Microsoft has announced a series of responses to widespread complaints about Windows 11. It's going to cut back on unnecessary AI features and attempt to make the update process much smoother.

The changes were announced by Pavan Davuluri of the Windows Insider Program team. He was responding to a combination of focus group feedback and other user feedback, which he described as "the voice of people who care deeply about Windows and want it to be better." (Source: windows.com)

That may be a polite way of putting things as public feedback, or at least the most notable online expressions of it, has often been negative and showing signs of significant frustration.

UI Improvements and Customization

Davuluri's post included a range of changes to specific features, broad policies, and the user feedback system itself. They will include some simple but meaningful changes to the Windows user interface. This includes more control over widgets and feeds (which are features on the Windows display that update automatically with new content).

There will also be changes to File Explorer to make it more reliable and remove flicker. Users will also be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or side of the screen, something that sounds minor but appears to be one of the most-requested changes. (Source: computing.co.uk)

Scaling Back AI Integration

Microsoft will also cut back on AI in Windows 11, with the post implicitly admitting it had been overused, with the new focus restricting AI to "experiences that are genuinely useful and well crafted." It'll be removed from the Snipping Tool, Widgets, Photos and Notepad, the last of which caused controversy when the addition of AI features created a significant security hole.

Users will now have more control over Windows Update, making it easier to skip or delay an update when restarting or shutting down a computer. There will also be fewer notifications and automatic restarts.

Finally, members of the Windows Insider Program (who get advanced access to in-development features) should find it easier to give their views thanks to a redesign of the user interface and Feedback Hub for making comments.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you think Microsoft has been pushing AI features too aggressively? Which changes to Windows 11 are you most glad to see? Will these changes make you more likely to recommend Windows 11 to others?