When Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 in October 2021, it heralded a significant visual overhaul of its operating system. The centered Start menu, revamped Taskbar, and rounded corners presented a modern aesthetic, complemented by productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts and a redesigned Microsoft Store. However, despite its fresh appearance, the initial release was met with criticism due to the absence or reduction of familiar features from Windows 10. Key functionalities such as tabbed File Explorer, extensive Taskbar customization, and advanced settings that redirected users to the Control Panel were notably lacking.
Over the years, Microsoft has diligently worked to address these shortcomings, restoring many requested features and refining the overall user experience. Yet, not all changes have been universally welcomed. While performance improvements and a more polished interface have been achieved, the increased reliance on Microsoft accounts and online services during setup has raised concerns among some users.
Windows 11 First Impressions
The desktop environment serves as a clear indicator of how Windows 11 has evolved. Initially, the operating system’s new visual style was striking, but certain elements felt incomplete. Fast forward five years, and the desktop retains its recognizable layout while exhibiting a greater degree of polish. Incremental enhancements to the Taskbar, Start menu, and system components, alongside the introduction of AI-powered features, have collectively transformed Windows 11 into a more cohesive operating system.
At first glance, the familiar centered Taskbar and rounded corners remain intact, yet the user experience has become significantly more refined. Microsoft has reintroduced features that were absent at launch, added new options, and streamlined everyday tasks for improved efficiency.
Start Menu: From Basic to More Flexible
The Start menu’s redesign was one of the most contentious aspects of Windows 11. The transition from Live Tiles to a simpler launcher focused on pinned apps and recommendations stripped away many customization options that users had come to rely on.
Windows 11 (2021)
The original Start menu prioritized simplicity, featuring a centered layout with pinned apps and recommendations. However, users found themselves unable to resize the menu, hide recommendations, or freely organize its contents, making it feel more like an app launcher than a central hub.
Windows 11 (2026)
Today, the Start menu retains its visual identity but offers significantly more control. Users can now choose from Small, Large, and Automatic size options, enhancing the menu’s flexibility. Improvements in the organization of pinned and recent content, along with additional customization controls, have struck a better balance between simplicity and usability.
Taskbar: It Had to Be Rebuilt
The Taskbar was among the most criticized elements of Windows 11. While its modernized appearance featured centered icons, it also removed several essential features that users found indispensable.
Windows 11 (2021)
The initial version of the Taskbar focused on aesthetics but came with significant compromises. Features like drag-and-drop functionality, app labels, and the ability to position the Taskbar on different edges of the screen were eliminated, disrupting established workflows.
Windows 11 (2026)
In response to user feedback, Microsoft has restored many of the missing capabilities and introduced additional customization options. Drag-and-drop support has returned, app labels are now available, and users can once again reposition the Taskbar. While the visual design remains consistent with the 2021 iteration, practicality and customization have greatly improved.
File Explorer: From Missing Essentials to Modern
File Explorer exemplifies the maturation of Windows 11. Initially, it featured a modern interface but lacked essential productivity tools that users expected.
Windows 11 (2021)
Upon launch, File Explorer showcased a refreshed design with updated icons and a simplified command bar. However, it was largely cosmetic, missing crucial features like tabs and efficient navigation.
Windows 11 (2026)
Five years later, File Explorer has evolved into a robust tool with the addition of tabs, a Gallery feature, enhanced cloud integration, and improved thumbnail previews. Users can now navigate more efficiently, with a noticeable increase in responsiveness during everyday tasks.
Settings: The Long Transition
The Settings app has undergone a gradual modernization process since the launch of Windows 11. Initially, it was inconsistent, with many options still redirecting users to the traditional Control Panel.
Windows 11 (2021)
The Settings app featured a refreshed design but was incomplete, often requiring users to navigate back to legacy interfaces for advanced options.
Windows 11 (2026)
Today, the Settings app has become a more capable replacement for many traditional Control Panel experiences. Microsoft has continued to enhance navigation and expand available controls, resulting in a more consistent user experience.
Productivity: Smarter Search, Multitasking, and Widgets
Windows 11 aimed to simplify everyday tasks, introducing features like Snap Layouts and Widgets. However, these tools were still in their infancy at launch.
Windows 11 (2021)
The original release offered basic functionality for Search and Snap Layouts, but these features lacked the sophistication and flexibility that users desired.
Windows 11 (2026)
Now, Search has improved significantly, with better indexing and AI capabilities. Snap Layouts have matured, offering enhanced support for larger displays and multitasking. Widgets have also gained personalization options, allowing users to tailor their experience.
Copilot and AI: The Biggest Change?
The integration of AI into Windows 11 marks a significant shift from its 2021 version. Initially, AI played a minimal role, but it has since become a cornerstone of the operating system.
Windows 11 (2021)
At launch, AI was not a central feature, with traditional tools dominating the experience.
Windows 11 (2026)
Today, AI is embedded throughout the operating system, enhancing Search, accessibility, and user interactions. However, this shift has sparked debate over privacy and user control.
Performance: Why Windows 11 Feels Different
Performance concerns were prevalent in the early days of Windows 11, with sluggishness and high resource usage detracting from the experience.
Windows 11 (2021)
The initial release often felt less responsive than Windows 10, with slow animations and inconsistent performance.
Windows 11 (2026)
After years of updates, Windows 11 has become more responsive, with improvements in core components and overall reliability. The experience is now significantly more mature, though some challenges remain.
Security and Accessibility: Stronger Protection
Security and accessibility have evolved considerably since the first release. In 2021, Microsoft emphasized hardware-backed security and foundational accessibility tools.
Windows 11 (2021)
The original release focused on establishing stronger security measures and improving accessibility features.
Windows 11 (2026)
Today, security is more integrated, with enhanced protections and AI capabilities. Accessibility features have also expanded, providing users with more natural interaction methods.
Setup Experience: From Easier to More Connected
The setup experience has shifted significantly since 2021, with a stronger emphasis on connectivity and Microsoft accounts.
Windows 11 (2021)
The original setup process allowed for local account creation, offering users flexibility.
Windows 11 (2026)
Now, the setup process is tightly integrated with Microsoft’s online ecosystem, making it more challenging to set up a local account. This reflects a broader vision of Windows 11 as part of a connected cloud environment.
What Windows 11 Still Hasn’t Fixed
Despite significant improvements, some inconsistencies from the original release persist. Legacy components and a stronger push toward Microsoft accounts continue to be points of contention.
Windows 11 (2021)
The initial release exposed many inconsistencies, with various parts of the operating system following different design rules.
Windows 11 (2026)
While Windows 11 is considerably more polished, some legacy components and issues remain, indicating that the operating system is still undergoing transformation.
In summary, Windows 11 has undeniably evolved since its debut in 2021. The enhancements made over the past five years have addressed many initial criticisms, yet challenges remain as Microsoft continues to refine the user experience.
