Windows 11 is already 5 years old, but subtly widely acceptedcan arguably be attributed to it Microsoft’s decision to take Windows 10 offline on October 14 last year.
As a result, despite the complaints of users, the market share of Windows 11 is steadily increasing Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements and defective design elements.
Give me more customization options with less Copilot in Windows 12 … they already exist in nature
I use a Windows 11 PC as my daily driver and my experience has been pretty decent so far. However, Microsoft’s big push into artificial intelligence in its operating system has been rather underwhelming. I feel like Copilot, but it pretty much does the job in the Taskbar, but that’s just me.
Microsoft’s obsession and aggressive AI campaign can be traced back to its mega OpenAI investment. While the tech giant continues to spend billions of dollars on data centers and AI infrastructure, investors are looking at Azure and Microsoft 365.
CEO Satya Nadella claims Copilot sees widespread use, grows “about 3 times the annual comparison.” But a separate report suggests that Only 3.3% of Microsoft 365 and Office 365 users actually pay for Copilot.
AI aside, third-party developers like those behind Start11 and Files have developed solid alternatives to Windows 11 stock apps, ie. Start menu and File Explorer.
I’d like to see Microsoft offer a wide range of customization options similar to what’s available Start 11 and Files programthis allows users to tailor the Windows 11 experience to their individual needs.
Microsoft can easily get it out of the gate, and these third-party apps prove it. We’ve also seen this dream shared by designers in concept videos and demos.
I especially like it Windows 12.2 concept from designer Abdi (AR 47 89) has retro-classical themes Windows 7 with more subtle Copilot marketing.
Interestingly, former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer (aka Dave’s Garage) shared some interesting thoughts on the current state of Windows and how to solve some of the operating system’s pain points.
The engineer pointed out that Windows is not inherently a sucker, it narrows the problem and Microsoft tries to be all things to all people. Plummer came up with the idea Windows Pro moderemoving ads, nags, and consumer-facing fluff from the user experience of power users.
Plummer’s Pro Mode potentially fixes the issues we’ve seen recently Microsoft’s failed Windows updates. The engineer says the secret sauce behind these updates is in the details, specifically the cadence.
Aside from the default scheduled Windows maintenance, Plummer noted that future updates will also provide simple explanations of changes to the operating system. Additionally, Windows Pro Mode will allow users to go back to previous updates with a single click.
But hey… Microsoft keeps its promise
A better future for Windows may be upon us. Microsoft’s roadmap for Windows 11 this year is focused on improving and improving the overall user experience.
The tech giant has been repeatedly put on the spot for its direction with Windows 11, including by former employees. In 2024, a former Microsoft software engineer recently shared his frustration with Windows 11 when using the Start menu, citing its inability to register certain keystrokes. This made him say so Start menu in Windows 11 is ‘ridiculously bad’ with performance issues.
Microsoft recently redesigned the Start menu in Windows 11however major interface changes have been received with mixed reactions. It’s hard to say whether Microsoft will ship an update before Windows 11 decides to improve the user experience.
The good news is that… Microsoft is listening. Windows Central reported that the company plans to restore the ability to move and resize the Taskbar in Windows 11.A feature that should never be removed when the OS is first launched. Microsoft’s former head of Advertising and Web Services, Mikhail Parakhin, announced that he was against this decision. “I fought hard against change” he added.
It will be interesting to see what plans Microsoft has for Windows 11 through 2026 and beyond.
What do you want from the next era of Windows?
Microsoft may not launch Windows 12 in 2026, but that hasn’t stopped the community from dreaming about what the era of “0s” will look like. A cleaner design, smarter features, better customization — the wish list is already full of ideas that feel more ambitious than anything Microsoft has hinted at. If the next version of Windows is going to define the decade, it needs to be shaped by the people who actually use it every day.
So let’s hear it. What’s on your Windows wish list? What features, tweaks, or bold ideas do you think Microsoft should steal for the next generation of its operating system?
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