10 Days of Windows: The Spiceworks Community looks back
Windows has been more than just an operating system. It’s been a stage for innovation, nostalgia, and sometimes controversy. Over the years, Windows has left an undeniable legacy on both IT professionals and pop culture. A legacy that is sure to continue with Windows 11.
In the Spiceworks Community, we celebrated 10 Days of Windows where we shared stories, swapped tips, and reminisced about the features, quirks, and memories that have made Windows such an unforgettable part of our tech lives.
Favorite Windows features and tools
We kicked off the 10 Days of Windows 10 series by revisiting some of Microsoft’s most memorable features from over the years. From Microsoft Bob to Rover, WordPad, and MS Paint’s 3D experiment, the Spiceworks Community touched on several of the most beloved Microsoft features.
Many recalled the early days of Windows Media Center, praising how far ahead of its time it was. Others reminisced about simpler, fast tools like Windows Photo Viewer and Movie Maker, or the classic built-in games such as Solitaire, Minesweeper, and 3D Pinball that came free.
Days of floppy disks and multi-CD installs
Day two of our 10 Days of Windows 10 series took us back to the era of installing operating systems from stacks of 1.44MB floppy disks. For context, installing Windows 11 from floppies would require more than 3,600 disks, creating a tower nearly 40 feet tall.
The Spiceworks Community recalled everything from the frustration of failed disks to the satisfaction of hearing a floppy drive hum to life. Many shared stories of Windows 95 and 98 installs, Office 95 setups that took dozens of disks, and early experiences with Linux distributions that came on multiple CDs.
The secret world of Windows code names
We pulled back the curtain of Microsoft’s naming process, discussing the secret code names used for Windows operating systems throughout history. The Spiceworks Community loved this inside look at Windows history. Many said they hadn’t realized just how many quirky or creative code names existed.Several commenters noted how fun it was to see such playfulness behind such a serious product. Others reminisced about Android’s dessert-themed code names or pointed out lesser-known Windows names like Daytona (Windows NT 3.51) and Mojave.
Hit or miss for Windows 11?
IT professionals weighed in on the age-old pattern: every other Windows release is either a hit or a flop. From 95 to 11, most agreed that Windows 10 was a high point, while opinions on Windows 11 were more of a mixed bag.
Some said a stable OS, but one that doesn’t feel new enough to justify the upgrade. Others say that it works well but lacks the polish and customization of its predecessor. A few argued that it’s improving with each update. Many long-time admins also revisited old favorites like Windows 2000, XP, and 7, praising them for their balance of stability and usability and venting that modern releases often change things “just for the sake of change.
The world’s most recognizable wallpaper
Day 5 revisited Bliss, the serene green hills and blue sky that defined Windows XP. Members reminisced about the wallpaper’s beauty, with many admitting they kept it for years. The discussion mixed nostalgia with fun discoveries. Several users appreciated learning the photo’s backstory, which was shot in Sonoma, CA, by National Geographic photographer Charles O’Rear. Other community members shared memories of the Windows XP Plus! “Royal Theme” variant or using hi-res remakes today for nostalgia’s sake.
A few joked about AI “repainting” the famous scene, while one user even found a YouTuber who revisited the original photo site 20 years later. Whether loved or replaced, Bliss remains a rare example of a tech image that became pop culture.
The legacy of the blue screen of death
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) has become a nostalgic symbol for IT pros. The community reminisced about its evolution and even shared memories of BSOD pranks and screensaver gags from the XP era. Many agreed that while the blue screen was frustrating, it at least signaled what went wrong, which something today’s simplified error messages don’t always do. Others gave Microsoft credit for how rarely BSODs appear now, calling it proof of Windows’ improved stability. While BSOD sightings are rare today, they are a testament to how much more stable Windows has become. However, for many IT professionals, that iconic blue hue still sparks a mix of dread, nostalgia, and affection.
The golden age of games
From Reversi to 3D Pinball, Windows’ built-in games were a rite of passage. IT professionals recalled the simple joys (and occasional frustrations) of these digital classics. Many remembered spending countless hours with Solitaire and Minesweeper. Jezzball, Chip’s Challenge, SkiFree, and FreeCell all earned shout-outs too, often as ways to procrastinate or unwind after a long day in IT. 3D Pinball: Space Cadet was the undisputed fan favorite. Many community members even noted how much they miss these “simple yet entertaining” games that came with no ads or transactions.
The sound of Windows
If the visuals of Windows XP were iconic, the sounds were unforgettable. The Spiceworks Community about classic startup sounds, with many citing Windows XP and Windows ME as personal favorites. Others remembered eagerly installing sound drivers on early versions like Windows 3.1 just to experience those little musical moments.
Some users weren’t so sentimental, noting that startup chimes could be disruptive in modern workplaces, which explains why the sound is now disabled by default in Windows 10 and 11. Others argued those cues were genuinely helpful for troubleshooting, especially in the days before “safe mode.” Several shared stories of navigating broken systems entirely by sound or keyboard shortcuts.
The great start button debate
From Windows 95 through Windows 7, the start button was a stable, familiar anchor for users. However, Microsoft shook things up with Windows 8, removing it entirely in favor of a full-screen, touch-focused Metro interface. The backlash was immediate: confusion, frustrated users, and a flood of IT support tickets. Windows 8.1 partially restored the button, and Windows 10 returned it fully. With Windows 11, Microsoft attempted a subtler change: centering the start button to improve usability on large or high-resolution screens and enhance touch access. Designers claimed it would “soften formerly intimidating UI” and create a stronger emotional connection, though some users saw it as unnecessary or even Mac-like.
IT professionals and long-time Windows users have mixed reactions. Some quickly adapted to the change or appreciated it on ultrawide displays. Others see it as arbitrary, inefficient, or part of a broader trend to “mobile-fy” the desktop.
Windows 10 end of service: What IT pros need to know
As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 has officially reached end of service (EOS), meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. Organizations still using Windows 10 have a few options: they can continue with Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a limited time, though it comes with increasing costs and limited support, or they can upgrade to Windows 11. IT professionals in the Spiceworks Community shared their experiences, ranging from phased upgrades to ESU adoption, emphasizing careful planning to balance legacy needs with modern OS requirements.
Wrapping up 10 days of Windows
Whether you’re reminiscing about Bliss, battling Minesweeper, or navigating Windows 11 upgrades, there’s plenty of insight and discussion to enjoy on the Spiceworks Community. Join the conversation and explore all the posts from our 10 Days of Windows series in the Spiceworks Community
