dissatisfaction Archives

Winsage

July 12, 2026

This unofficial PowerShell script for improving Windows 11 gets a useful driver feature

This weekend, discussions emerged reflecting user frustration with Windows 11 and Microsoft products, particularly regarding updates. A recent cumulative update introduced a customizable Start menu but also fixed a bug that was consuming users' storage. Microsoft has mandated that users cannot ignore these updates, contributing to dissatisfaction. Many users are opting for third-party applications like Files and Win11Debloat as alternatives to the native Explorer app. The latest version of Win11Debloat, released on July 11, 2026, includes features to prevent automatic installation of unwanted OEM apps with drivers, a reboot warning for certain functions, and various fixes and enhancements. Notable additions include support for WhatIf in Get.ps1, disabling Windows Notifications, and improvements in handling registry-backup load failures. The app is available on its official GitHub repository or through the Neowin software stories page.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

No, Windows did not fall below 60% market share or lose 15 points to Linux

StatCounter reported a decline in Windows' market share from approximately 79% in April 2026 to 56.55% by June 2026, indicating a drop of 22.45 percentage points. However, this figure was later corrected to 72%, with expectations of a rebound towards 78%. A significant portion of the market was classified as "Unknown," representing 21.45%, likely due to misclassification of devices. StatCounter has faced previous inaccuracies, including a misreported resurgence of Windows 7 and a drop in Google's market share. The company tracks web usage through data from over 1.5 million websites, but acknowledges that its figures are estimates and can be distorted by various factors. Microsoft confirmed that Windows is installed on approximately 1.6 billion devices.

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Ubisoft tells Black Flag microtransaction critics that they control the DLC they buy

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has received a mixed reception on Steam, initially categorized as Mixed but later achieving a Mostly Positive rating. The game features numerous microtransactions, including outfits, weapons, and a map-reveal pack, leading to criticism from fans and reviewers regarding Ubisoft's monetization strategy. Reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the game's push for additional purchases, despite assurances that downloadable content (DLC) is not necessary to complete the game. One reviewer noted that navigating to the store page can be frustrating due to a design choice that redirects players to the store when attempting to pause and unpause the game.

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Google Earth Pro is headed for the graveyard, and fans aren’t happy about it

Google Earth Pro will no longer be available as a desktop application starting June 25, 2027, as Google encourages users to transition to web and mobile versions. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the web version's limitations compared to the desktop app, particularly regarding data display and vertex restrictions. The desktop app will continue to function for existing users post-deadline, but no updates will be provided. Windows users will retain access, while Mac users may encounter issues due to the discontinuation of support for Rosetta-emulated applications in macOS 28, affecting those with M-series chips.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 10 lives on while Sony cuts discs and Surface Go hardware ends

Sony has announced the cessation of physical media production and revoked access to previously purchased movies. Microsoft is extending support for Windows 10 and has not finalized a disc-to-digital program for Xbox, which could allow the conversion of physical discs into digital licenses. The Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go have been retired. The Dell XPS 13 and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 are currently available at significant discounts.

Winsage

July 3, 2026

Microsoft brags Copilot key has main character energy on Windows 11, but you can soon remap it

Microsoft promoted the Copilot key on social media, branding it as a button with “main character energy,” despite acknowledging that it has negatively impacted productivity for some users. The company plans to allow remapping of the key in an upcoming Windows 11 update. User reactions to the promotion were largely critical, with many expressing dissatisfaction and calling for the removal of the Copilot key. Microsoft had previously admitted that the key caused disruptions in productivity and accessibility workflows. Additionally, only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 users are paying for Copilot, indicating low adoption. Microsoft has distanced its flagship products from the Copilot branding and users have reported preferring alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude over Copilot.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

‘Pure old-school Windows’: Ex-Microsoft engineer shrinks down Notepad to 2.5 kilobytes with ‘no bloat, no telemetry, no nonsense’

A former Microsoft software engineer, Dave Plummer, has launched TinyRetroPad, a minimalist text editing application designed as an alternative to the increasingly complex Notepad. TinyRetroPad is a fork of Tiny Editor, which was based on Plummer's earlier project, HelloAssembly. The application aims to provide a simple and efficient user experience, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions, by utilizing existing Windows components to maintain a small footprint. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with Notepad's growing complexity, prompting a search for lightweight alternatives. TinyRetroPad offers a compact interface without unnecessary features or telemetry.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Critics on Microsoft extending Windows 10 support for free through 2027: “Are they admitting Windows 11 isn’t good enough 5 years later?”

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, affecting nearly 400 million PCs. In response to user concerns, Microsoft extended the operating system's life through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued access to essential patches until October 14, 2027, at no cost for users with a Microsoft account. Critics, including The Restart Project, expressed skepticism about this extension, viewing it as a temporary fix. Protests occurred in France against Microsoft's planned obsolescence strategy. Some users are considering alternatives like Linux due to hardware limitations and dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Recent surveys indicate that about 30% of HP PCs still run Windows 10, suggesting a gradual transition to Windows 11, which became the dominant desktop OS in July 2025.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Windows 10 support extended to 2027 for free — Is this Microsoft admitting Windows 11 isn’t enough?

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, prompting concerns among users. In response, the company extended support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued access to essential patches until October 14, 2027, at no cost for users with a Microsoft account. The Restart Project criticized this late intervention, while users expressed mixed reactions, with some considering a switch to Linux due to rising hardware costs and dissatisfaction with Windows 11. A recent HP survey indicated that 30% of HP PCs were still running Windows 10, down from 50% in September 2025. Microsoft's decision to extend support for Windows 10 has raised questions about the adequacy of Windows 11, which surpassed Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system globally in July 2025.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

A user reflects on their decade-old PC, which still functions for web browsing and media streaming, but faces a dilemma with the end-of-life for Windows 10 in October. They express dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks features and customization options. Recognizing that staying with Windows 10 post-support is not a long-term solution, the user discovers Linux Mint, which meets their needs and allows for greater customization. The transition to Linux Mint is smooth, and the user appreciates the supportive community and the adaptability of the new operating system.