I have a fondness for Windows, and I believe that the latest iteration, Windows 11, stands as the most refined version yet. However, as a pragmatic user, I find certain features somewhat perplexing—either they should not have been included initially or were hastily added later. While enhancements like an upgraded Task Manager, seamless phone integration, and tabbed browsing in File Explorer are commendable, other features appear more as promotional tools for Microsoft products, complicating the process of changing default applications and hindering workflow. Below, I outline some features that may not be necessary and provide guidance on how to disable them or implement workarounds when available.
Start Menu Placement
Move it Back to the Left
Upon launching Windows 11, users are immediately greeted by the newly centered Start menu on the taskbar, a departure from its traditional left-aligned position. This change can be jarring, as muscle memory drives users to instinctively click in the corner. Fortunately, there is a remedy: navigate to Settings > System > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and adjust the dropdown to revert the Start menu to its left position.
Taskbar Search
Search Your System from One Location
Microsoft seemingly deemed the taskbar search box from Windows 10 a success, as it reappears in Windows 11. However, it occupies valuable space on the taskbar for a function that many users may not require. Instead of relying on this feature, simply press the Windows key and type your query. If the taskbar search distracts you, it can be disabled by heading to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Search and selecting Hide.
Widgets Board
One of the More Irksome Features
The Widgets board, occupying the lower left corner where the Start menu once resided, is another contentious addition. Its default behavior is to open upon hovering, displaying news, weather, and ads, which can disrupt productivity. To prevent it from launching unintentionally, you can toggle off the Widgets feature by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
A Static Taskbar
You Can’t Move It at Will
Unlike previous versions, Windows 11 restricts taskbar movement to either the center or left. Users seeking more flexibility will need to resort to third-party applications like Stardock’s Start11 or delve into Registry modifications, the latter of which can be complex and risky. For those looking for enhanced customization, Start11 offers an affordable solution.
Desktop Notifications
Too Many Distractions from the System and Software
Windows 11’s out-of-the-box experience is marred by an overwhelming number of desktop notifications. While some notifications can be beneficial, the sheer volume from various apps can lead to distraction. Users can manage these notifications by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications, where they can customize which notifications to receive or enable the do-not-disturb mode for focused work sessions.
Copilot
AI Should Be Optional
The integration of AI, particularly Microsoft’s Copilot, is pervasive in Windows 11. While it may offer assistance, its prominence across the desktop and applications can feel intrusive. Currently, users can opt to minimize its presence, but the future of this option remains uncertain. Ideally, such features should be optional installations.
Truncated Context Menu
You Have to Click Twice for More Options
The right-click context menu in Windows 11 has been streamlined, requiring users to click Show more options or use Shift+F10 for additional functionalities. While simplification can be beneficial, reducing options and adding extra steps is not ideal. Users who prefer the traditional context menu may explore Registry edits to restore it, albeit with caution and proper backups.
Change Default Windows Apps
Changing Them is More Complicated Than It Needs to Be
Upon installation, Windows 11 defaults to its own applications for various file types, a practice reminiscent of macOS. However, altering these defaults is cumbersome, as users must change the settings for each file type individually. This complexity can lead to frustration, especially when trying to set preferred applications like photo viewers or web browsers.
Some Features Shouldn’t Be Included in Windows 11
Despite the advancements in Windows 11, certain features feel unnecessary and detract from user experience. Thankfully, many of these can be modified or disabled through system settings, though it raises the question of why they were included in the first place. As with previous iterations, Windows 11 will continue to evolve through major annual updates and monthly improvements, prompting some users to delay updates until they are more stable.