Windows Weekly (Audio) - Episode WW 943: Five Paperclips - Looking Back at 10 Years of Windows 10
Hosts:
- Leo Laporte
- Paul Thurrott
- Special Guest: Chris Hoffman (Filling in for Richard Campbell)
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction and Special Guests
The episode kicks off with Leo Laporte welcoming listeners to a special 10th-anniversary edition of Windows Weekly. With Richard Campbell taking a week off, veteran Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrott and Chris Hoffman join Leo to celebrate a decade of Windows 10 and discuss the evolution of Windows 11 and the maturation of AI features like Copilot.
Notable Quote:
- Leo Laporte [00:42]: "Episode 943, recorded Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Five paperclips - Looking back at 10 Years of Windows 10."
Reflection on Windows 10's 10th Anniversary
Paul Thurrott delves into the significance of Windows 10 reaching a 10-year milestone—a rarity in the lifecycle of Windows operating systems. Unlike previous versions, Windows 10 was initially not intended to have such longevity but evolved into a "Windows as a service" model with continuous updates.
Key Points:
- Lifecycle Evolution: Historically, Windows versions had a set lifecycle, but Windows 10 transitioned to a service-based model with biannual major updates.
- Update Strategy: The shift aimed to provide continuous improvements but initially led to issues with update stability and compatibility.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [09:03]: "When we, my wife and I took over Thurrott.com, newsletters were one of the tricky things for us because it was expensive and a lot of work."
- Paul Thurrott [10:11]: "But it's the difference—smaller updates instead of getting hit by a brick."
Windows as a Service and Update Stability
The discussion highlights the challenges and successes of Windows 10's update approach. Initially, frequent updates every six months caused instability and compatibility issues, but over time, Microsoft refined the process, making updates smaller and more manageable.
Key Points:
- Initial Challenges: Early updates occasionally removed unsupported drivers and caused disruptions for users.
- Improvements: Later updates became more seamless and efficient, though some regressions remained, especially in Insider builds.
Notable Quote:
- Chris Hoffman [10:17]: "Well, they install faster. So it's not like you got the bugs faster."
Transition to Independent Newsletters
Chris Hoffman announces his departure from the Windows Intelligence newsletter to launch his own independent publication. Paul Thurrott discusses the challenges and benefits of maintaining an independent platform, emphasizing the importance of authentic, unfiltered content.
Key Points:
- Chris Hoffman's Move: Transitioning from Windows Intelligence to a more personal newsletter.
- Paul Thurrott's Support: Continued collaboration with Chris to maintain the quality of Windows-focused journalism.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Hoffman [05:32]: "We are ending it and winding that down. I'll be launching my own newsletter that's more personal."
- Paul Thurrott [04:15]: "Sometimes it's forced on you, but it's okay."
User Interface Changes in Windows 10 and 11
The hosts examine the evolution of Windows' user interface, particularly the introduction and subsequent adaptation of Live Tiles. They discuss how features intended for tablets and touch devices were integrated into the desktop experience, leading to mixed user reactions.
Key Points:
- Live Tiles: Initially introduced in Windows 8 for touchscreens, later adapted for desktops in Windows 10.
- User Experience: While Live Tiles made sense for mobile devices, their implementation on desktops was less intuitive, leading to user frustration.
- Icon and UI Simplification: Windows 11 aimed to streamline the interface, though some functionality was lost, sparking debates among users.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [14:03]: "They never called it Metro. Please don't call it that."
- Leo Laporte [27:09]: "And they kneecap themselves because it was only for modern apps."
Copilot and AI Integration in Windows
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Microsoft's integration of AI features like Copilot into Windows 11. The hosts critique features such as "Recall" and "Click to Do," discussing their utility, privacy implications, and overall user reception.
Key Points:
- Recall Feature: Intended to help users search their screen history, but criticized for privacy concerns and limited usefulness.
- Copilot Plus vs. Copilot Pro: Differentiation between versions, with Copilot Plus offering additional AI functionalities.
- User Privacy: Concerns over AI features accessing and processing user data locally and in the cloud.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [20:49]: "Candy Crush, yeah. We had to deal with that for a little while."
- Chris Hoffman [68:25]: "You need the NPU to detect when an email address appears on your screen."
Hardware and Operating System Integration
The discussion transitions to the interplay between Windows operating systems and hardware, highlighting issues with Intel processors and the challenges of supporting diverse hardware configurations.
