Microsoft’s AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently expressed amusement on X regarding perceptions of today’s AI as “underwhelming.” Reflecting on his childhood memories of playing Snake on a Nokia phone, he emphasized that engaging in fluent conversations with “super smart AI” should indeed be a remarkable experience. However, the responses to his post reveal a different sentiment; users are not sharing in his laughter. Instead, they voice frustration over Microsoft’s aggressive integration of AI into every facet of Windows 11. While users appreciate AI when it effectively addresses their needs, they are less enthusiastic when it becomes a source of annoyance.
All the AI Microsoft has crammed into Windows 11 so far
Despite the discontent surrounding Microsoft’s AI initiatives, Windows 11 is equipped with a growing array of AI features. At the forefront is Copilot, which operates on models akin to ChatGPT. Recently, Microsoft began rolling out GPT 5.1 to enhance Copilot’s capabilities.
Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision are the basics
Microsoft has invested considerable effort into developing Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, both of which I have found to be surprisingly effective. Copilot Voice, activated by the phrase “Hey Copilot,” often performs better and faster than similar features on my phone. I typically use it for simple queries, such as checking the time in London or converting currencies. Its automatic shut-off feature after a few seconds of inactivity keeps the interaction seamless and non-intrusive.
Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a “Bye” command, allowing users to deactivate Copilot Voice with ease. Copilot Vision, which provides contextual guidance based on what is displayed on the screen, has potential, but its sluggishness often makes it less efficient than simply asking the regular Copilot. Moreover, it can occasionally misinterpret UI elements, leading to errors in guidance.
Microsoft’s broader vision involves transforming Windows into an “agentic OS,” with Copilot Actions paving the way. Initially launched in the Microsoft Edge browser, these actions enable users to interact directly with websites, allowing Copilot to perform tasks like filling out forms and making reservations. Microsoft Edge is now branded as an AI browser, with Suleyman dubbing it “the first AI browser in the enterprise.” Its agent mode facilitates multi-step workflows on approved sites, summarizing daily tasks and analyzing multiple tabs simultaneously. Users must enable Copilot Mode in Edge to access these features.
Among the useful AI features in Edge are YouTube summarization and video translation, both of which I have utilized for research purposes. However, many users seem to prefer a more traditional browsing experience, leading to perceptions that these features are intrusive.
In a bid to reshape user behavior, Microsoft has introduced the Ask Copilot experience in the taskbar, aiming to transform it into an AI hub. This feature is designed to replace Windows Search, with Copilot Actions allowing AI agents to complete tasks on users’ behalf. The “Experimental Agentic Features” in Windows 11 represent Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to usher in agentic computing, despite the company acknowledging that these features may exhibit hallucinations and pose safety risks.
As Microsoft continues to test these features, including a File Explorer integration that permits AI apps to access local files, the overarching goal is to position Windows as a “canvas for AI,” where agents, rather than mere applications, manage user data and perform tasks autonomously.
AI everywhere, even where it makes no sense
The push for AI is not confined to the Windows OS; it has permeated all Microsoft applications. One of the more perplexing integrations is in Notepad, which now features Copilot capabilities for rephrasing and editing text, arguably undermining the app’s original purpose as a straightforward note-taking tool. The Windows 11 File Explorer, criticized for its slow performance, also incorporates AI features, such as background blurring and object erasure, which rely on the Photos app’s AI models.
In addition, File Explorer can summarize documents and extract key points when connected with Copilot and Microsoft 365. While these functionalities may offer utility, they come at the expense of an already sluggish File Explorer experience.
AI is also present in the Bing Wallpaper app, which opens a browser window to display search results related to desktop images, a feature that many users find unnecessary. Conversely, the visual intelligence capabilities paired with the Snipping Tool have proven to be quite effective, comparable to Google Lens for Windows.
Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, have all integrated Copilot functionalities. These tools can summarize lengthy email threads, draft responses, generate presentations, and extract context from OneDrive files, streamlining workflows for users. However, concerns about organizational safety linger, as Microsoft encourages enterprise customers to adopt these features.
OneNote has introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot Notebooks, a tool designed to consolidate various resources for tasks and projects into a single workspace. This feature holds significant potential for users seeking to enhance their productivity and organization.
Even the Windows Settings app has embraced AI, utilizing a lightweight language model to assist users in navigating system settings. The Microsoft Store now features AI-generated review summaries, providing concise feedback on applications without the need to sift through extensive user comments.
Among the most practical applications of AI is in the Photos app, where tools for object erasure and background removal are frequently utilized for work-related tasks. Overall, while many of these tools exhibit genuine utility, they are often overshadowed by Microsoft’s communication challenges, which contribute to user dissatisfaction.
Why do so many people think AI in Windows 11 is underwhelming?
