Microsoft Sneaks Out Promise To Un-Enshittify Windows 11

Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices has laid out a broad plan to address longstanding user complaints about Windows 11, promising changes to taskbar customisation, update behaviour and system performance across a series of Insider Preview builds rolling out from this month.

Pavan Davuluri, who leads the Windows and Devices division, snuck out the commitment in a blog post directed at members of the Windows Insider Program, late on Friday (when it won’t make as many headlines).

“Windows touches more people’s lives than almost any technology on Earth,” Davuluri wrote.

“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 analysing your feedback. What came through was the voice of people who care deeply about Windows and want it to be better.”

Everybody Hates Microsoft

That’s putting it mildly. You don’t need to be a high-level marketer to conduct sentiment analysis from Windows users who have been howling at a product that’s become synomyous with both ‘AI Slop’ and enshittification to the point where Microsoft is now widely referred to as ‘Microslop’ and even ‘Microshit’ by many who use it. Among the chief complaints are:

Pretending to be unable to find basic programs, settings and files from the Start Menu. At almost every turn Microsoft tricks you into opening a web search for basic applications in order to open it’s unpopular Edge browser and encourage you to click on the pop-ups that appear with it. Idly click to agree (as many would) these will sign you into Microsoft online services and upload all your data to OneDrive (which reorganises your entire file system) and snatch all of your passwords stored in Google amongst other things.

Forcing updates at the worst possible times. You’ve an important meeting? How about an unavoidable 30-minute update?

Forcing unpopular Copilot AI services on you at every opportunity. CoPilot in Notepad was the last straw for many people.

Incessantly pushing new services in the worst times. How many times can you say you don’t want to connect a phone to your computer?

Necromancing the the spirit of Clippy. Turning CoPilot prompts off in Office has to be done EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU CREATE A NEW DOCUMENT.

General performance degradation caused by all the bloatware. Basic file searches and launch times can take way too long.

And much more.

At High Performance Laptops, not only were all bonus points for CoPilot+ features removed for 2026 laptop testing, we strongly considered handing out penalty points for their existence.

One of the core improvements we’d like to see is the ability to install Windows without needing to sign into a Microsoft account because, having to do that with every new laptop, and then deactivate all the automated OneDrive (etc) uploading and Edge browser scams is a massive pain in the backside (and security headache) as plenty of other Windows admins will attest to.

It’s all led to many long-term Windows users threatening (and actually) to moving to Apple and others imploring Linux distros to reach a level of user experience that can sustain a mass migration away from Microsoft.

While not all of these common gripes are being addressed, the following actions have been promised but time will tell if they manifest and make a difference.

Taskbar Repositioning Returns

Among the most prominent changes is the return of taskbar repositioning, a feature that was available in Windows 10 but removed in Windows 11’s initial release.

Users will be able to move the taskbar to the top, left or right of the screen, in addition to its default position at the bottom. Microsoft described the feature as “one of the top asks” from its user community.

The change is part of a broader set of taskbar and Start menu updates planned for the year, including a smaller taskbar option and what the company calls a “more relevant” Recommended section in Start.

Copilot Integration Scaled Back

Microsoft also signalled a shift in how it integrates its Copilot AI assistant across Windows.

The company plans to remove Copilot entry points from several built-in apps, including Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad.

Davuluri framed the move as a refocusing effort.

“You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well-crafted,” the post read.

The decision follows months of user pushback over the growing number of AI-related prompts and features appearing throughout the operating system.

Windows Update Gets More User Control

Windows Update, a perennial source of frustration for users, is also in line for changes.

Microsoft outlined several planned adjustments: the ability to skip updates during initial device setup, to shut down or restart without being forced to install pending updates and to pause updates for longer periods.

The company also committed to reducing the number of automatic restarts and notifications related to updates, with the goal of moving most devices to a single monthly reboot cycle.

“Receiving updates should be predictable and easy to plan around, so we’re giving you more control,” the blog post stated.

File Explorer And System Performance

File Explorer is set to receive what Microsoft describes as a focus on fundamentals, including faster launch times, reduced visual flicker, smoother navigation and lower latency for search and context menus.

The company also promised improvements to large file copy and move operations.

At the system level, Microsoft outlined plans to lower the baseline memory footprint of Windows 11 and improve responsiveness under load. Part of this effort involves migrating core Windows experiences, including the Start menu, to the WinUI3 framework.

WSL Improvements For Developers

Developers using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will see changes aimed at file performance between Linux and Windows, network compatibility and a streamlined first-time setup process.

Enterprise users can expect stronger policy controls and governance tools for managing WSL deployments.

Reliability Across Drivers And Peripherals

Microsoft acknowledged reliability gaps across drivers, Bluetooth accessories, USB connections, printers and camera and audio devices.

The company committed to reducing OS-level crashes and improving driver quality in partnership with its silicon, ISV and OEM partners.

Wake-from-sleep consistency – including docking scenarios – and more stable peripheral connections are also listed as priorities.

Windows Hello Gets Attention

Biometric authentication through Windows Hello is set for reliability improvements, with Microsoft targeting fewer failed facial recognition attempts and reduced fingerprint retry rates.

The company also announced gamepad support for PIN creation during setup on gaming handhelds, specifically referencing the ROG XBox Ally X from Asus.

Widgets And Notifications Toned Down

Widgets, which have drawn criticism for surfacing clickbait-style content, will receive “quieter defaults” and more granular user controls.

Microsoft plans to reduce the frequency of notifications across the operating system and give users clearer settings to personalise or disable the Widgets and Discover feed experiences.

“Widgets should feel helpful and relevant, not distracting or overwhelming,” Davuluri wrote.

Insider Program And Feedback Hub Revamped

The Windows Insider Program itself is being restructured. Microsoft promised clearer channel definitions, easier access to new features and higher quality builds entering each channel.

A redesigned Feedback Hub app began rolling out to Insiders on March 20, featuring a new home screen and feedback submission form.

“Your feedback is essential to improving Windows, and it should be easy to share and see what others are saying,” the post read.

Search Improvements Planned

Microsoft also outlined plans to improve the search experience across Windows, with faster results and clearer distinctions between local device content and web results.

The company aims to deliver a more consistent search interface across the Taskbar, Start, File Explorer and Settings.

In-Person Engagement With Insiders

Davuluri revealed he had met with a small group of Windows Insiders in Seattle the evening before the blog post was published, with plans for additional meetups in other cities around the world.

“Thank you for holding us to a high standard,” Davuluri wrote.

“Windows is as much yours as it is ours. We’re committed to strengthening its foundation and delivering innovation where it matters, for you.”

The changes outlined in the blog represent a year-long effort. Microsoft indicated that Insiders should expect to see progress reflected in preview builds throughout the remainder of 2026.

Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Nick Ross