Microsoft is finally remembering that customization is “in the DNA of Windows” after five years of ignoring it

Since the release of Windows 11, there have been a surprising number of missing features. We are not talking about small things either; we’re talking about things that people have been used to using Windows for decades, only to disappear for no apparent reason. To make matters worse, the AI ​​boom has caused Microsoft to spend a ton of money and time on Copilot, as the core Windows 11 experience has been sidelined.

However, the Copilot hype couldn’t last forever. Around the end of 2025, people were complaining about the saturation of Copilot in Microsoft apps, the degradation of Windows updates, and the attention people described as “Microslop”. To restore user confidence, Microsoft launched the Windows K2 initiative allowing people to customize the Start menu and taskbar again. Apparently, the push was due to Microsoft getting a lot of feedback from Windows users about how they missed them.

Microsoft says the power to customize your system is “in the DNA of Windows”

It’s time to remember about it

As seen Latest WindowsPavan Davuluri on Windows and Devices at Microsoft Answered a post on X describes the new Start menu and taskbar customization tools. Davuluri says that “Personalization and customization is in the DNA of Windows. It always has been,” and that people’s complaints about the direction of Windows 11 played a big role in convincing Microsoft to go back to its roots.

Those who responded to Davuluri’s post were less inclined to share his enthusiasm. Some said they couldn’t be more excited about adding back features that should have been there from day one, while others brought their own shopping list of things they’d like to see in future updates, including themes, the removal of Webview 2 apps, and even those who want to return to the Windows Vista and 7 aesthetics. Well, I can’t blame the latter camp; Windows Aero was my favorite UI.