Dave Plummer Archives

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Windows Task Manager Creator Dave Plummer Calls for Halt to New Windows 11 AI Features for Better Stability

Dave Plummer, the creator of the Windows Task Manager and Pinball game, has expressed concerns about Windows 11, criticizing Microsoft's focus on integrating new artificial intelligence features at the expense of system stability. He argues that stable releases should prioritize fixing critical bugs over adding new functionalities. Plummer references the period around Windows XP Service Pack 2, when Microsoft halted new feature introductions to enhance security and stability in response to major security threats. He advocates for a similar approach for Windows 11, urging Microsoft to pause feature additions until the system is stabilized and existing issues are resolved. Plummer emphasizes the need for Microsoft to focus on improving user experience by prioritizing fixes over new features, particularly for power users.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Ex-Microsoft engineer says ‘Windows sucks’ and explains how it could be fixed

A former Microsoft engineer, Dave Plummer, has criticized the Windows operating system for lacking in key areas, particularly following Microsoft's discontinuation of support for Windows 10, which leaves millions of users vulnerable to malware and cyber threats. Many Windows 10 users remain unprotected, risking their personal data. Microsoft has introduced payment options for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, but many users have not taken action to safeguard their systems. Approximately 500 million computers eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 are still on Windows 10, with Windows 11 holding a market share of 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Plummer advocates for a "hardcore mode" for advanced users and greater transparency regarding data collection. He criticizes Microsoft's aggressive marketing strategies within Windows, which he believes undermine user autonomy. Despite his critiques, he acknowledges the strengths of Windows, including its mature core engine and file management capabilities.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Ex-engineer blasts Microsoft – argues it must fix Windows 11 ‘until it doesn’t suck’, never mind about AI

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft software engineer, has expressed concerns about Windows 11's direction, advocating for a focus on stabilizing and enhancing performance rather than adding new features, particularly AI-related ones. He compares the current situation to the response to the Blaster worm in 2003, when Microsoft halted feature development to address security vulnerabilities and bugs. Plummer believes Microsoft should prioritize improving Windows 11's performance and usability for power users before introducing new features. He notes that the current emphasis on AI capabilities may detract from addressing core functionalities and that shareholder value seems prioritized over user experience. There is a call for Microsoft to refine Windows 11's underlying code and resolve performance issues, although the feasibility of pausing feature development for an entire release cycle is questioned.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Win 11 needs an XP SP2 moment, says ex-Microsoft engineer

The Windows operating system is currently criticized for prioritizing artificial intelligence features over user satisfaction. Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer, who contributed to Windows XP, suggests that Microsoft should reflect on its approach, recalling a pivotal moment in 2003 when the company focused solely on improving security after the Blaster worm incident. Plummer argues that this focus on fixing existing issues rather than adding new features led to a more stable operating system. He believes that Windows 11 should similarly prioritize stability and performance over new features, recommending that Microsoft dedicate one release cycle exclusively to these improvements. Recent comments from Windows chief Pavan Davuluri and AI chief Mustafa Suleyman indicate that there has been negative feedback from users regarding AI integration.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Why Windows sucks and how to fix it, according to a former Microsoft engineer

Former Microsoft developer Dave Plummer criticized Windows for prioritizing marketing over user experience, stating that it has become a convoluted platform filled with advertisements. He suggested introducing a "Professional" mode for power users to streamline their experience, similar to Adobe Photoshop Elements. Plummer expressed concerns about Windows' reliance on telemetry, advocating for a "privacy ledger" to enhance user trust. He also highlighted the diminishing choice between Microsoft and local accounts, arguing for a clearer option screen. Plummer noted that Windows often promotes Microsoft products at the expense of user autonomy, transforming the OS into a sales platform. Additionally, he mentioned skepticism towards Microsoft's vision of an "agentic OS," with many users desiring a return to the simplicity of Windows 7.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

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

Dave Plummer critiques Windows 11, stating it has become more of an advertisement platform than a productivity tool. He suggests implementing a "Windows Expert" mode to disable unsolicited app recommendations, unify Settings and Control Panel, and set Windows Terminal as the default console with Winget for package management. Plummer emphasizes the need for improved privacy features, transparency in telemetry data, and stopping forced updates without user consent. He believes the operating system's current state undermines user trust, as it often promotes Microsoft's products rather than serving users effectively.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Task Manager creator says Windows 11 has turned into a sales channel for all products

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft Windows engineer, shared a video discussing the dissatisfaction with Windows 11 among long-time users. He attributes this discontent to Microsoft's focus on integrating its own products into the user experience, which alienates loyal users. The shift began with Windows 10, which adopted a "Windows as a service" model and aimed to create a unified user base for monetization through cloud services. Windows 11 has further evolved into a platform that promotes Microsoft products over user experience, leading to intrusive advertising within the OS. Plummer suggests improvements, including a genuine "Pro Mode" for power users, a "privacy ledger" for telemetry transparency, and better options during setup. He emphasizes the need for Microsoft to refine the Windows experience to regain user trust.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

“Windows doesn’t really suck” — ex‑Microsoft engineer calls for a ‘Pro Mode’ to cut the clutter

Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 10, pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11 or use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Critics view the ESU as a temporary solution. Windows 11 is reported to be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10, but many users are hesitant to switch due to strict hardware requirements and design issues. Approximately 400 million Windows PCs are now unsupported, raising concerns about increased electronic waste. User dissatisfaction with Windows 11 includes issues with AI integration, the Start menu, mandatory Microsoft Account usage, default browser settings, inability to remove CoPilot, frequent ads, and resource-heavy background processes. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer suggested a professional mode for advanced users, proposing features like centralized settings, a default Windows terminal, transparency in telemetry, a predictable update schedule, and a paid professional mode to reduce upselling. Plummer emphasized that current frustrations stem from the user experience being compromised by aggressive marketing tactics.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Former Microsoft engineer explains why Windows ‘sucks’ now

Retired Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer proposes the introduction of a hardcore mode for Windows to eliminate unnecessary features aimed at less technical users. He emphasizes the need for a system-wide setting that makes the OS more deterministic and less chatty, advocating for centralized settings management to avoid users having to search extensively for configurations. Plummer calls for greater transparency in telemetry, suggesting that users should have clear documentation of data sent on their behalf and the ability to mute specific telemetry categories. He critiques the update process for causing unexpected changes and suggests implementing automatic rollbacks after health checks. Plummer expresses concern about Microsoft's focus on integrating AI capabilities into Windows, fearing it detracts from user education and turns the OS into a sales channel. He also criticizes Windows for recommending Edge after a user selects a different browser and for displaying sponsored applications in the Start Menu. Despite his criticisms, he acknowledges the strengths of Windows, including its kernel, storage stack, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Plummer's discontent stems from the additional features that detract from the user experience.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Microsoft Task Manager bug spawns new processes

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update (KB5067036) has caused a glitch resulting in multiple instances of Task Manager being spawned, consuming system resources. Users experience this issue when they close and reopen Task Manager, leading to an increasing number of active processes. The cause of the glitch is unclear, but it may relate to a fix intended to improve Task Manager's functionality. Microsoft has not acknowledged this issue, stating they are unaware of any problems with the update. Dave Plummer, the original architect of Task Manager, commented on the situation humorously, noting the persistence of older code. It is unlikely that Microsoft will release an immediate fix as the issue affects only a subset of users.