A few years back, Microsoft unveiled the Feedback Hub, a platform designed to gather user suggestions for enhancing Windows 11. This tool has become a valuable resource for identifying the features that users are most eager to see. Recently, BleepingComputer delved into the feedback to spotlight five highly requested enhancements that have captured the attention of the Windows community.
Top User Requests for Windows 11
At the forefront of user desires is the ability to move the taskbar to the top or side of the screen. This request has garnered an impressive 24,046 votes, reflecting a widespread sentiment among users. One frustrated contributor noted, “The move taskbar feature is missing now for years. Why has this not been changed yet?” Currently, the taskbar remains anchored at the bottom of the screen, and Microsoft has yet to comment on the feasibility of this adjustment.
Next on the list is the wish to completely disable recommendations in the Start menu. While users can reduce the number of recommendations, the option to eliminate them entirely is not yet available to all. Some users have expressed their frustration, with one stating, “No, I don’t want to reduce the size, I want to hide it, forever, for good.” This highlights a clear demand for more control over the Start menu experience.
The third feature users are clamoring for is the ability to change the default search engine in Windows 11. Currently, Bing is the go-to search engine, and searches open in Microsoft Edge. Interestingly, users in the European Economic Area have the option to select a different default search engine, a flexibility that has not yet been extended to users in the United States. Microsoft has not indicated any plans to make this change available to a broader audience.
Another significant request involves a reduction in Windows 11’s system requirements, which would enable the operating system to function on older hardware. The current requirements, particularly the need for TPM 2.0, have left many Windows 10 users unable to upgrade as their devices do not meet the criteria. With Windows 10 approaching its end of life, this issue is becoming increasingly pressing. Microsoft’s recommendation for users to purchase new machines capable of running Windows 11 is not a feasible solution for everyone.
Lastly, users are advocating for more options for taskbar icons to optimize space utilization. While Windows 11 does offer a “never combine” mode for taskbar icons, its inconsistent behavior has led to user dissatisfaction. The Feedback Hub features numerous discussions addressing these quirks, indicating a strong desire for improvement in this area.
While four of these five suggestions hold potential for future implementation, it seems unlikely that Microsoft will relax the stringent system requirements for Windows 11. As the landscape evolves, users may need to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternative methods to continue using Windows 10 safely.
