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Do you remember in the older versions of windows where each instance of software had it’s own task tray icon?

I have to repeatedly instruct certain people (usually older women, sorry) that you have to close software when you are done using it, and you can see how many instances of that software are running by hovering over the task-tray icon (windows 8 and up). Some software only allow a certain number of purchased connections or seats, and the culprits whine that there are no open seats left to connect to. Well, I have to explain, “you are using most of them already. Close your open windows”.

Since I’m ranting, I believe Microsoft buries everything useful. I hate ribbons!

[oldtimervoice] Why back in my day, I remember when you could get to anything by 2 clicks and 2 menu fly-outs! [/oldtimer]

"[oldtimervoice] Why back in my day, I remember when you could get to anything by 2 clicks and 2 menu fly-outs! [/oldtimer]"

I remember when the technicians arrived at my office door with a lot of boxes. I asked, what's this. They said it's your computer. I said I don't want one. They said corporate biggies say that everyone at your level must have a computer in their office.

That's the day it began.

"Since I’m ranting, I believe Microsoft buries everything useful. I hate ribbons!"

Indeed. Why would I not want to see details and more info than a basic amount? And the trend toward hiding and even eliminating things will continues. Linux is no better as far as GUI is concerned. But thank God for vetted freeware. one major change after XP is the divestiture of much of the appearance settings in later OS versions. W/11 (which i just upgraded to) is no different, and as with the Start menu the interface is worse. However, per usual, there is much tested freeware to enable extensive easy customization, such as,

Like Open Shell, download Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the mobile device W/11 start menu, and there is Explorer Patcher that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, while Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (I am using the beta ver.) provides more customization.
Then there are the over 200 tweaks available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 and now there is Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11 from the Windows club.

Add to this the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker

Add to this is Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus), while T-Clock Redux works in W/10 (far better than the default) but not W/11 as yet.

I think that a simple right click on the desktop should provide a visible GUI menu with submenus listing access most every setting, but instead the trajecory seems to be to make desktops more like mobile devices (though I advocate quick GUI access to most everything on these also). But which is not the case in Windows, apart from customization, nor in the many Linux distros I have found (which can be more of a problem).

But thank God for the tools we have to be used for Good and the glory of God, and for those who provide them.

W/11 Default Start menu>All apps

Versus OpenShell W/11:

Right Click Extender (some additions):

7+Taskbar Tweaker (stacks open pages from same source, etc.):