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Dave Plummer

Ex-engineer blasts Microsoft – argues it must fix Windows 11 'until it doesn't suck', never mind about AI
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.
Win 11 needs an XP SP2 moment, says ex-Microsoft engineer
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.
The creator of Task Manager explains why people hate Windows 11, and how Microsoft can fix it
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.
Task Manager creator says Windows 11 has turned into a sales channel for all products
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.
Former Microsoft engineer explains why Windows 'sucks' now
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.
Microsoft Task Manager bug spawns new processes
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.
In '90s Microsoft, you either shipped code or shipped out
Winsage
October 20, 2025

In ’90s Microsoft, you either shipped code or shipped out

Former engineer Dave Plummer reflects on Microsoft's past, particularly the 1990s and the stack ranking system. He describes the hiring process as selective and rigorous, with some individuals securing positions despite lacking strong coding skills. Those who didn't fit the traditional developer mold could transition to program management roles, which were better suited to their strengths. Microsoft implemented a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) for employees misaligned with their roles, requiring them to improve their performance within a set timeframe or face termination. Plummer notes that while PIP could help some employees, it also highlighted the complexities of performance management. He criticizes the stack ranking system, which evaluated staff using a bell curve, creating a competitive and cutthroat environment. Microsoft abandoned stack ranking in 2013, a decision linked to a period of internal strife and low morale. Plummer likens the evaluation meetings to a survival spectacle, comparing it to "The Bachelor," where managers chose which employees to retain.
Space Cadet 3D Pinball Had A Glitch That Ran It At An Absurdly High Frame Rate
Winsage
September 11, 2025

Space Cadet 3D Pinball Had A Glitch That Ran It At An Absurdly High Frame Rate

In the mid-1990s, Full Tilt! Pinball featured Space Cadet 3D, a popular game that recently gained attention due to a bug revealed by former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer. While porting Space Cadet from Windows 95 to Windows NT, Plummer created a new game engine that inadvertently allowed the game to run at up to 5,000 frames per second on modern machines, instead of the intended 60 to 90 frames per second. This issue was later resolved by another engineer, Raymond Chen, who added a frame rate limiter to cap the game at 100 frames per second. A version of Space Cadet 3D Pinball is currently available on the App Store.
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