Retired Microsoft Windows engineer, Dave Plummer, recently shared a thought-provoking video on his YouTube channel, addressing the growing discontent surrounding Windows 11. With a unique perspective shaped by his decade-long tenure at Microsoft, Plummer articulates the sentiments of long-time users who feel increasingly alienated by the latest operating system. He argues that the decline in user satisfaction is not due to a sudden deterioration in quality, but rather a gradual shift away from the needs and preferences of its most dedicated users.
Why are loyal Windows users hating Windows 11?
One of the primary grievances against Windows 11 stems from Microsoft’s aggressive push to integrate its own products into the user experience. This strategy raises questions about why the company continues to irritate its loyal user base despite the backlash. According to Plummer, Microsoft spent nearly two decades refining Windows to cater to a broad audience, prioritizing ease of use for less technical users in a bid to expand its market share.
- During the Ballmer era, the mantra was “developers, developers,” emphasizing the need for a robust app ecosystem.
- Today, however, the focus has shifted to “power users,” who play a crucial role in influencing others’ perceptions of the platform.
Windows lacks the allure of macOS and the openness of Linux, leaving power users feeling undervalued and prompting some to consider alternatives. While loyalists may have learned to navigate these changes, the question remains: how did Microsoft manage to alienate novice users?
It all started with Windows 10
The transition began with Windows 10, which adopted a “Windows as a service” model, allowing for continuous updates rather than one-time purchases. This shift was partly a response to competitors like Apple, which began offering free upgrades to macOS, and Linux, which had long been available at no cost. As Satya Nadella took the reins in 2014, Microsoft recognized the need to adapt its revenue model.
To unify users on Windows 10, Microsoft offered free upgrades from Windows 7, which had been met with widespread dissatisfaction. This strategy aimed to create a collective user base that could be monetized through cloud services and subscriptions, such as Office 365 and OneDrive. Consequently, Windows 10 became a data-gathering tool, collecting telemetry to enhance user experience, albeit at the cost of privacy concerns.
Windows 11 is now a sales channel for other Microsoft products
With the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft positioned the OS as a gateway to its extensive ecosystem, which includes Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and Azure. Despite a reported 3% increase in Windows and Devices revenue in FY 2025 Q2, the operating system has evolved into a platform that often prioritizes promoting Microsoft products over user experience.
Every interaction within Windows 11 seems to nudge users toward Microsoft services. For instance, the Start menu features recommended Microsoft 365 apps, and the Settings menu frequently reminds users to sign up for OneDrive. As Plummer aptly puts it, “When the OS suggests, hey, maybe you should switch browsers after you explicitly chose another one, that’s not onboarding. That’s just disrespect.”
Why Microsoft keeps pushing you toward its own stuff
Despite the negative feedback, Microsoft appears undeterred in its approach. Plummer notes that the company’s structure, with numerous product managers focused on individual goals, often leads to a lack of cohesion in user experience. Each product manager seeks to promote their offerings, resulting in an overwhelming presence of Microsoft products within the OS.
While advertising its products is within Microsoft’s rights, the execution often feels intrusive. Plummer observes, “A billion-user platform should teach new capabilities. But I think we’ve crossed the line over to where the operating system feels like a sales channel for all their other properties.”
What Dave Plummer thinks Microsoft needs to fix
Plummer advocates for a genuine “Pro Mode” within Windows, one that caters specifically to power users rather than merely offering a superficial theme. He envisions a system-wide switch that would disable unnecessary features and consolidate settings into a single, authoritative source. Additionally, he proposes the introduction of a “privacy ledger” to transparently track telemetry data and its purposes.
Other suggestions include presenting users with options for Microsoft and local accounts during setup, providing clear information about updates, and ensuring a swift rollback process in case of installation failures. Plummer emphasizes the importance of separating kernel and user modes to enhance system security and performance.
Can Microsoft fix Windows 11?
As Microsoft navigates the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the stakes are high, particularly with increasing competition from budget alternatives. While the foundation of Windows remains robust, with a mature kernel and unmatched compatibility, the user interface continues to disappoint. Plummer encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “So, does Windows suck? Only when it forgets who it’s working for.”
Ultimately, for Microsoft to regain the trust of power users and the broader community, it must refine the Windows experience, making it not only functional but also desirable. Only then can users feel empowered to choose Windows as their operating system of choice.
