusing, especially for mouse-and-keyboard users.
2. Split Personality: Metro vs Desktop
The dual interface led to a disjointed user experience. Users were often forced between the full-screen Metro apps and the traditional desktop, which created confusion and frustration.
3. Steep Learning Curve
Many users found it unintuitive. Basic tasks like shutting down the PC or accessing settings were hidden or changed, increasing user frustration.
4. Poor Reception Among Businesses
Enterprise users largely skipped Windows 8 due to compatibility concerns and the retraining required. Most preferred to stick with Windows 7 or wait for the next version.
5. App Ecosystem Was Lacking
The Windows Store had a limited selection of quality apps, which made the new Metro interface feel unnecessary or underdeveloped.
6. Touch-First Focus Backfired
While optimized for tablets, most users were on traditional desktops or laptops. The interface simply didn’t translate well to non-touch devices.
Windows 8.1 was released on October 17, 2013, as a free update for Windows 8 users. It aimed to fix many of the complaints and usability issues that led to Windows 8's poor reception. While Windows 8.1 was a step in the right direction, it still didn’t restore the traditional Start menu, and many users still found the interface confusing.
I have also made a video in this topic so watch the video down below to more about my Windows 8 experience.
Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.
