The creator of Task Manager explains why people hate Windows 11, and how Microsoft can fix it

In a recent discussion that has sparked considerable interest among tech enthusiasts, Dave Plummer, the architect behind the widely-used Task Manager, shared his insights on the current state of Windows 11. His observations resonate with many users who feel that the operating system has strayed from its original purpose, becoming more of a platform for advertisements than a tool for productivity.

Dave Plummer discusses why Windows 11 “sucks” right now

Plummer’s candid critique, highlighted in a recent YouTube video, addresses the frustrations of power users who find themselves hindered by what he describes as “mitten mode.” This feature, designed to ease the transition for newcomers, inadvertently restricts experienced users from fully utilizing the system’s capabilities. He proposes the introduction of a “Windows Expert” mode, which would grant users greater control over their experience.

Among his suggestions, Plummer advocates for the elimination of unsolicited Microsoft app recommendations, a reformed Windows Search function that prioritizes local results, and the consolidation of settings into a single, user-friendly interface. Additionally, he calls for Windows Terminal to be established as the default console, along with the integration of Winget for package management.

However, Plummer’s vision extends beyond mere cosmetic changes. He emphasizes the need for enhanced privacy features, greater transparency regarding telemetry data, and a halt to automatic updates that occur without user consent. His insights reflect a growing concern that Windows 11 has transitioned into a vehicle for promoting Microsoft’s broader ecosystem, rather than serving its users effectively.

…I think we’ve crossed the line over to where the operating system feels like a sales channel for all their other properties. And that’s corrosive in a way that telemetry never will be. When the OS suggests, hey, maybe you should switch browsers after you explicitly chose another one, that’s not onboarding. That’s just disrespect. When the Start Menu shows sponsored apps, you put a price on my attention on my machine. And the fix here is both easy and hard. Easy because it’s just a switch in pro mode that zeros the entire suggestion pipeline. And it’s hard because it’s going to take somebody with cojones to tell a few internal dashboards to go paddle down a different river. But it’s worth it. Trust is more valuable than any click-through metric.

Plummer’s reflections resonate with a growing sentiment among users who feel that the essence of Windows has been compromised. As the operating system increasingly resembles a marketplace for Microsoft’s offerings, many are left questioning the value of their user experience. The call for a more user-centric approach echoes loudly, suggesting that perhaps it is time for Microsoft to reconsider its priorities in the realm of operating systems.