As a long-time Windows user, I recently switched back to my Windows desktop after using macOS for work. While I appreciate Windows’ compatibility and game selection, Windows 11 has some quirks that make it frustrating.
Constantly Pushed Features
Windows 11 seems eager to introduce features that aren’t necessarily helpful. Pop-ups and unnecessary news feeds clutter the screen, taking away valuable space. The Start menu, once a user-friendly hub, is now filled with pre-pinned apps I didn’t install.
Search and Support: A Disconnect
The built-in search function prioritizes Bing results over local files, making it less useful. Trying to access help documents within settings often opens Microsoft Edge and redirects you to a web page, even if it’s not your default browser.
Edge: A Browser in Flux
While Edge has improved, it now feels bloated with features I don’t need. It constantly pushes Bing and itself as defaults, which can be annoying.
The Bloatware Battle
Bloatware is nothing new, but seeing it integrated into the OS itself is disappointing. Thankfully, guides exist to help remove most of these unwanted features, but not everyone has the time or knowledge to do so.
Windows 11 – A Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a Windows issue. Many apps compete for our attention, and pre-installed software on budget devices can be intrusive. However, with Windows, it feels like the OS itself is trying to push additional functionalities that some users might not want.
Is There Hope?
There are ways to customize Windows 11 to a more user-friendly state. However, the average user might not be aware of these options or might not have the time to implement them.
While Windows remains powerful and versatile, these usability issues can be a barrier to a smooth user experience. Here’s hoping that future updates focus on streamlining the experience and giving users more control over what they see and use.