Windows has been the dominant operating system for desktops for years. However, despite its popularity, it’s not perfect. In comparison, Linux may not hold a large share of the market, but it stands out with features that Windows still lacks. From enhanced customization to better privacy control, Linux offers something for everyone, especially for power users. If Windows were to adopt some of these features, it could become even more powerful and user-friendly.
Let’s dive into these seven amazing features that Windows needs to steal from Linux which could significantly improve Windows.
1. Better Control Over Updates: Windows Should Learn From Linux
When it comes to updates, Windows has a notorious reputation. While Windows 11 did improve update handling, users still lack full control. Updates can be forced on you, and you have very limited ability to delay them. Even with these updates, problems like Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can emerge due to faulty patches. Microsoft’s practice of forcing updates is a major frustration for many.
Linux, on the other hand, gives users complete control over their updates. You can choose when to install updates and even skip them altogether. The option to manage updates on your terms ensures a smoother and less disruptive user experience. If Windows adopted this model, it would reduce user frustration and improve satisfaction.
2. A Clean, Ad-Free User Interface: Take a Lesson from Linux
Another significant feature that Windows could adopt from Linux is the absence of ads. Windows often bombards users with ads, even though they’ve paid for the operating system. These ads are often intrusive, especially during setup, and undermine the feeling of ownership over your device. Although some ads can be disabled, their very presence can be annoying.
Linux, however, provides a completely ad-free environment. Popular distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora offer clean and distraction-free interfaces that let you focus on your work without unnecessary interruptions. Microsoft could do well to remove these forced promotions from Windows to create a more professional and enjoyable experience for its users.
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3. More Taskbar and Start Menu Customization: Windows Needs to Catch Up
Customization is a key aspect of Linux that Windows should embrace more fully. Although Windows allows for some basic tweaks, the taskbar and Start Menu can’t be altered extensively by default. You can pin apps or hide the taskbar, but deeper personalization options, like creating custom layouts or adding useful widgets, aren’t available.
In contrast, Linux environments like KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Cinnamon are customization powerhouses. Users can easily move panels around, resize app menu icons, and even create entirely new layouts. Widgets can be integrated directly into the taskbar for a more functional setup. By adopting these Linux-style customization features, Windows could become more user-centric and adaptable to individual preferences.
4. Enhanced Privacy Controls: Make Windows More Transparent Like Linux
In today’s digital age, privacy is a major concern for users. While Windows offers some level of privacy control, it’s not as transparent as it could be. Microsoft collects telemetry data by default, which many users find invasive. Although Windows 10 and 11 offer options to limit this data collection, it’s still not as clear or as user-friendly as Linux’s approach.
Linux provides much better privacy control by allowing users to manage and monitor the data that’s being shared. It’s more transparent about what data is collected and gives users straightforward options to limit it. If Windows took inspiration from Linux’s privacy model, it would build greater trust with its users and increase its appeal, particularly among those who prioritize privacy.
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5. Built-In Live USB Functionality: Windows Should Allow Testing Without Installation
Linux distributions often offer a live USB feature, allowing users to try out the operating system without installing it. This “try before you install” feature is incredibly useful for troubleshooting or experimenting. It allows users to boot into a fully functional OS directly from a USB drive, test out its features, and perform tasks without altering their existing setup.
This is a feature that Windows could certainly benefit from. Imagine being able to test drive a new version of Windows or try out a different configuration without the need to install it on your system first. Windows could significantly enhance its user experience by adding live USB functionality, helping users make more informed decisions before committing to an installation.
6. Efficient Resource Management: Windows Could Be More Lightweight Like Linux
Linux is renowned for its efficiency, even on lower-end hardware. Thanks to its lightweight builds, Linux can run smoothly on older machines or devices with limited resources. Distributions like Puppy Linux and Lubuntu are specifically designed to run on less powerful hardware while maintaining good performance.
Windows, however, tends to consume more system resources and often slows down on older devices. Many older laptops and desktops struggle to run Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. If Windows adopted Linux’s approach to resource management, it could run more efficiently, even on lower-end hardware. A lightweight version of Windows could be a game-changer for users with older devices, offering them better performance and extending the life of their computers.
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7. Open-Source Transparency: Windows Could Benefit from More Openness
One of the standout features of Linux is its open-source nature. Linux allows users to inspect the source code, ensuring there are no hidden vulnerabilities or malicious elements. Open-source software fosters a sense of trust and encourages community contributions, which leads to faster development and better software.
Windows, on the other hand, is a proprietary system. While Microsoft has open-sourced some of its tools, such as .NET and Visual Studio Code, Windows itself remains closed. Moving towards a more open-source approach could benefit Microsoft by allowing for faster innovations, better bug fixes, and increased transparency. Windows could harness the power of the global developer community to improve the OS and keep up with changing user needs.
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Conclusion: Why Windows Needs to Embrace Linux Features
Windows is a powerhouse operating system with a massive user base, but it’s far from perfect. By adopting key features from Linux—like better control over updates, enhanced privacy controls, and more customization options—Windows could transform into a more flexible, efficient, and user-friendly OS. Linux offers a user-first approach that appeals to power users, and Windows could benefit from borrowing some of its best features.
As technology continues to evolve, Microsoft has the opportunity to make Windows even more competitive in the ever-changing landscape. It’s time for Windows to take a page from Linux’s book and deliver an operating system that truly puts users in control.
