On Windows 7 it was still possible to have the Win 2000-esque UI. I think it was an option between the classic UI or the fancy UI with gradient buttons and translucency and slowness.
replyI don't understand why they couldn't have kept that option. The Windows UI is currently the least customizable I've ever seen and I started using Windows with 2.1.
replySomehow they seemingly had to rewrite everything in React or Javascript (citation needed...), but then they ran out of time and budget to reimplement all the functionality.
replyFor a long time some settings on Windows 10 could be found partially on old style control panel windows, and partially the flat look "minimalist webpage" settings app...