I’ve noticed that there are many Windows 7 wish lists on boards all over the web, many of them incomplete, hard to figure out etc.

So I wanted to make a complete list of wanted Windows 7 features with the help of users on a lot of boards.

This post will be updated continually.

Enough talk. Now to the list.

Interface/GUI & Usability:

  • Taskbar
  • Resizable. Let the user resize the taskbar’s width, so it doesn’t have to fill 100% of the screen.
  • Improved multi-screen support. Currently, if you use a second- or third screen, there will be no taskbars on those. Only the mainscreen. Add support for stretching the taskbar over several screens.
  • Split the taskbar into several colored sections to improve the overview. Also, increase the height of the taskbar, so it’s 2 times normal height.
  • Desktop
  • Icon spacing grid. A transparent grid should fade in when dragging an icon. When it’s dropped. The grid should fade out again. Would help a lot when customizing the desktop.
  • Divide icons into several groups/layers. Show different groups with a shortcut and/or arrows. Allow the user to save icon groups and placements.
  • Sidebar does currently run as a program in Vista. So when you e.g. use “Show Desktop” (Windows+D), the Sidebar is hidden. Therefore Microsoft should integrate Sidebar into Windows.
  • Make a Gadget-overlay, so if you press a defined shortcut, an overlay will fade in showing the users’ gadgets.
  • Move windows, even if they are parent to a dialogue etc.

Security

  • Disable UAC as standard, but make an option to enable it for parents on the child’s account etc.
  • Run low-level processes (like viruses) in a closed sandbox, to prevent them destroy the partition/Windows 7 installation.

Performance

  • Improve Sidebar’s performance. Sidebar does currently take up a lot of memory, and decreases the computers’ startup time.
  • Computers which supports Vista should be able to run Windows 7 too. Don’t face the same problems as Windows XP vs. Windows Vista.
  • Improved boot- and startup-time. Should’t take 2-10 minutes from you start your computer, until you are able to use it.
  • Fewer restarts. For example when you have installed a program.
  • Better scheduling of updates. Maybe, Microsoft releases 2-3 or more updates every day, and you computer will download then and want’s to restart the computer to instal them. Schedule low priority updates to e.g. every Friday. High-priority (security leaks etc.) should be installed imideatly, but without interaction of the user.

Bundled software

  • Improve font manager. Allow the user to install the font from the font viewer window (when you doubleclick a font).

Other

  • MAXIMUM 4 packages. Vista’s Home Basic, Home Premium, Enterprise, Business, Ultimate etc. is TOO much.
  • Junction Points. Would be very nice.

Ideas? Please post a comment with your ideas and wishes!