As an analyst, I find myself consistently noticing the lingering absence of several highly-demanded features in Windows 11, despite its advanced state and ongoing updates, such as the one being developed as version 25H2 at present. These features are requests users have been voicing for quite some time now.
As a devoted fan, I appreciate the fresh visuals and enhanced security features, yet I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia as some of my cherished customization options and functionalities seem to have taken a backseat in the latest update.
In various aspects such as the updated Taskbar and Start menu layouts, compulsory usage of a local account during initial setup, enforced updates, and heightened hardware prerequisites for installation, Microsoft has demonstrated a pattern that continues.
In this write-up, I will emphasize eight key aspects that the company ought to focus on when developing Windows 11, drawing inspiration from decades of user suggestions.
Features I wish were part of Windows 11
These are my top feature requests that I’d want the company to bring to Windows 11.
1. Control over Windows Update
Despite the fact that updates are crucial for addressing security flaws, fixing software and application glitches, enhancing performance, and introducing novel features, Microsoft frequently releases system updates that are prone to errors, causing disruptions in functionality or compatibility. This can lead to a less than optimal user experience.
To ensure flexibility, it’s important for the company to regain the ability to decide when and how system updates are installed, transferring this responsibility from automatic to the “Windows Update” settings.
Users prefer having more specific control options over updates, like choosing to entirely disable automatic updates or scheduling them beyond the current timeframe limitations, rather than relying on some settings for delaying updates and other workarounds that only partially turn off automatic updates.
2. Setup with a local account
I’m finding myself drawn into Microsoft’s strategy of encouraging users to establish Microsoft accounts while installing Windows 11 Home and Pro versions. Yet, it seems only fair that during setup, we as users are presented with a straightforward choice to create a local account instead, without the need for any workarounds.
It’s about giving users real choice and privacy from the start.
To establish an installation devoid of a local account, you can follow the standard setup process initially, and afterward, modify it manually to a local account. Alternatively, you can skip this requirement by executing a particular command during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), or by using a custom USB installation medium.
3. Option to resize the Taskbar
In Windows 11, the company unveiled an entirely fresh Taskbar, which eliminates several traditional elements, such as the capacity to adjust its dimensions.
Microsoft now offers a new setting to make taskbar icons smaller, enhancing the ability to fit more icons within the same area on your taskbar. This adjustment solely alters the size of the icons themselves, not the taskbar itself. The purpose behind this feature is to maximize the number of icons that can be displayed in a given space.
While it’s great to have additional customization options for the desktop behavior, it would be even better if the company could incorporate a native feature to adjust the Taskbar size based on user preferences, taking into account their valuable feedback.
4. Relocate Taskbar to the top of screen
Previously, it was possible to move the Taskbar to either side or the top of your screen, but in the latest update, this option for customization has been taken away.
Among the feedback I regularly receive, it seems that users most frequently express a desire for the option to anchor the Taskbar at the top of the screen. This feature appears to be one of the most sought-after improvements in the operating system.
In the settings of Windows 11, there ought to be a feature allowing users to place the Taskbar at the screen’s top, accompanied by a revamped Start menu that aligns with the top-to-bottom layout.
5. Full dark system mode
While the operating system includes a dark color mode, it’s still inconsistent across the desktop.
It’s not necessary to delve extremely far; you can easily spot these inconsistencies within File Explorer, particularly when navigating the folder settings, as well as in the Control Panel (a part that might persist), the Registry, and numerous other outdated components.
A proper full dark mode would provide better visual consistency and improve the overall experience.
6. Start menu live tiles
As a dedicated analyst, I find myself missing the convenience of live tiles that were once a key feature in previous Windows versions. The ability to quickly access and view glanceable information directly from the Start menu was incredibly useful. In light of their removal in Windows 11, it would be beneficial for Microsoft to reconsider the integration of customizable live tiles, either within the Start menu or as interactive widgets on the desktop, to enhance user experience once more.
As an outside observer, it appears to me that the current operating system incorporates a widget dashboard, which resembles the live tiles from previous versions. Given this history, I find it plausible that the development of this particular feature may not be a priority for Microsoft at the moment.
7. Charging limit options for laptops
Using a laptop battery at full capacity consistently can reduce its overall lifespan. While some brands like Lenovo and ASUS offer charging limit options, Windows 11 currently lacks this feature.
In upcoming releases, it would be great if Microsoft incorporates a feature enabling users to cap battery charging at either 80% or 90%, aiming to prolong the lifespan of batteries in portable gadgets.
8. Proper modern settings page for File Explorer
In Windows 11, the updated File Explorer sports a contemporary design while keeping some recognizable aspects, but the way you can customize it remains tied to older Control Panel features.
Surprisingly, the third-party Files app offers a more intuitive and modern settings interface.
Instead of adding more items to the already crowded contemporary menu in File Explorer, I believe Microsoft could enhance user experience by concentrating on a revamped settings interface for this essential tool.
The operating system is preparing for its fourth significant update, and at this point, the application should have a ‘Settings’ button on the toolbar, similar to apps like Files and built-in ones such as Notepad and Microsoft Store. This will ensure easy access to personalize settings in a way that aligns with the design aesthetic of Windows 11.
9. Windows 11 variant for unsupported PCs
As the deadline for Windows 10 support nears, many devices may not qualify for the Windows 11 upgrade because they don’t meet the more stringent hardware standards, like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Even though Microsoft is providing an additional year of essential updates without charge (with a condition), users feel disheartened that their functional computers are being made outdated against their will.
To solve this issue, it might be beneficial for the company to introduce a new version of Windows 11, similar in essence to the Windows 7 Starter edition, tailored for devices that are less equipped with modern features. By eliminating these unnecessary restrictions, users would have a legitimate upgrade option, prolonging the useful life of these devices and minimizing electronic waste substantially.
Microsoft has taken steps to rectify certain issues with Windows 11, including providing an option to conceal the “Recommendations” area on the Start menu, disabling the news feed within the Widgets panel, and allowing for compact Taskbar icon sizes, among other adjustments.
Lately, the company seems to be prioritizing advancements in AI and innovative user experiences over refining the essentials that require attention.
Could you please share your thoughts on what additional or improved features you’d like to see in Windows 11, as discussed in the comments section?
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2025-07-22 13:40