Key Points:
- Intel Performance Issues: Recent Intel processors (e.g., Lunar Lake) have faced reliability and performance problems, exacerbating frustrations with Windows updates.
- Dual-Screen Devices: Experiments with dual-screen laptops (e.g., Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6) reveal the complexities of integrating innovative hardware with Windows' software ecosystem.
- Touchscreen Prevalence: The ubiquity of touchscreens on laptops, driven by Windows' earlier focus on touch and tablet functionality, remains a point of contention among traditional laptop users.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [33:30]: "What do you do with it? I don't know. Use it."
- Leo Laporte [35:02]: "There's a lot of small interactions that occur on the phone throughout the day... but with Windows, it's more about work."
Future of Windows and AI Integration
The hosts speculate on the future trajectory of Windows with AI, contemplating the role of AI as personal assistants and the potential for AI-driven orchestration across various applications and services.
Key Points:
- AI as Assistants: Microsoft's vision for AI, embodied in Copilot, aims to be a comprehensive assistant integrating seamlessly with both consumer and business applications.
- Competition with Other AI Platforms: Comparison with competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, questioning Microsoft's ability to maintain its lead in consumer AI.
- User Adoption: Concerns over user trust and the practicality of integrated AI features overshadowing established platforms.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [123:43]: "What I'm trying to say is that everyone who has talked about an AI-powered browser has used the phrase, this thing will do things on your behalf."
- Chris Hoffman [137:23]: "It's going to have a lasting, stable presence with memory. It's going to be designed to be your life coach, your productivity assistant, and your teacher wrapped up in one."
Hardware Innovations and Microsoft's Position
The episode touches upon Microsoft's efforts to innovate in the hardware space, such as the development of gaming handhelds and partnerships with manufacturers to create unique form factors. However, challenges persist in aligning hardware capabilities with Windows' software infrastructure.
Key Points:
- Gaming Handhelds: Introduction of Xbox Ally gaming handhelds aims to compete with devices like the Steam Deck, though concerns about pricing and hardware reliability remain.
- Lenovo's Dual-Screen Laptop: Praised for its innovative design, but its success depends on Microsoft's support for dual-screen integration within Windows.
- Intel's Struggles: Ongoing performance and reliability issues with Intel processors impact user experience and trust in the Windows ecosystem.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Hoffman [159:10]: "Introducing Family Freedom. Our lowest cost to switch our biggest family savings all on America's largest 5G network."
- Paul Thurrott [161:20]: "The ThinkBook line... have a lot of experimentation."
Final Thoughts and Announcements
As the episode wraps up, the hosts share their perspectives on Microsoft's financial health, affirming that despite internal layoffs and hardware challenges, the company's diverse revenue streams—cloud services, subscriptions, and gaming—position it for continued success. They also highlight upcoming events and initiatives, encouraging listeners to stay engaged through newsletters and live shows.
Key Points:
- Microsoft's Financials: Revenue and net income growth indicate resilience despite operational challenges.
- Upcoming Events: GamersCon returning in August, showcasing new gaming handhelds and Windows updates.
- Community Engagement: Encouragement to join the Windows Intelligence newsletter and participate in the Twit Club for exclusive content and events.
Notable Quotes:
- Paul Thurrott [169:00]: "Chris and Paul are migrating, but if you sign up now, you will migrate along with them. That's the good news."
- Leo Laporte [171:44]: "We're so glad you're here. We'll see you next time, winners and dozers on Windows Weekly."
Conclusion
Episode WW 943 of Windows Weekly offers a comprehensive retrospective on Windows 10's decade-long journey, examining its impact on the operating system landscape and the lessons learned from its service-based model. Through insightful discussions on AI integration, hardware innovation, and the future of Windows, Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and guest Chris Hoffman provide valuable perspectives for both seasoned enthusiasts and new listeners.
Key Takeaways:
- Windows 10's Legacy: A transformative decade marked by continuous updates and evolving user interfaces.
- AI Integration Challenges: Balancing innovative features like Copilot with privacy concerns and user trust.
- Hardware Synergy: The critical need for seamless integration between Windows and diverse hardware platforms.
- Future Outlook: Microsoft's strategic positioning in the AI and hardware markets suggests ongoing evolution, albeit with significant challenges.
For detailed insights and ongoing discussions, listeners are encouraged to engage with the Windows Intelligence newsletter and participate in the Twit Club community.