ping
The big question should be: What changes would you want to make the next OS better?
From my point of view, MS makes an error trying to make an OS that will be all things to all people. Instead they should create an online AI that will query customers until they get the *optimum* system for their computer, peripherals and software.
Doing things this way would make MS a hardware and software clearinghouse for manufacturers. Ideally, set up as a neutral third party.
It would take several hours to properly set up your system, but once done, you would be fairly certain that everything was optimized to work together. Then, with each new piece of hardware or software added to the mix, the AI would again optimize your system performance with file additions and replacements.
It could even have an “upgrade suggestion mode”, that could, for example, say everything from “you might want to upgrade your video card if you want to play this game”, or “performance is slow because you need more RAM”, to “It has been 389 days since you last took in your printer for services.”
Adjustments could be made for old software and network interoperability.
And DRM should be made optional. If I pay for software, I want full functionality. I don’t want to pay to be told I can’t do something.