Mustafa Suleyman may be perplexed by the lack of appreciation for Microsoft’s AI initiatives, but user feedback clearly indicates a desire for more thoughtful integration. One user succinctly articulated this sentiment, stating, “The problem is you’re injecting a solution into a ‘problem’ that doesn’t exist. You keep inserting AI into anything. People do NOT want that.” The prevailing view is not that the technology is inadequate; rather, it is the pervasive and often unwelcome presence of AI throughout Windows that frustrates users.
AI, in its current state, is extremely intrusive
Tech giants have heavily invested in AI, making it challenging for them to scale back their efforts. Consequently, they are compelled to encourage widespread AI usage among everyday users to justify their investments. The most effective AI tools are those that operate seamlessly in the background, delivering results without the accompanying marketing hype. Unfortunately, the more Microsoft emphasizes “Copilot,” the more backlash they face, even if the technology evolves to become more beneficial.
Social media reactions to Microsoft’s posts about Copilot often reflect skepticism and derision. As the company tests its ambitious AI agents within Windows, the prospect of user acceptance remains uncertain.
AI overload creates privacy & trust issues
Microsoft’s Recall feature, initially perceived as beneficial, faced significant backlash, prompting the company to retract it and postpone its rollout. Despite assurances that the feature operates locally within the OS without relying on the cloud, user skepticism persists due to the prevailing narrative surrounding AI privacy concerns. This distrust was further exacerbated when Microsoft acknowledged that AI agents in Windows 11 could hallucinate, misbehave, and fall victim to new types of attacks.
Reports have highlighted vulnerabilities associated with Experimental Agentic features, revealing that these agents can be manipulated into compromising sensitive data or behaving unpredictably. The notion that a company advocating for AI agents within user file systems also admits to their potential for confusion raises significant trust issues. Users already harbor doubts about Windows 11’s handling of basic telemetry; now, they are being asked to trust autonomous agents with access to their personal files.
Ultimately, users perceive AI in Windows not as underwhelming due to technological limitations, but rather because it generates stress and uncertainty, creating the impression that the operating system is no longer fully under their control. For Microsoft to foster a more favorable reception of AI within Windows, it must first address the fundamental stability issues plaguing the OS. By ensuring that Windows is fast, stable, and predictable, users may become more receptive to exploring innovative ideas like AI. However, when the foundation feels shaky, adding more layers only prompts users to seek refuge elsewhere.
As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming
Microsoft’s AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, recently expressed amusement on X regarding perceptions of today’s AI as “underwhelming.” Reflecting on his childhood memories of playing Snake on a Nokia phone, he emphasized that engaging in fluent conversations with “super smart AI” should indeed be a remarkable experience. However, the responses to his post reveal a different sentiment; users are not sharing in his laughter. Instead, they voice frustration over Microsoft’s aggressive integration of AI into every facet of Windows 11. While users appreciate AI when it effectively addresses their needs, they are less enthusiastic when it becomes a source of annoyance.
All the AI Microsoft has crammed into Windows 11 so far
Despite the discontent surrounding Microsoft’s AI initiatives, Windows 11 is equipped with a growing array of AI features. At the forefront is Copilot, which operates on models akin to ChatGPT. Recently, Microsoft began rolling out GPT 5.1 to enhance Copilot’s capabilities.
Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision are the basics
Microsoft has invested considerable effort into developing Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, both of which I have found to be surprisingly effective. Copilot Voice, activated by the phrase “Hey Copilot,” often performs better and faster than similar features on my phone. I typically use it for simple queries, such as checking the time in London or converting currencies. Its automatic shut-off feature after a few seconds of inactivity keeps the interaction seamless and non-intrusive.
Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a “Bye” command, allowing users to deactivate Copilot Voice with ease. Copilot Vision, which provides contextual guidance based on what is displayed on the screen, has potential, but its sluggishness often makes it less efficient than simply asking the regular Copilot. Moreover, it can occasionally misinterpret UI elements, leading to errors in guidance.
Microsoft’s broader vision involves transforming Windows into an “agentic OS,” with Copilot Actions paving the way. Initially launched in the Microsoft Edge browser, these actions enable users to interact directly with websites, allowing Copilot to perform tasks like filling out forms and making reservations. Microsoft Edge is now branded as an AI browser, with Suleyman dubbing it “the first AI browser in the enterprise.” Its agent mode facilitates multi-step workflows on approved sites, summarizing daily tasks and analyzing multiple tabs simultaneously. Users must enable Copilot Mode in Edge to access these features.
Among the useful AI features in Edge are YouTube summarization and video translation, both of which I have utilized for research purposes. However, many users seem to prefer a more traditional browsing experience, leading to perceptions that these features are intrusive.
