It seems that Microsoft might finally be listening to the complaints (outcry?) from Windows 11 users. Here’s a rundown of what we do know and what’s rumored.
What We Do Know
- Taskbar: As reported earlier, Microsoft is working on a Taskbar that can be moved to all four edges of the screen
- Windows Updates: In the future, you’ll be able to skip updates during the initial setup, restart or shut down without installing updates, and pause updates for longer (hopefully indefinitely)
- Copilot (AI): As reported by Marc Thomas, Microsoft has stated that it’s backing off its “AI everywhere” stance. Personally, I find that difficult to believe. Microsoft has invested far too much in its AI development to step back. In my opinion, Microsoft will continue inserting AI (Copilot) into every aspect of Windows 11, albeit far more surreptitiously
Potential Good News
The latest rumor doing the rounds is that Microsoft will step back from its insistence on users creating a Microsoft account during setup and allow a local account setup. However, this rumor is based solely on a response to a question on X (formerly Twitter).
When replying to a complaint on X, Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman replied with “Ya, I hate that. Working on it.” It’s pretty flimsy evidence of a change of heart, but we live in hope.
What I’m Hoping For
Among my many wishes for Windows 11, I hope Microsoft will drop the necessity for an internet connection during the initial setup. From my experience, forcing an active internet connection during the initial setup creates far more problems than it solves. In fact, I cannot see a single positive.
BOTTOM LINE:
Considering what has happened in the not-too-distant past, including the statement that Windows 10 would be the last ever Windows, it’s difficult to trust Microsoft’s word on anything.
That said, the noises currently emanating from Redmond certainly do suggest that Microsoft might finally be listening to what the people want.
As always, your comments are most welcome.
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Personally Jim, I’d take it all with a grain of salt. If the past weeks Windows Update fiasco was any sign of change from Microsoft, I wouldn’t put money on it.
Yep, I’m hearing you Ed.
Seems like the elephant in the room is Windows ridiculous context menu. Sometimes it seems like going through an old phone book to find something.
If you want to bring back the old (shorter) context menu in Windows 11 follow this guide: https://davescomputertips.com/how-to-restore-old-context-menu-in-windows-11/
To temporarily display the old (shorter) context menu in Windows 11, hold down the Shift key when right-clicking.
Thanks Jim
Totally agree with Ed about the failed updates as this is inexcusable and clearly suggests a lack of proper human testing by Redmond before being rolled out. Having grown up with Windows since 3.1 I don’t recall any time (or even faintly close) in the past where there was so much distrust of Microsoft updates. Most sensible Users have the updates paused until they see they aren’t likely to cause more issues than they solve. In fact if it wasn’t for the need to keep the security updated, most of us would prefer to turn off updates permanently. I certainly feel the need to keep constant O/S images before doing even the smallest update anyway – just to be sure.
I think the more serious numbers moving to Linux has rattled Microsoft somewhat so whether there will be some genuine attempts to address “the customer is always right” oversights that currently exist remains to be seen. The top five criticisms Users have about Windows apparently are:
Hardware restrictions;
Forced Microsoft ecosystem (accounts, cloud);
Bugs and update reliability;
UI/design changes; and
Less control/customization.
I have spent a few dollars customising Windows 11 to try to address the last two points on the list so Windows O/S looks and behaves the way I like it to – and not how Redmond believes I should be forced to use and look at it. I shouldn’t have to spend my hard-earned doing that but I feel need to keep my sanity and consistency in an ever less-sane and inconsistent world !
Wishing you and yours a great Easter Jim and may your local servo always be full !
Cheers
Reg
Hey Reg,
Yes, I agree with Ed too. However, it’s early days since MS announced its “change of heart” policy and, while I have doubts that we will ever see this new policy in practice, I’m prepared to at least give MS a bit of wait-and-see time.
All the best to you and yours for a safe and happy Easter.
Thank you for the Microsoft “Good News”, Jim Hiller,
When I did the upgrade to Windows11pro; one the first things I had done was to buy the ‘StartIsBack’ app to affix the TaskBar to the left-side of my monitor#1 (left), where it rightfully belonged/belongs. 😉
My second 27″ monitor retains the TaskBar on its screen bottom (both in auto-hide mode).
Once accustomed to StartIsBack TaskBar, it seems as an integral part of the Desktop, and never crashes.
My FireFox browser and most other programs -similarly- all have their ‘taskbars’ on their left side, as well.
OT: Are we not getting close to a Windows12 yet?
Hey Randio,
To answer your question:
Windows 11 versions have always followed a 2-year lifespan. For example, 25H2 was released on September 30th 2025 and is scheduled for end-of-life on October 12th 2027.
According to Microsoft, the next iteration, presumably 26H2, is due to be released in the second half of 2026. Which, if MS follows the traditional lifespan, means it will be due for end-of-life in the second half of 2028.
So, based on that, late 2028 is probably the earliest we’ll see a Windows 12. By the way; I seriously doubt it will be called Windows 12. I suspect it might be called “Windows Copilot” or maybe “Windows AI”.