Windows 10: SUGGESTION 4 your settings UI / so-desired replacement of control panel

Dear Microsoft Developers,As an experienced user of Windows, I understand the initiative to transition from the traditional Control Panel to the new Windows Settings UI. I am open to adapting to new interfaces if they enhance user-friendliness and provide a comparable experience to the Control Panel.However, the current iteration of the Windows Settings UI appears to complicate rather than simplify user interactions. This is particularly frustrating when functionality is removed before a viable alternative is established.I initially attempted to use the feedback tool, but found it restrictive

:)

 

SUGGESTION 4 your settings UI / so-desired replacement of control panel

>I initially attempted to use the feedback tool, but found it restrictive due to character limits and difficulties in attaching screenshots.

Microsoft developers won't see your suggestions posted here. I'd suggest that you work around whatever limitations you find in the Feedback hub and submit your suggestions through the Feedback hub, the normal channel.

Don

 

SUGGESTION 4 your settings UI / so-desired replacement of control panel

Dear Microsoft Developers,

As an experienced user of Windows, I understand the initiative to transition from the traditional Control Panel to the new Windows Settings UI. I am open to adapting to new interfaces if they enhance user-friendliness and provide a comparable experience to the Control Panel.

However, the current iteration of the Windows Settings UI appears to complicate rather than simplify user interactions. This is particularly frustrating when functionality is removed before a viable alternative is established.

I initially attempted to use the feedback tool, but found it restrictive due to character limits and difficulties in attaching screenshots. This experience exemplifies the broader issues with the current layout and categorization within the platform. A more unified approach under a single "Community Discussions and Suggestions" forum accessible via Windows and a web browser would greatly improve usability.

Main Issue: Excessive Categorization The Settings menu is overly complicated with numerous sub-categories and nested menus, which deters users from adjusting settings. This complexity is counterproductive, especially given the frequent need to navigate these menus to resolve issues related to updates, drivers, or software.

Key Advantages of Control Panel:

• Ease of Access: The Control Panel allows users to access the majority of hardware and software settings in a few clicks.
  

(Let me give you an example - I want to access the adapter properties of my display.
In windows 7 it was control panel, Display, monitor and advanced settings, as simple as that. 4 clicks to this specific part but being easy-enough to find for the average user.
In windows 10 if you want to use the settings UI, first you need to figure out thaht display is in "System" since the logic is totally messed up in my opinion, having "devices" next to system, but the monitor in this UI is considered as "display" and under "system".Ok I go Settings, and display. 2 clicks with having to figure out where is the display/monitor sicne people tend to read the big labels and frustration to not consider the montitor as "device". Now I see my 2 monitors, which is actually 1 but having 2 different cable types connected to the PC. Scroll down and click advanced display settings. And now it shows me the "display 2" which isn't the active one. And because of being not active, I am not even Shown the option for advanced display settings I need to realize that I have to click on the list, select Display 1 the active one, and this will show me the display adater properties that I wanted to initially access. So 1 click + realizing and clicking on the right active Display from the list/2 clicks and 1 last click finally for the adapter-properties. 4 clicks + scrolling and figuring out initial lack of option. In total you have 6 clicks, with 2 possible confusions and lots of scrolling and not seing easily or clearly what you need regardless I use a 2560x1080 resolution with 34" monitor)

Suggested Reorganization of Settings UI:

Hardware: This category should encompass all device-related settings, covering everything from the Device Manager to peripherals such as mice and monitors. The current separation of devices like phones into distinct sections seems unnecessary given their infrequent use.

System: This section should consolidate all settings that are primarily related to Windows itself, such as the version of Windows, updates, startup processes, administrative tools, power options, and other non-hardware-related settings like Indexing Options and network settings (excluding network devices).

Fixing finally the current "Sounds:" mess, which should have a "device" part and a "system" part distinction. (Because right now, you have "devices" that are your speakers, but you each of your speaker-devices can be devided in more then 1 "playback devices" inSound settings, and adding to this already confusing division, another division of "communication" playback device and "defaul playback device". Obviously same goes for microphone. And the sound mess does not finish here, because all those things might have been configured right, but independent from them, you can have totally DIFFERENT settings in each app/game/program and quite often changing the settings in the app/game/program to the one you already set in windows, might require a total restart of the process in order to finally work. And don't forget that same fix should be valid for the bluetooth playback device, having the same issue. And maybe consider adding digital/network playback devices, such as those you can connect by wifi.)

Software and Apps:Installed programs. Installed apps. HAVING a CLEAR DISTINCTION between the APPS (store-related) and making a Programs and Features with 2 different categories for them, or 2 different "programs and features" and "apps and features" which is less-intuitive.

Customization: Group all customizable settings, previously known under themes, in one place. This includes settings for the taskbar, desktop background (currently under "personalization"), Accessories, and ease of access features. Game-mode options should not be activated by default, particularly on workstations. Notifications could be accessible both under this section and the System settings to enhance visibility and accessibility depending on user preference.

These changes aim to simplify the interface, reducing the number of clicks and the need for extensive navigation, and ultimately enhancing the overall user experience with Windows Settings UI.

What should be the main main MAIN goal - SIMPLIFICATION. Also - reduction of unnecessary movement to the minimum - least amount of clicks,, scrolls, selections as possible and compact everything. If you want to make it tablet/something else friendly, just put a NEW layout for ALL touchscreens with those so-"beloved" round buttons and waste of space and huge distances. All PC users dont like the idea of having to scroll and navigate through a maze, among the vast amounts of gaps empty spaces, everywhere around all because of the fewer "touch-screen" users.

Good luck! No matter what, don't give up! Just hope you make a change and start going to the right direction at least in terms of this ;-)

 

The Control Panel (Category View)

My apologies, Brink but I still do not get it.

The steps for both options are identical, the only difference is the location of the desired icons will need to be accessible for all users for Option 2. That's it.

Moreover, both the Mail and Flash Player (32-bit) applets are not listed in the list of Control Panel items for both options.


Regards,
Andrew