What’s so bad about Windows 11? Help me understand — I want to know which aspects of Microsoft’s OS bother you the most

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has firmly established itself as the leading operating system globally, gracing millions of desktops, laptops, mini PCs, and an emerging category of handheld gaming devices, such as the ROG Xbox Ally X. Despite its widespread adoption, which continued even after Windows 10 reached its “End of Life” earlier this month, user satisfaction appears to be a different story. A quick glance at platforms like Reddit’s r/Windows or X reveals a growing chorus of complaints from users who feel that Microsoft has stumbled with its latest OS.

Many users have expressed frustration over the company’s efforts to block certain technical workarounds, such as the “obe/bypassnro” and “ms-cxh:localonly” commands. While these issues may not affect the average user, they highlight a growing discontent with Windows 11. The ongoing promotion of tools designed to disable certain features is not a new phenomenon; it has persisted since the days of Windows 10. However, Microsoft’s pivot towards artificial intelligence (AI), particularly with the introduction of Copilot, has intensified discussions around data privacy. The ethical implications of how data is collected and utilized for AI training are increasingly coming under scrutiny.

AI Integration and User Experience

On a more positive note, local AI solutions like Windows Recall, which can operate on PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rated for at least 40 TOPS, promise to enhance user experience while ensuring data security by keeping information on the device. Yet, the term “AI PCs” often feels misleading, as many users still favor laptops over desktops for their computing needs. The reality is that most consumers are not rushing to invest in high-end desktop processors like the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, despite their impressive capabilities.

Compounding the issue, many laptop users find themselves unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to outdated hardware, particularly the absence of a TPM 2.0 chip. Microsoft’s recommendation for these users to simply purchase a new Windows 11 device can come across as insensitive, especially for those who are not ready or willing to make such an investment.

Moreover, how can Microsoft effectively promote the benefits of Copilot when users are required to buy new hardware to experience it? This dilemma has led to skepticism among many, even those with compatible systems, who are wary of the increasingly complex AI integrations, such as Copilot in Notepad. While some features, like Click to Do in Windows 11, have received praise for their functionality, the overall user experience remains a mixed bag.

Windows 11 is not solely defined by its AI features; it also grapples with various user experience challenges. Simplifications to the right-click menu, touted as fixes, are just a small part of a broader landscape of user interface quirks that stem from decades-old design choices. It’s amusing to witness the nostalgic affection for previous Windows iterations, particularly when many of those versions faced significant criticism at launch. The fondness for Windows Vista’s “Aero” aesthetics, for instance, contrasts sharply with the initial disdain it received from users.

As we continue to explore the intricacies of Windows 11, understanding the specific pain points that resonate with our audience is crucial. While I have my own theories about the most common grievances, open communication with users will help us create content that truly addresses their concerns. Personally, I find myself longing for the simplicity of Windows XP, yet I recognize that Windows 11 offers essential security and compatibility benefits. Perhaps, in the end, the choice of operating system is as subjective as taste itself.

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What's so bad about Windows 11? Help me understand — I want to know which aspects of Microsoft's OS bother you the most