Windows has not referred to “My Computer” for a few years now, and only uses “This PC”. Many see this as a clear intention from Microsoft. In fact, there is more behind it. Microsoft has long been focusing on a directional and design change regarding Windows.
What is this discussed change? Specifically, it concerns the labeling of one’s own computer in the Windows file explorer. If you open the file manager of Windows with Windows key + E, it now shows “This PC” since Windows 10. In older versions of Windows, it was still labeled “My Computer”.
Many users see it not only as a small linguistic change on Reddit, but also as a subtle difference in the intention behind these words. Some even fear that it could go further:
In the past, Windows was “your” operating system; probably in the future, Windows will be “our” PC.
Microsoft has long been implementing a directional and design change regarding Windows
What is behind the change? Microsoft has long been implementing a directional and design change concerning its programs and systems (via Microsoft.com). The change from “My Computer” to “This PC” is not a single turnaround, but part of a longer-running design and strategy line at Microsoft: moving away from a personal computer under the desk, towards a device as part of a larger ecosystem of cloud, account, and services.
In the past, Windows was primarily the operating system on “my computer”; now it is the interface for local apps, cloud services, accounts, and the store. A neutral term like “This PC” makes the device more of a hub in a larger system than a personal possession like the term “My Computer”.
Much more important, however: The crucial core functions of the Windows file manager do not depend on the name. The new term “This PC” is itself just a minor change but fits into a larger development in which Windows treats the local computer less as personal “mine” but rather as an interchangeable device in a Microsoft ecosystem, to which you belong with your PC whether you want to or not.
Users’ criticism of the change: However, this very feeling bothers many long-time users. Especially in view of AI systems and telemetry that Microsoft has increasingly focused on for many months. Added to this are UX changes and performance losses that users have also been criticizing for some time.
Additionally, you find ads for services like OneDrive or Microsoft 365 in Windows 11 seemingly at every corner, which are also hard to turn off. Microsoft’s new initiative to want to turn Windows into an AI-supported operating system is also met with little enthusiasm, but it fits into the overall picture.
This paradigm shift is also evidenced by a current example when it comes to installing Windows: Where 5 clicks used to be enough to set up Windows, today it takes 16 clicks and a lot of patience. Because Microsoft wants to offer you subscriptions and products during installation. This also shows that it has long ceased to be about “your” PC, but rather as a platform: 20 years ago, 5 clicks were enough to set up Windows: Today it takes 16 clicks and a lot of patience
