The Malady That is Windows 11

Microsoft is facing significant user resistance to Windows 11 due to its focus on cloud services and shareholder value over user experience, leading some users to switch to macOS and Linux. Long-time Windows users express deep frustration with the direction of the operating system.

Several factors contribute to this crisis:

Forced Integration:

Mandatory Microsoft accounts, persistent OneDrive prompts, and ads within the paid OS are sources of irritation.

Complicated Functionality:

Basic functions have become more complex, and features that were once free now require subscriptions.

Questionable AI Investments:

Copilot’s usefulness is questioned, with warnings against relying on it for accuracy.

Hardware Incompatibility:

The discontinuation of Windows 10 and TPM 2.0 requirements for Windows 11 upgrades have been perceived as arbitrary and aimed at forcing hardware upgrades.

Privacy Concerns:

TPM chip tracking capabilities and the elimination of local account options raise privacy issues. The proposed Windows Recall feature, designed to capture screenshots, was initially removed due to privacy and security risks.

Reliability and Ease of Use:

Criticisms regarding reliability and ease of use have been acknowledged by Microsoft.

 

This shift in strategy, treating Windows as a funnel for more profitable services, has damaged user trust. While Windows maintains dominance, its hold is weakening as users seek more control, transparency, simplicity, and stability in their operating systems.

Brought to you by Better Practice Management