In a bid to reshape user behavior, Microsoft has introduced the Ask Copilot experience in the taskbar, aiming to transform it into an AI hub. This feature is designed to replace Windows Search, with Copilot Actions allowing AI agents to complete tasks on users’ behalf. The “Experimental Agentic Features” in Windows 11 represent Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to usher in agentic computing, despite the company acknowledging that these features may exhibit hallucinations and pose safety risks.
As Microsoft continues to test these features, including a File Explorer integration that permits AI apps to access local files, the overarching goal is to position Windows as a “canvas for AI,” where agents, rather than mere applications, manage user data and perform tasks autonomously.
AI everywhere, even where it makes no sense
The push for AI is not confined to the Windows OS; it has permeated all Microsoft applications. One of the more perplexing integrations is in Notepad, which now features Copilot capabilities for rephrasing and editing text, arguably undermining the app’s original purpose as a straightforward note-taking tool. The Windows 11 File Explorer, criticized for its slow performance, also incorporates AI features, such as background blurring and object erasure, which rely on the Photos app’s AI models.
In addition, File Explorer can summarize documents and extract key points when connected with Copilot and Microsoft 365. While these functionalities may offer utility, they come at the expense of an already sluggish File Explorer experience.
AI is also present in the Bing Wallpaper app, which opens a browser window to display search results related to desktop images, a feature that many users find unnecessary. Conversely, the visual intelligence capabilities paired with the Snipping Tool have proven to be quite effective, comparable to Google Lens for Windows.
Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, have all integrated Copilot functionalities. These tools can summarize lengthy email threads, draft responses, generate presentations, and extract context from OneDrive files, streamlining workflows for users. However, concerns about organizational safety linger, as Microsoft encourages enterprise customers to adopt these features.
OneNote has introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot Notebooks, a tool designed to consolidate various resources for tasks and projects into a single workspace. This feature holds significant potential for users seeking to enhance their productivity and organization.
Even the Windows Settings app has embraced AI, utilizing a lightweight language model to assist users in navigating system settings. The Microsoft Store now features AI-generated review summaries, providing concise feedback on applications without the need to sift through extensive user comments.
Among the most practical applications of AI is in the Photos app, where tools for object erasure and background removal are frequently utilized for work-related tasks. Overall, while many of these tools exhibit genuine utility, they are often overshadowed by Microsoft’s communication challenges, which contribute to user dissatisfaction.
Why do so many people think AI in Windows 11 is underwhelming?
Mustafa Suleyman may be perplexed by the lack of appreciation for Microsoft’s AI initiatives, but user feedback clearly indicates a desire for more thoughtful integration. One user succinctly articulated this sentiment, stating, “The problem is you’re injecting a solution into a ‘problem’ that doesn’t exist. You keep inserting AI into anything. People do NOT want that.” The prevailing view is not that the technology is inadequate; rather, it is the pervasive and often unwelcome presence of AI throughout Windows that frustrates users.
AI, in its current state, is extremely intrusive
Tech giants have heavily invested in AI, making it challenging for them to scale back their efforts. Consequently, they are compelled to encourage widespread AI usage among everyday users to justify their investments. The most effective AI tools are those that operate seamlessly in the background, delivering results without the accompanying marketing hype. Unfortunately, the more Microsoft emphasizes “Copilot,” the more backlash they face, even if the technology evolves to become more beneficial.
Social media reactions to Microsoft’s posts about Copilot often reflect skepticism and derision. As the company tests its ambitious AI agents within Windows, the prospect of user acceptance remains uncertain.
AI overload creates privacy & trust issues
Microsoft’s Recall feature, initially perceived as beneficial, faced significant backlash, prompting the company to retract it and postpone its rollout. Despite assurances that the feature operates locally within the OS without relying on the cloud, user skepticism persists due to the prevailing narrative surrounding AI privacy concerns. This distrust was further exacerbated when Microsoft acknowledged that AI agents in Windows 11 could hallucinate, misbehave, and fall victim to new types of attacks.
Reports have highlighted vulnerabilities associated with Experimental Agentic features, revealing that these agents can be manipulated into compromising sensitive data or behaving unpredictably. The notion that a company advocating for AI agents within user file systems also admits to their potential for confusion raises significant trust issues. Users already harbor doubts about Windows 11’s handling of basic telemetry; now, they are being asked to trust autonomous agents with access to their personal files.
Ultimately, users perceive AI in Windows not as underwhelming due to technological limitations, but rather because it generates stress and uncertainty, creating the impression that the operating system is no longer fully under their control. For Microsoft to foster a more favorable reception of AI within Windows, it must first address the fundamental stability issues plaguing the OS. By ensuring that Windows is fast, stable, and predictable, users may become more receptive to exploring innovative ideas like AI. However, when the foundation feels shaky, adding more layers only prompts users to seek refuge elsewhere.