5 Key Improvements Windows 11 Users Want from Microsoft

Windows 11 has stirred conversations among its users, not just for what it offers, but for the features many feel have taken a backseat in the upgrade. Recently published reflections echoed by users across various forums reveal a shared sentiment: while the operating system remains a staple on countless desktops globally, it has its fair share of shortcomings that continue to frustrate. Let’s dive deeper into five key areas that users wish Microsoft would improve upon to enhance the Windows experience.

1. Handling Bluetooth Devices: Let's Get Wireless Right​

If you've ever felt the frustration of pairing Bluetooth devices on your Windows PC, you're not alone. Users often recount tales of laggy performance and poor microphone quality, echoing the nightmare of dropped connections during gaming sessions. One key frustration is the balancing act of getting the Sony WH-1000XM4 to sound as good on Windows as it does on Android. Unfortunately, Windows' Bluetooth handling leaves much to be desired.
Microsoft has to recognize that Bluetooth connectivity shouldn’t come with anxiety. Countless Reddit threads reveal that the echoing woes of Bluetooth users demand urgent attention. It’s high time we see a dedicated effort to enhance the Bluetooth experience, ensuring that users can game wirelessly without hoping for a miracle every time they connect their headsets.

Summary:​

• Current Issue: Users report latency and connectivity issues with Bluetooth headsets.
• Proposed Improvement: Streamlined Bluetooth device handling to ensure reliability and performance.

2. Changing Default Apps: Why Is This So Complicated?​

Setting default applications for file types shouldn’t require an intricate dance of clicks and selections each time. Windows 10 had a decent approach—select your default program once, and you were done. Windows 11, however, muddles this process by compelling users to assign default apps for each specific file extension. If you love VLC, you’re out of luck unless you go through a lengthy process for each file type.
This procedural headache has driven many users back to Windows 10 in search of familiarity and ease. Returning to a simpler method of default app assignment would not only save time but also restore confidence in Microsoft’s capability to prioritize user experience.

Summary:​

• Current Issue: Switching default apps is a tedious, multi-step process.
• Proposed Improvement: Revert to a more intuitive method akin to Windows 10 for managing default apps.

3. Controlling Ads and Bloatware: Making Windows Less Freemium​

The shift to Windows 11 should have been a leap forward, but the constant barrage of ads has left users feeling that Microsoft has transformed the OS into a freemium service loaded with distractions. Users regularly encounter ads in seemingly unrelated areas, from the Start Menu to login screens, prompting frustration and confusion.
Furthermore, the integration of required bloatware, alongside intrusive features like forced Microsoft accounts, damages Windows’ reputation. Users deserve a sleeker experience without being bombarded by ads, especially on software that serves such a vital role in their daily lives.

Summary:​

• Current Issue: Persistent advertisements and unnecessary apps clutter the Windows experience.
• Proposed Improvement: More refined control over ads and the removal of unwanted bloatware features.

4. Pushing Stable Windows Updates: A Wish for Stability​

Updates are essential for performance and security, but the installation process remains a thorn in many users' sides. Long update installation times and unskippable driver updates often lead to system interruptions at the worst possible moments. The frustrations of dealing with paradoxical issues post-updates are commonplace, leading some users to keep their updates disabled entirely.
What users desire is a more streamlined, less invasive update mechanism—one that works for them and protects their systems without instilling fear of a potential system failure.

Summary:​

• Current Issue: Updates can break more than they fix, and the installation process is cumbersome.
• Proposed Improvement: Revamp the update process to be user-friendly and reliable.

5. Finding What the User Is Searching For: Make Search Great Again​

Windows Search is often a source of exasperation, with users frequently finding it ineffective at locating files or settings. Instead of delivering sought-after results, it bombards users with Bing search results, leaving frustration in its wake. This experience contrasts sharply with the effectiveness of macOS’s Spotlight Search.
Users would greatly appreciate a more robust search functionality that would provide relevant results, corresponding to their queries, without the fluff. A dedicated revamp in this area could streamline productivity and eliminate the guesswork that often comes with file searching in Windows.

Summary:​

• Current Issue: Linux veterans know the agony of Windows Search’s shortcomings.
• Proposed Improvement: Enhance Windows Search functionality to deliver precise results quickly.

Conclusion: Microsoft's Call to Action​

The feedback from users about Windows 11 is clear: while it’s a step forward, it must not come at the expense of core functionalities that people rely on daily. By addressing these five areas—Bluetooth management, default app settings, ad control, update processes, and search functionality—Microsoft could dramatically improve the user experience. As we look ahead to future updates, we can only hope that Microsoft listens closely to its users, embracing change that actually makes a difference.
As Windows 10 approaches its end of life, the onus is on Microsoft to ramp up its efforts in these critical areas. Will we see significant enhancements, or will the criticisms continue to mount? That’s the million-dollar question for millions of Windows users around the globe.
Source: XDA 5 things I wish Windows tried to do better