[TomGuy]

I have used many utility programs that I quit using because an upgrade/update removed the tool(s) I used the program for.

I recall one hypertexting program that allowed links to be colorized by function. An update removed that and made all links ‘blue’. That made the program useless for what I had used it for.

Windows ribbon menus are still horrible, especially on laptops. I use older programs because their designs are more functional. I can have a project done in Word 97 before I figure out where the functions are in later versions.

And then there is always the problem that an update/upgrade can create new problems.

[daniel1212]

Windows ribbon menus are still horrible, especially on laptops. I use older programs because their designs are more functional. I can have a project done in Word 97 before I figure out where the functions are in later versions.

Yes, as with Smart Phones, it seems that design is mainly controlled by minds who think that users should never want alternative to their overall basic design. Chrome vs. Firefox legacy. But thank God for others who think outside the box. I have been able to quite easily and freely customize Windows, effecting improvements in efficiency (which Windows as well as Linux much warrant), via enhancements and quick access to applications and features but without much of a learning curve.

I am the type of person who wants compact yet expansive menus and quick access and having the ability to quickly customize certain aspects of the OS, from enabling quick access to programs and places and improve layout without needing to learn much coding (though I have edited the Windows registry a few times, and I have been the sole user), nor often run a terminal to accomplish such. Therefore I like the the over 200 tweaks

path d="M17 13.5v6H5v-12h6m3-3h6v6m0-6-9 9" class="icon_svg-stroke" stroke="#666" stroke-width="1.5" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 (quicker download here from Major Geeks) for Windows 11 from the Windows club (Windows 10 users should use Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.8).

Add to this Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus),

Also, there are the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker (but best to leave those dealing with color alone).

Plus Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the Windows 11 start menu (though in W/11 22H2 right clicking for properties in the start menu stopped working for me), and Explorer Patcher (look for Releases on the right here) that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, and with it I use the Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker which provides more customization.

Resulting in these expansive quickly accessible layouts (composite image of desktop view in Windows 11: Start and Right-Click menus, default Device manager; task bar via Explorer Patcher. Thank God for such — to be used for good — and those who provide them):

Versus these examples of more limited, less compact, if scrollable, menus Also, I like more right click options on files, and even menu shortcuts:

Then there are free utilities such as AutoHotKey which does involve finding out some basic coding to create scripts which will do such things as remap (due to much typing and operations with stiff arthritic fingers) Caps Lock to ctrl+c (which I find hard to accomplish past sessions in Linux), and Esc to ctrl+v ; NumLock to Esc and the middle mouse button to ctrl+x:

CapsLock::^c

(NumLock::Esc

Esc::^v

mbutton::^x