Windows 11 Performance & Reliability

Microsoft announced it is scaling back upsells in Windows 11 as part of an effort to make the operating system “calmer.”

Windows 11 Updates

On March 20, Microsoft announced a Windows 11 update focusing on performance and quality-of-life improvements. File Explorer will be faster, the Start menu is being moved to WinUI, there will be an option to pause Windows updates for as long as the user desires, and Copilot apps are being scaled back.

The update is being tested with a movable taskbar, while the Windows 11 reputation is at an all-time low for a variety of reasons. The first Windows update triggered BitLocker recovery, which had an impact on game performance, caused boot issues, and crashed some computers with the Black Screen of Death.

The bugs were not the only problem affecting the Windows 11 reputation. The primary issue is the Copilot addition in all areas of the operating system, including the Start menu and Notepad.

Windows 11 Damage Control

Those loyal to Microsoft, including enterprises, are unhappy with the Copilotification of Windows and coined the term “Microslop.” Now, the company is in damage control to win back users, including a plan to roll back the Microsoft account requirement during OOBE.

Scott Hanselman, an engineering leader spearheading the fixes, wrote on social media that a “calmer and more chill OS with fewer upsells is a goal.” A clear indication that Microsoft is aware its users are tired of being pushed toward services across the OS.

The social media statement was in response to a posted complaint that Microsoft uses “borderline malware tactics” to push Edge, Bing, and ads in the Start menu.

Previously, Microsoft attempted to show Bing Chat (now Copilot) pop-ups when Chrome was detected as the default web browser. It also attempted to automatically reset the default browser settings and installed the Bing extension when the Bing Chat pop-up was engaged.

This is just one example of how ads have destroyed Windows. It appears the upsells will be reduced, making the OS less noisy and less pushy.

Commitment to Quality

Pavan Davuluri of the Windows Insider Team wrote: “Windows touches more people’s lives than almost any technology on Earth. Every day, we hear from the community about how you experience Windows. And over the past several months, the team and I have spent a great deal of time analyzing your feedback. What came through was the voice of people who care deeply about Windows and want it to be better.”

This month and throughout April, Windows Insiders will be making the following changes:

• More taskbar customization, including vertical and top positions.
• Integrating AI where it will be the most meaningful, with craft and focus.
• Reducing disruption from Windows updates.
• Faster and more dependable File Explorer.
• More control over widgets and feed experiences.
• A simpler and more transparent Windows Insider Program.
• An improved Feedback Hub. This feature is available now.

What will follow is “our broader plan and areas of focus for the year to raise the bar on Windows 11 quality. The work is underway. You can expect to see tangible progress that you’ll be able to feel as you preview builds from us throughout the rest of the year.

“Thank you for holding us to a high standard. Windows is as much yours as it is ours. We’re committed to strengthening its foundation and delivering innovation where it matters, for you,” concluded Pavan.

Sources:

Windows Latest: Microsoft says it’ll make Windows 11 a calmer OS with fewer upsells or ads, as it tries to win back users
Windows Blog: Our commitment to Windows quality
9to5Mac: Microsoft’s 7-point plan to fix Windows 11 makes macOS Tahoe look golden

Featured Image Courtesy of Toshiyuki IMAI’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License