1. I'd like the Windows system directory be FULLY protectable. No software installation should EVER be allowed in the system directory. In fact, it's probably not a bad idea for the core system files to be separate from any future updates. That way, in the worst case scenario, I can delete every other folder, and the system will still be able to run with its core set of functionalities. Good bye reformat!

2. It'd be nice if the Windows Registry were more controlled, like a svn. You can then see what changes a program had made to the registry, and rollback if required.

3. During the installation of the system, please PLEASE let the user specify the paths for default directories (users directory, program files directory, etc). Doesn't have to be in plain sight (eg, accessible via an Advanced button or tab)

4. Ultimate Task Manager. When I want to kill a process, it means I want to kill a process, and reclaim all used memory and file streams. Currently, if a program is accessing a file, and the device is buggy/damaged/slow/can't flush, the Task Manager is unable to terminate the process. Have been having problems with my external hard drives.

5. Bring back XP-styled search pane. The one in Vista/Win7 may be easy to use, but it's hard to get to the Advanced options. Of course, a 3rd party software can easily overcome this, but I think it'll be nice if it came installed.

6. Ejecting devices. IMO, Win7 handles this the EXACT same way as WinXP. If it's in use, windows doesn't tell you which program is using it. An option to force eject (and terminate the dependent processes) would be nice.

7. Program accountability. It'd be nice if I can see what a program is/was up to (what files were accessed/created/modified/deleted, which registry keys were added/modified/removed). Sure, we have ProcMon, but I'd like to see it more refined (with multiple levels of detail), and part of the system, or as a PowerToy.

8. Give us more flexibility UI-wise. I think win7 has gone in the right direction with floating Widgets. Now PLEASE do the same for the task bar, start menu, and Windows Explorer, for the sake of those who DO want to customize the look/feel of their desktop. When working with a computer 8 hours a day (in my case), even the most trivial things (location of a shortcut, location of the notification bar/window, label, icon, color, etc) will be the difference between ease-of-use/efficient and annoyance/agitation/mistakes. Here's an idea: give us a “Desktop Canvas Bar”, on which we can place Widgets (such as the Notification Area, the Start Menu, Quick Launch, Opened Programs, etc. You know, something like… the Opera browser.

Josh

I hate the merged windows in the taskbar, can u pls do something about that.

and while ur at it, can u bundle in a time machine?

Seriously, Microsoft have proven themselves with Windows 7 I won’t deny that it have more Apple-esk features but have also included some totally hip new ones, most that people will actually appreciate.

So my advice to Microsoft in terms of features would be to just listen to customers because they pay the bills at the end of the day.