user concerns

Winsage
July 22, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out new telemetry features in the latest preview builds of Windows 11 to monitor system performance and address user concerns about responsiveness. This advanced telemetry will automatically detect performance issues and log them in the %systemRoot%TempDiagOutputDirWhesvc folder, facilitating user feedback through the Feedback Hub. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 will include this feature, alongside a revamped resource management system aimed at improving responsiveness compared to Windows 10. However, users have reported ongoing performance challenges, including gaming issues and general sluggishness. Additionally, Microsoft claimed that Windows 11 is more than twice as fast as Windows 10, based on comparisons using different hardware configurations, which has drawn scrutiny.
Winsage
July 17, 2025
User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.
Winsage
July 10, 2025
Microsoft has implemented its monthly Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The updates for Windows 10 focus on security enhancements, while Windows 11 includes various fixes, notably resolving an issue with the Windows Firewall linked to the June 2025 non-security preview update (KB5060829). This issue caused the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to log an error event (Event 2042: Config Read Failed) upon device restarts, but it did not indicate a malfunction. Microsoft advised IT administrators to disregard the error or filter it out from the Event Viewer. The latest update for Windows 11 version 24H2 (KB5062553) has resolved the Windows Firewall issue, and users are encouraged to install the updates to eliminate the erroneous log.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Windows 11, approaching its fourth anniversary, has received mixed feedback from users, particularly regarding its limited customization options for the Start menu and taskbar. A recent beta update introduced a battery icon on the lock screen, which displays the remaining battery percentage and changes color. This feature was not included at launch, leading to user concerns that updates should focus on adding new features rather than fixing omissions.
Winsage
June 24, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is offering a one-year subscription to Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee. Users can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for an ESU. The ESU will provide essential bug fixes, security updates, and technical support until October 13, 2026. Microsoft will continue to deliver security updates for MS 365 applications and Windows Defender until October 2028. Enrollment in the ESU program can be done through notifications and the Windows Settings menu, with a rollout to the general public starting in July and reaching widespread availability by mid-August. Windows 11, released in 2021, has received positive feedback and aims to address user concerns regarding usability and aesthetics.
AppWizard
June 17, 2025
On June 10, the Russian State Duma approved the establishment of a national messenger to be pre-installed on all newly sold smart devices starting September 1. This app will include a digital ID system and aims to streamline access to government services, identity verification, contract signing, and banking transactions. The initiative is inspired by China's WeChat but raises concerns about surveillance and data storage by the Russian government. The specific application for the national messenger has not yet been finalized, with Max, developed by VKontakte, being a leading candidate. Legal expert Sarkis Darbinyan doubts that Max will attract WhatsApp's user base and predicts it will be limited to domestic use without end-to-end encryption. Despite these issues, State Duma IT Committee head Sergei Boyarsky believes that existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will continue to operate if they comply with Russian laws.
Winsage
June 2, 2025
Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band update, KB5062170, to address issues from the May 13, 2025 Windows security update (KB5058405), which failed to install on some Windows 11 devices, showing error code 0xc0000098. The new update fixes an issue with the ACPI.sys driver and is available via the Update Catalog. It primarily impacts enterprise environments, particularly virtual setups like Azure Virtual Machines and Azure Virtual Desktop, while home users are less affected. KB5062170 includes all enhancements from the May 2025 non-security preview update and supersedes prior updates, requiring a device restart after installation.
Winsage
April 21, 2025
Users have expressed frustration with the restrictive Start menu in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, prompting some to seek third-party solutions. A newly discovered Start menu design is larger, allows immediate access to the full list of applications, and offers the option to remove the Recommended section. Microsoft's inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool is seen as a step forward, but it lacks features compared to Apple’s iMovie and operates as a web-based application. Widgets in Windows 11 are not well-received due to their isolated interface, and integrating them onto the desktop could improve accessibility. The gaming experience on Windows remains subpar, particularly in navigation with a gamepad, and Windows Search directs users to Bing and Edge, limiting browser choices. The initial setup process for Windows 11 is cumbersome, with numerous prompts for Microsoft services, leading to a frustrating experience.
Winsage
April 15, 2025
The April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment update, identified as KB5057589, has caused confusion among Windows 10 users due to an error message (0x80070643 – ERRORINSTALLFAILURE) encountered during installation. Microsoft clarified that this error is a nuisance and does not affect the update or device functionality. The update enhances recovery features for devices facing booting issues and is delivered through Windows Update. Users may see the error if the update is installed while another update is pending a reboot, but the update typically installs successfully after a restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution to address user concerns.
Search