This is important. This is the only reason why Windows still exists. If it would stop running old software there wouldn’t be any reason to stay on Windows. Because Linux/Wine in many cases can already do it.

I guess that’s exactly why I’m asking. Linux doesn’t have the same bloat. So why couldn’t Microsoft maintain compatibility with the old software via their old operating systems (and continued security updates), but streamline their new operating systems which clearly have specific hardware requirements. Wouldn’t that make them more competitive with respect to Linux?