There was a time when we used to say the same about Windows Xp. And Windows 2000.
I wonder if each next generation of user prefers the new layouts each time?
I’m sure (or at least, I imagine) MS put a lot of resources into testing these UI overhauls.
Windows Vista wasn't terrible if you had a beefy machine and well-supported hardware. 7 was basically Vista but with newer machines and better hardware support. 8+ has been meh.
So as we differ this clearly in opinion: What makes you appreciate the windows UI more today?
When I search the start menu, it does the weirdest things, e.g searching notepad via bing instead of starting it, or preferring the uninstaller above the real program. So I learned that the start menu is basically broken for search, and became harder to use as a menu. I mostly abandoned it.
Meanwhile, the gui widgets, built in windows and control panels became much worse and dumbed down. It pretends to be a helpfull assistant, but behaves more like an arrogant drunk. I want to do some work on the machine, not be told about some experience it really wants to shove in my face.