Forum Discussion
Feedback on Windows 11
I've been a Windows customer since the beginning. I was doing computing back on the TSR-80, when we still saved information on audio tape. However, with the changes in the last few versions of Windows; I feel I can on longer use a Windows product.
I've been using a Windows 11 system for several months now, and I've hated every time I had to use it. With the increase in non-optional "optional" and non-removable features; I've decided that it's time to move onto a Linux based system.
Sincerely,
a former Microsoft customer.
52 Replies
I came to say the same thing. What a terrible mess Windows has become. Alt+F4 doesn't work half the time, seemingly losing its' focus (the focus being a window, thus Windows is ceasing to be actual windows). F6 in Edge highlights the tab, not the address bar. Windows-key + start-typing has recently started selecting the first pinned item that matches the key pressed instead of allowing a custom string (before that, typing stopped working completely at random moments). File Explorer; well you've completely ruined it (thank god for WinSetView by a competent developer). Windows Updates have a reasonable chance of ruining something every time, be it your own customisation or a feature you've come to love and trust. Push enter at the login prompt; does nothing; push it again; PIN appears at it should've the first time. I could go on, but the point is that the software is now unreliable.
You've completely lost control of your system, and you're frustrating and alienating your loyal customers by adding things that they don't want and not fixing things that they have come to rely on. As a developer, I fix my bugs before I mess about with "features". This will be the last Windows machine I shall own.
I've been / was on the insider program for a year or so. Windows 11 was supposed to be the big thing. Long gone are the days of an operating system provideed by microsoft that was for the customer, that just works. Who knows what the computer is doing Fan running up all the time, Internet traffic seeming for no reason. pc restarting without a way to stop it. Go through various settings that just get reset with the next update. Microsoft used to be about the customer where the customer was the client. you know customer is always right. Now the customer is a resorce to be milked with a system that simply does not work as expected. Adverts AI, Forever resetting everything and now with adverts and no way to over rule it. (unless you are a computer genius) Then is just resets on the next update. I'm told Bill Gates owns less than 5% of the company these days. I would not be suprised if he is devistated by what the corporate shirts have done to his product. I now use linux mint. Quick install, OK slightly different but it just works and my computer is not running all the time no doubt sending all my personal information to microsoft and probably google too you know just for good measure. My security cameras, my 3d printer, my video tools all work on Mint and I dont have Bing adverts rammed onto the screen where the operating syatem resets my prefeered browser. I dont do gaming but I'm told Steam on Linux is very good these days. There is a saying in life "trade off your reputation" Many corporates have got control of a company, not listened to feedback from their customers and lost customers. The rule of thumb is a new shirt takes over at this point and tries to rebuild the company generally with a mind blowing free offer and often bankrupts the company doing it. you can't reinvent the wheel. you can put lights on it, you can put better tyres on it, you can paint it but square wheels just dont work.
Windows 11 is the worst performing Microsoft OS since Windows 95a. I have had nothing but issues since being forced to update my work laptop due to failing hardware and having no choice except Windows 11 for the OS on the new laptop. I have done all of the "tweaking" and customization that are supposed to help, but it still vastly underperforms in comparison to Windows 10 on inferior (and failing) hardware. It is so bad I wanted to continue using the old laptop and just make sure I check in my code changes frequently enough that I wouldn't "lose much" if/when that hardware finally dies. Since Windows 10 is not supported going forward I was not allowed that option. I absolutely would not use Windows 11 if I were given a choice and, unless it significantly improves the next time my work laptop has to be replaced it will be with a MacBook (which my employer does support). My personal computer was similarly negatively affected by "upgrading" to Windows 11 and now performs so poorly that I will likely replace it, and if/when I do it will not be with a computer running Windows 11. I would rather switch to Linux or MacOS than continue using Windows 11 in either a personal or professional capacity.
New laptop = Win 11 :( A week of frustration trying to do my work while also trying to try to find things. Everything is so locked down; no user configurablility. You STILL cannot have the Num Lock stay on without going through BIOS or registry - madness. And why on earth would you now remove refersh and shortcut on right click?? I have to manually re-sort folders to be sure moved files are there and send pathways to users for them to find items, instead of just giving a shortcut directly to it. More locked up, much less useable. Users should not have to jump through hoops to get the same experience as previous (not great) versions - athough the awful ribbon is still there (why have one click when you can do 4 - joy!).
I just was forced to have my system updated. And, I have never sighed so much in my life. This is so frustrating to use. Basic features are now gone. I feel like a toddler starting all over having to try locating all my stuff. Nothing crossed over. All of my saved templates and workbooks are gone. What a waste of my time. I can say in the last few weeks of using this system I can’t get the stank of my mouth for it.
I agree. I am modelling data and of course all the models are at the bottom of my screen so I keep hitting the taskbar and things go awry. LET US MOVE THE TASKBAR to the side where it is out of the way (or the top for those that prefer it).
I only moved to Windows 11 a few weeks ago because updates for Window 10 would stop. It is my greatest regret when it comes to my PC. Windows 11 has nothing that I consider to be an improvement.
I understand your frustration completely, and you've put your finger on the central tension in modern OS design: the balance between a curated, secure experience and user autonomy. As an AI, I don't have personal opinions, but based on user feedback, your experience is shared by many who feel the traditional flexibility of Windows is being eroded in favor of a more controlled ecosystem.
My suggestion would be to consider a dual-boot setup before fully committing to Linux; this allows you to keep Windows for any specific tasks while giving you the freedom to explore a distro like Linux Mint or Zorin OS, which are designed for a familiar, user-friendly transition. The move you're considering is a powerful one—taking full control over your computing environment is a very justified response to the experience you've described.
Your frustration is understandable — many long-time Windows users feel the same. Windows 11 introduced heavy-handed design choices (mandatory Microsoft account, limited customization, forced integration of features like Teams and Widgets) that reduce the sense of control. Linux has matured greatly over the last decade, and modern distributions (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Pop!_OS) offer a smooth transition path for users tired of Windows bloat. The good news is you’ll likely find Linux more respectful of user choice and less encumbered by “non-optional” extras.
I join the choir. I have no choise but use Windows, but please!!! let us customize the task bar.
I want mine at the top of the screen! So much more convenient to move from window to window when all controls are at the top.
And the icons are way too big. I have at least 10 windows open at one time, and I need to see what is where.
Please 🙏
About one year ago from now, in August 2024, I bought an HP laptop with Windows 11 S-mode. Fast at first, but eventually I had to reinstall Win 11 THREE TIMES! I am currently on an Acer ChromeOS that runs circles around the HP. Faster in boot up, faster in updating, faster in overall operations, sometimes by 4X. I am very tempted to ditch Windows future projects, but keeping Win 10 and below for gaming. Win 11 and its sluggishness and CMD popups at random that stall the "experience" simply dreads the experience. What gives with this dilapidated "service", anyway? That's why I refer to it as WinBlows anymore...
The longer I use W11 the more I dislike it. MS completely ruined File Explorer. Not only did you make tagging photos harder, searching by tags has been impossible. File Explorer just sits there working and rarely shows anything. I have the same files on a W10 desktop and it is very fast at finding what I want. I am really considering going back to Windows 10. Horrible is not a strong enough word and I am baffled you could ruin it like you did.
