Let's Chat ... about Microsoft

Join me as I dive into a candid discussion about Microsoft—past, present, and what it all means for everyday users like you and me. With nearly two decades of experience inside Microsoft and over two decades helping people navigate its products, I’ve got some strong opinions on the company’s shift away from individual consumers. From frustrating changes in Windows, Outlook, and OneDrive to the increasing push toward corporate priorities, I’ll break down why it feels like Microsoft no longer has the average user’s best interests at heart. But don’t worry—my goal isn’t just to vent. I’ll also share practical advice for dealing with these changes and making Windows work for you. Whether you're frustrated with forced updates, curious about Linux, or just want to understand where Microsoft is headed, let's chat about Microsoft!

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[johnblackledge]

I have rarely heard such a concise summary about Microsoft and Windows. Thanks, Leo.

[danjohnson]

Microsoft is forgetting that those same corporate users have home computers and are corporate influencers.

[lsdzheeusi]

Leo, really enjoyed this more casual, unscripted more natural format!

[ThomasThornhill]

Thanks Leo. This video is true. I have been with Widows for a long time and am frustrated at the loss of control. Some of their decisions are threats to security. Example: One drive very difficult to remove. Your computer is hacked, and criminals may get access to your entire system of computers. All I want is easier options to OPT OUT of features - like keeping my desktop exclusive to one computer, selecting which files are shared on my network, saying to CoPilot with office, etc. Sorry to rant as I could say so much more. Thanks again.

[theforthdoctor]

I've been a professional developer since graduating in 1990. The issues you describe are in no way restricted to Microsoft. Commercial soft in general seems to have lost its focus, or dare I say, Its lost its soul. Its all getting rather greasy and grubby.

[ronjoseph]

As a MS user since DOS 2.0, I’m pretty much married to the MS architecture. Local desktops for individuals is a thing of the past. The vast majority of people are using their phones or tablets for everyday computing tasks. Laptops have replaced desktops for home use. After begrudgingly upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 a few years ago, Ive finally become fluent in it. We now know “Windows 10 will be the last version of Window, ” was a big lie. Now, billions of desktops and laptops will be vulnerable without some type of ESU for the home user, allowing the user to have time to migrate to Windows 11/12. I just bought a Windows 11 machine after using Windows 10 on a Dell Inspiron 5000 for 15 years. I upgraded the RAM to 16 GB and drive to a 1TB SSD. It’s 15 years old and while the graphics are a bit “old” compared to CGA graphics, I shouldn’t complain. MS has become everything Bill Gates hated about IBM, plus some, and it only gets worse with every so called “upgrade” cycle.

[stagefan]

Worked professionally on Windows since Win 3.1. Retired now; agree with everything you said. I am currently 50-50 Windows and Linux.

[jeremyaus]

Leo, I agree with almost everything you said about the current situation. I also worked on the systems side of computing, for over 40 years starting in 1974. I was an independent consultant through the 90s when ordinary people started wanting "consumer" systems. It was my experience that None, yes none, of the big hardware and software companies ever were really interested in the needs of ordinary consumers. Well, until they learned to monetize their private information. Like all things human, computing has good and bad, steps forward and steps backward but ethics died in the 80s.

[JohnM-cdou]

I like this style of videos and hearing your perspective on things

[dvd]

I am enjoying this, especially the comments about OneDrive and Copilot. My answer? I switched to Linux Mint. End of problems.

[Flashrock]

This is a style of video I haven't personally seen from you before, Leo. I like it! I think this video will become pretty popular too.
Just had to pause to say that. :)

[madstarr]

Leo, if you offer a Linux course, I will sign up!

[andrewd]

When I first loaded a Linux distro I was pleasantly surprised by how much software was included. I ran it on older hardware and it made my tired old laptop run much better.

[marco]

Leo, we are no longer the consumer, we are the product. Microsoft like any other big corp wants our data. Userdata is the new oil.
Linux while not perfect at least has no intentions to steal our data. I feel more secure regarding the ownership of my data when i use Linux. I still have a Windows 10 partiton which i barely boot into but it has become alien to me. I feel spooked out when i see all these windows services in the background running, the constant pinging of Microsoft servers. I don't know what is really happening in Windows. The user has no real control over Windows unless it's unplugged from the internet. So that's why i avoid using it as much as i can.

[larrykehl]

It's not just consumers - secure data labs and closed gov't networks do not want one drive, copilot and even current office implementations - they are a real data integrity and data security issues and a nightmare for network managers.

[danjuroff]

Your frankness is refreshing, and I really appreciate your message today. I use Linux, Mac OS, Windows, and BSD (in that order), but used to support users on a Windows network. When I retired, I started replacing Windows as my daily driver, and the only reason I keep one laptop around with Windows 11 is to be able to help family members who still look to me for a little help once in awhile. Microsoft could have developed the best OS ever. They had the money, the talent, and the customer base to help test it. Instead, they have persisted with sloppy updates, unwanted or worse yet, undeserved new features, data harvesting, and so on. It will be interesting to see where they end up. Anyway, loved the video, I watch you from time to time. I think I'll subscribe so I won't miss anything.

[LarcR]

I use Windows almost exclusively as an operating system rather than relying on its features. If there is a third party program that will do something Windows does, I tend to use that third party program instead. My PC train runs on Microsoft tracks, but it pulls as few Microsoft cars as possible. They should be careful about ignoring average users and marketing mainly to corporations. It's those average users who actually run the computer systems in corporations, not the CEOs.

[Steve]

I think you are right on the money. I've played with Ubuntu and Mint in the past. It's when you have a program that only runs in windows that makes switching difficult.

[Bashkir]

When I retired I realized no one was paying me to continue to use Windows. Life's been good ever since.
I would agree though that sometimes Linux is not for the faint of heart. Worth it though. It will be interesting to see what happens as more people realize what the implications are for having their devices controlled by a handful of oligarchs in the front row of the Inauguration.

[paulthielen]

One of your best Leo! Well done and spot on. As an "average home user" I moved away from Windows over 2 years ago for the vary reasons you discuss in this video. I've been using Linux Mint as my daily driver since leaving Windows. The learning curve and transition really wasn't a big deal. The Linux distributions have come a long way since my first experience with Linux 10 years ago. I to wish/hope Microsoft would wake up and realize that many home users are becoming disenchanted with an operating system that is not focused on them, their needs and their privacy concerns. Like you, I don't think Linux is the answer for most people just yet. It is a an acceptable option however for individuals who, with some hand holding and guidance from people like yourself, aren't afraid and have the time and motivation to learn something new. An individual's needs and use case is also a major factor prior to considering Linux as an alternative to Windows. I look forward any future content you may produce on the subject of Linux as an alternative to Windows. I suspect many people would benefit from such content.