Microsoft Is Fixing Windows 11...

Main message

The narrator criticizes Windows 11 for bloat, poor reliability, intrusive AI/Copilot integration, update disruptions, and degraded performance versus alternatives. Microsoft is reportedly backtracking and promising quality improvements in response to criticism and competition.

Microsoft’s announced changes (what to expect)

• Taskbar customization
  • Re-enable repositioning of the taskbar (not locked to bottom/center-only).
• AI / Copilot placement
  • Reduce or remove Copilot entry points in some built-in apps (Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, Notepad).
  • Focus AI where it is genuinely useful.
• Updates and interruptions
  • Options to skip updates during device setup.
  • Ability to restart/shutdown without installing updates.
  • Longer update pause options and reduced update noise.
  • Move toward a single monthly reboot window.
• File Explorer improvements
  • Faster launch, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance.

Performance and platform comparisons (analysis & examples)

The host argues Windows has grown bloated and performance-hungry compared with Linux/SteamOS and macOS, especially on low- and mid-range hardware.

• Gaming benchmarks cited by the host
  • Cyberpunk 2077: Windows ~46 FPS → Linux/SteamOS ~59 FPS (~28% improvement).
  • Homeworld 3: ~15 → ~17 FPS (~13% improvement).
  • Returnal: ~15–18 → ~33 FPS (makes otherwise choppy experiences more playable).
• Battery life
  • Reported improvements on Linux/SteamOS (examples of 25%+ gains in some cases).
• High-end Linux gaming example
  • Crimson Desert reportedly ran at 80–100 FPS with DLSS, frame generation, and high ray-tracing settings on the host’s Linux setup.

Root causes, suggested fixes, and expectations

• Root causes identified
  • Bloat from preinstalled apps and services.
  • AI pushed by default rather than opt-in.
  • Mandatory online/Microsoft account flows.
  • Insufficient focus on meaningful quality and reliability.
• Suggested product-level fixes
  • Offer an optional, debloated core install.
  • Make AI features opt-in (downloadable models).
  • Allow local accounts and remove mandatory online account flows.
  • Make OneDrive and other preinstalled apps optional.
• Expectations and skepticism
  • The host is skeptical Microsoft will fully execute these changes.
  • Moves are viewed as reactionary to competition (Apple, SteamOS/Linux) rather than principled improvements.

Reviews, guides, and tutorials referenced

• Demonstrations and tests shown or discussed
  • Installing and testing Copilot/AI features (reported high failure rates in the host’s tests).
  • How Windows updates behave and options to defer/skip (examples of updating without UI interruption).
  • File Explorer speed and responsiveness comparisons.
  • Gaming benchmarks comparing Windows vs SteamOS/Linux on handheld/PC (Legion Go S example).
  • Using “Windows 11 Debloat” tools to remove bundled apps.
  • Installing Arch Linux minimal setups and using TimeShift snapshots (advantages of minimal, customizable installs).
  • Third-party alternatives such as File Pilot (referenced as faster than built-in Explorer).

Mentioned products, technologies, and apps

• Microsoft ecosystem
  • Windows 11 (and a potential “Windows 12 core” concept), Copilot/AI integrations, File Explorer, Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, Notepad, OneDrive, Windows update system.
• Competitors and platforms
  • Linux distributions (Arch), SteamOS, macOS (MacBook Neo example).
• Third-party tools and utilities
  • Windows 11 Debloat, File Pilot, TimeShift.
• Games used as examples
  • Cyberpunk 2077, Homeworld 3, Returnal, Crimson Desert, and a personal-playtime title “Marathon.”

Main speakers and sources

• Primary speaker: the video host / YouTuber (unnamed in subtitles) — provides hands-on tests, benchmarks, and commentary.
• Corporate source: Microsoft (referenced statement “Our commitment to Windows quality” and announced changes).
• Secondary references: Linux/SteamOS community benchmarks and Apple (MacBook Neo example).