10 Windows 10 Features That Failed to Gain Popularity

As we celebrate the forthcoming tenth anniversary of Windows 10, we also mark the approaching end of support for this influential operating system. Officially launched on July 29, 2015, Windows 10 initially faced challenges but quickly gained traction, amassing over a billion installations within a few years. In light of this significant milestone, let’s delve into a retrospective look at ten features that, despite being introduced with much fanfare, failed to gain the traction expected. This compilation is presented without any specific ranking:

Cortana: A Misguided Venture

A dumpster truck offloading a bunch of Cortana logos into a landfill

Cortana, named after the AI persona from the popular Halo series, was initially introduced as a digital assistant in Windows Phone 8.1 before making its desktop debut in Windows 10. Marketed as a compelling alternative to competitors like Siri, Cortana never quite resonated with users on PCs; many were uncomfortable interacting with an AI in this context. Furthermore, its limited ability to cater to non-U. S.audiences and frequent strategic shifts by Microsoft led to a decline in user interest, culminating in the quiet retirement of Cortana in 2023.

Groove Music: A Missed Note

Groove Music was introduced as Microsoft’s answer to both iTunes and Spotify, aiming to fill the void left by Xbox Music. While it performed straightforwardly, its inability to differentiate itself was its downfall; users entrenched in existing music platforms found transitioning to Groove far too cumbersome. Despite promotional efforts and discounts, the service ultimately ceased operations in late 2017, directing users to Spotify instead.

Sets: The Disbanded Feature

Windows tabs in the background with an RIP gravestone in the center

Microsoft showcased Sets in 2017 as a proposed new user interface for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications to allow multiple instances of an app in a single window. Testing phases in Insider builds indicated promise but fell short of perfecting the user experience. Ultimately, Sets was quietly scrapped without a formal release, although elements of the concept found a second life in the tabbed File Explorer introduced in Windows 11.

Windows Timeline: A Feature Too Ambitious

Introduced in 2017, Windows Timeline was designed as an innovative feature that would track user activities across devices, allowing for seamless transitions between previous tasks on different hardware. Despite initial excitement, it never gained substantial popularity. Microsoft gradually reduced Timeline’s functionality, leading to its current state as a local history tracker, accessible via the Win + Tab command.

Live Tiles: A Controversial Interface

Live Tiles sparked debate among users since their introduction, stemming initially from Windows Phone 7 and appearing in various iterations of Windows. In Windows 10, Live Tiles attempted to merge the traditional Start menu with modern UX design, catering to both longtime fans and newcomers. However, a lack of robust developer support resulted in limited app adoption, leading Microsoft to remove Live Tiles entirely with the rollout of Windows 11.

Paint 3D: Underwhelming Reception

In its pursuit of immersive technology, Microsoft launched Paint 3D hoping to enthrall users with creative 3D capabilities. However, enthusiasm for the application waned significantly, and the lack of user statistics indicated minimal engagement. Consequently, Microsoft retired the Paint 3D app last year as interest in 3D tools diminished.

Windows 10 in S Mode: The Confined Environment

First introduced in 2017, Windows 10 in S Mode represented a more secure, performance-centric version of Windows. However, its reliance on the Microsoft Store for software installation and restrictions on the browser left users feeling cornered. Intended to compete with ChromeOS, the initial marketing enthusiasm faded amidst criticism over its limited functionality, leading most organizations to prefer alternative management solutions. Though still available on Windows 11, S Mode has faded from contemporary discussions.

Legacy Microsoft Edge: A Browsing Transition

Initially released with the EdgeHTML rendering engine, Microsoft Edge struggled to attract significant user adoption during its Windows 10 tenure. In a pivotal move, Microsoft opted to transition to a Chromium-based engine in 2018, leading to the release of a revamped Edge in 2020. This strategic decision not only enhanced performance and compatibility but also indicated Microsoft’s acknowledgment of its prior shortcomings.

Continuum: The Failed Bridge

Central to Microsoft’s promotional campaigns for Windows 10, Continuum aimed to transform Windows phones into desktop PCs using physical docks. Although it generated initial interest, low market penetration and the waning relevance of Windows phones ultimately led to the discontinuation of this concept.

Universal Windows Platform (UWP): A Vision Unfulfilled

Universal Windows Platform marketing graphic

Pioneering the concept of creating cross-platform applications, Microsoft’s UWP initiative garnered enthusiasm back in 2014. While it succeeded in attracting some developers, many grew disillusioned with the challenges of building apps that functioned seamlessly over multiple devices. As interest dwindled, Microsoft’s guidance pivoted towards the Windows App SDK in 2021, and recently, even major applications like WhatsApp are transitioning away from UWP in favor of Progressive Web Apps.

This narrative marks the inaugural piece in our “10 Years of Windows 10″series, celebrating the operating system’s tenth anniversary on July 29, 2025. Stay tuned for more insights and retrospectives in our dedicated section.

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