Why Does Everyone Dislike Windows 11 Despite Its Impressive Features?

The era of Windows 10 is approaching its end. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will transition Windows 10 to a life support mode, providing minimal security updates for an additional year. However, this continued support hinges on user enrollment in the Windows Extended Security Updates program preceding the cutoff date.

Having served users for nearly a decade, Windows 10 is nearing its sunset as Windows 11, its successor, has established itself over the past four years. Yet, a considerable number of users remain loyal to Windows 10 despite the myriad advantages Windows 11 purports to offer. What fuels this stickiness?

The Promised Benefits of Windows 11

Personal Experience: Laptop versus Desktop

Dell XPS 13 running Windows 11 with the Windows 10 taskbar

During my tenure as the Windows Editor at MakeUseOf, I witnessed the launch of Windows 11 firsthand. Microsoft emphasized numerous enhancements: rounded corners, improved window management, advanced power saving features, and a redesigned taskbar and Start menu.

The operating system promised a drastic visual redesign, a craving long-held by Windows users. Meanwhile, the competition at Apple delivered a consistent edge in aesthetic appeal through macOS, which many Windows users overlooked, embodying the quirks and customization ethos of Windows.

Even features that spurred criticism—such as Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 requirements—were aimed at bolstering security, though the implementation raised eyebrows. Thankfully, enthusiasts can circumvent these hurdles using tools like Rufus.

Moreover, Windows has elevated its security paradigm continuously, starting with Windows 10 and advancing through Windows 11.The substantial improvements in Windows Security have rendered third-party antivirus solutions unnecessary for most users of Windows 11.

The Reality of Windows 11

User Experience: Disappointment in Practice

Windows 11 context menu customized with Nilesoft Shell

While faster startup times and enhanced memory management are commendable, they hardly compensate for the overarching frustrations users face with Windows 11. From its launch, users swiftly noted that Microsoft often obscured vital features behind additional steps or removed them entirely.

The redesigned Start menu, for example, is visually appealing yet lacks the functionality users expect. Instead of simply showing relevant files, it frequently displays unrelated results, ads, or other suggestions—leading to lost time and increasing user frustration.

Windows 11 start menu showing the Pin to taskbar context menu

As someone who preferred the old Start menu functionality, I utilized Open-Shell to regain that classic experience, which is also available for Windows 11. It is noteworthy that even four years post-launch, discussions surrounding the Start menu’s persistent issues can still be found on platforms like Reddit and various tech forums.

Another area of concern is the right-click context menu, previously deemed satisfactory in Windows 10. The clutter of cascading menus in Windows 11 frustrates users who desired accessible options without unnecessary navigation. The inclusion of a “Show more options”item in the quick-access menu is particularly unwelcome.

Privacy Concerns with Windows 11

Growing Surveillance Anxiety

Among persistent critiques of Windows is the notion of surveillance. Unfortunately, Windows 11 amplifies these concerns with extensive telemetry that users are urged to disable to enhance privacy. However, disabling it does not eliminate all data collection, leading to a pervasive sensation of being monitored.

This desire for heightened privacy is a primary motivator for users switching from Windows to Linux. Furthermore, in-system advertisements masquerading as recommendations can be found throughout Settings, Lock Screens, Widgets, and the Start menu, making users feel bombarded.

OneDrive integration also raises user dissatisfaction, frequently pushing users toward Microsoft’s cloud services during and post-setup. Users encounter persistent suggestions to back up their entire desktops, complicating data management.

The Overwhelming Push for AI Integration

AI Everywhere But Useful Features Are Overlooked

Microsoft Copilot open on a HP pavilion gaming laptop

In a bid to revitalize the operating system, Microsoft has heavily integrated AI technology into Windows. However, this comes at the cost of users feeling inundated with Microsoft’s Copilot AI, appearing across various touchpoints—including the taskbar and Microsoft 365 applications.

The incorporation of Copilot seems inescapable. From its taskbar pinning to collaborative efforts with manufacturers for Copilot-related hardware, users encounter features that often feel more like a marketing drive than genuine utility.

Newer PCs even feature dedicated Copilot keys, replacing the traditional Windows key. However, the implementation raises concerns; users are increasingly frustrated by an over-complication of features when fundamental necessities remain unaddressed.

Windows 11: A Mixed Bag

Acceptance of the New Norm

Regardless of any criticisms, Windows 11 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Microsoft had previously claimed that Windows 10 would be their last operating system, only to introduce Windows 11 shortly thereafter.

Looking ahead, speculation suggests we might see Windows 12 in 2026, but for now, Windows 11 remains in the spotlight. Many features of Windows 11 are commendable—it is a robust operating system noted for its security and performance across various device types, and many users find its visual aesthetics appealing.

Yet, the prominent issues overshadow these improvements. Until Microsoft addresses these concerns, the discontent surrounding Windows 11 is likely to persist.

Ultimately, I neither harbor hatred for Windows 11 nor a fondness for it; I simply find no desire to adopt it. Is that too much to wish for?

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