For most part of my life, I’ve been a dedicated Windows user. I’ve dabbled with MacOS and numerous Linux distributions, but ultimately, I tend to return to Windows because, in my view, it suits me best. But let me clarify, it doesn’t mean that Windows is flawless; far from it. Even Microsoft should not consider it as such.
I encounter relatively few problems with Windows, but its shortcomings in areas like touch functionality and the revised Outlook app can be quite noticeable, as it often seems that attention to detail is not one of its strong suits. However, it’s challenging to express dissatisfaction over such small issues system-wide, given that there are frequently more pressing concerns, such as working on Windows Recall deployment.
However, allow me to rephrase that for you: I maintain that seemingly minor aspects can be equally crucial as major, potentially problematic elements within a given context.
Here’s a list of six issues I encounter frequently when using Windows 11, which I hope Microsoft can improve:
1. The Start menu layout is confusing and takes time to get used to.
2. The lack of customization options for the taskbar makes it feel less personalized.
3. The Settings app is hard to navigate, making simple tasks tedious.
4. The built-in apps, such as Calculator and Notepad, are lacking essential features.
5. The performance of certain apps can be inconsistent and unpredictable.
6. The File Explorer’s interface could use a more user-friendly design to make it easier to manage files.
1. The way Windows creates a local user directory
In my opinion, this issue is quite significant, though it may be largely unknown or unimportant to 99% of Windows 11 users. Upon setting up a new PC running Windows 11, signing in with your Microsoft Account will automatically generate a local user directory using the first five letters from your email address’s beginning, rather than your given name.
If your name is Jack but your email address is “iamthenight@outlook,” your user directory will be named “iamth” and it can be found at C:\Users\iamth. This means that everything you save on your computer gets stored in this folder. It’s quite inconvenient if you often manually navigate to your local directory using tools like Terminal or File Explorer, as the default name doesn’t make it easy to identify your personal folder quickly.
Once you’ve created that directory, it becomes permanent and cannot be altered. This means you’ll have to work with that local directory for the rest of your time using that specific Windows installation. The solution lies in bypassing the sign-in process during Windows 11 setup, entering your first name as your username instead of an MSA account, which will generate the appropriate directory.
To ensure a smoother setup process for me, Microsoft could modify the MSA login on Windows 11 to generate user directories. A more personalized approach would be using the first name associated with the Microsoft Account or even allowing users to create their own username alongside signing into a Microsoft Account. This method is already implemented in MacOS, so it seems feasible for Windows to follow suit as well.
2. Missing Taskbar thumbnail preview animations
I’ve never been fond of this aspect in Windows 11, and I find the animations accompanying Taskbar thumbnail previews somewhat choppy. When Windows 11 initially debuted, there was no animation at all; however, it now includes one when you hover over the initial app.
However, it doesn’t have one when moving the cursor between open apps.
As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but feel frustrated because since Windows 7, each iteration of this operating system has offered a seamless, graceful animation for previewing thumbnails as I switch between applications. Regrettably, that smooth experience seems to be missing from Windows 11.
This makes the OS feel janky when using this feature, and I wish Microsoft would polish it up.
3. Dark mode is broken and ugly
It might seem like a minor concern in comparison to larger issues, but for individuals with light-sensitive eyes, it’s a significant matter of comfort. Unfortunately, Windows’ dark mode, despite being available for nearly a decade, remains incompletely implemented.
It’s shameful, and Microsoft doesn’t seem to care, making zero moves even to pretend to work on it.
When you turn on dark mode, you might notice that many interfaces across the Windows UI remain in a lighter color scheme. For example, copy dialog boxes, file properties, settings menus, the Run dialog, and even the Registry Editor all continue to be displayed in light mode. This inconsistency gives Windows 11 a sense of being unfinished.
In my daily observations, it seems that those bright interfaces are almost everywhere, especially in the context of Windows systems. It’s not just third-party applications I’m talking about; surprisingly, many of these apps support a dark mode and execute it effectively. However, it’s Microsoft’s native software that falls short in this regard.
In the current scenario, I’ve grown accustomed to Windows suddenly displaying bright screens at 1AM while I’m engrossed in work on my computer. However, individuals who are particularly affected by intense light or sudden white flashes ought to exercise caution.
Microsoft really should prioritize finishing dark mode on Windows 11.
4. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations
If I’m not running Windows on a PC with its own graphics card, opening Task View usually results in a slow and jerky animation, barely hitting 15 frames per second. The lag is so noticeable that it makes the Surface Laptop 7 seem outdated. This issue has persisted for years, yet Microsoft hasn’t attempted to resolve it surprisingly.
After some time without using it, the Task View tends to be sluggish when accessed. Occasionally, it may only display a few thumbnails or even fail to show the animation if there are numerous applications and virtual desktops active.
And that hasn’t even touched upon the animation when you switch between Virtual Desktops.
What’s going on here? Why does the taskbar suddenly vanish in such a manner? Why does it turn into an opaque state? What is causing the overall interface to appear and function poorly?
If someone informed me that the Task View and Virtual Desktop functionality in Windows 11 is still in its developmental stage (beta), I would find their statement entirely plausible.
5. Start and Search transition is bad
On Windows 11, the issue persists as the Start menu and search bar are now distinct pop-ups instead of being integrated into a single interface, as they were in Windows 8 and earlier versions.
On Windows 10, while the two interfaces are technically distinct, the smooth transition between them gives the impression that they are a single unified interface.
As a dedicated fan, I must admit, Windows 11’s search feature in the Start menu isn’t exactly seamless. Instead of being an integrated part, it appears as a button that triggers a separate search panel. Unfortunately, there’s no smooth transition or animation to make this switch feel less abrupt.
As an analyst, I’ve noticed that upon appearance, the search pane doesn’t align perfectly with the Start menu in terms of its dimensions, creating a noticeable shift during the transition process.
As a dedicated analyst, I’ve consistently found myself yearning for a smoother transition between the Start and Search functions in Windows 11. Ideally, Microsoft could design this transformation to feel intentional and well-thought-out, rather than appearing as an unfinished aspect of the operating system.
Or, better yet, integrate search back into the Start menu. There’s no reason for it to be separate.
At least there’s an updated Start menu coming for Windows 11 that addresses some other complaints.
6. Dumb ads
It’s impractical to expect Microsoft to eliminate every single ad, given the current landscape of technology. Even companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google incorporate ads into their platforms.
Instead, I’ll voice my concern over the seemingly negligent selection of advertisements displayed within Windows, as a devoted Microsoft ecosystem user.
As a dedicated fan, I’ve signed up for Microsoft 365, regularly enjoy Xbox Game Pass, keep my files in sync with OneDrive, leverage Phone Link for seamless mobile integration, navigate the web using Edge daily, and embrace all that Microsoft has to offer.
So why does Windows still advertise these services to me?
Frequently, Windows prompts me to utilize Edge, despite the fact that I’m already using it. I receive reminders encouraging me to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass and save files using OneDrive, both services I’ve already signed up for. These notifications show up as pop-ups and on the lock screen.
Why can’t Windows “see” I’m doing these things and stop advertising them?
It seems illogical to me that Windows doesn’t realize when I already own and utilize certain items, and continues to present ads for those same products.
Instead of targeting ads towards users who don’t currently have them, it seems redundant to show them to those who are already paying for your services, as they do not require reminders about their financial obligations.
Great news! You can quickly get rid of those bothersome Windows 11 advertisement pop-ups without any hassle.
Wrapping it up
Microsoft’s Windows 11 has taken significant steps towards enhancing the PC experience, however, some design imperfections prevent it from achieving a flawlessly refined operating system status.
Though they aim for grandeur, the animations sometimes appear uneven and choppy, which detracts from the smoothness typically associated with high-end operating systems, as users might anticipate.
In simpler terms, the search feature on the Windows Start menu often fails to deliver accurate or prompt results, leaving users feeling annoyed.
Currently, the dark mode isn’t fully implemented yet, as some older components persistently resist change, resulting in an inconsistent user experience for those who prefer this setting.
A common concern is the embedding of advertisements directly into the operating system. Frequently, these ads are not tailored smartly, leading to a feeling of annoyance and inconvenience instead of assistance.
The presence of both traditional features like the Control Panel and contemporary settings side by side suggests a disconnection in the overall design concept.
Features like Widgets, while promising, feel underdeveloped and redundant for many users.
From a tech enthusiast’s perspective, it’s crucial that I tackle these concerns head-on, as doing so will make Windows 11 a more credible and polished platform in the eyes of users.
Could I get your perspective on something? Do you think my observations here might seem overly critical and overly detailed, or are they well-founded? And by the way, what do you personally find to be other questionable design choices in Windows 11?
Let me know in the comments!
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2025-04-24 18:41