It’s safe to say that setting up a new Windows 11 laptop in a hurry is not for the faint of heart. The story shared by the author at Pocketables paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations involving modern Windows installations and the out-of-the-box (OOTB) experience. If you’re someone who’s been through this process or might be gearing up for it, buckle up—there are some key lessons and frustrations to unpack, especially for users navigating Microsoft's latest operating system.
While Microsoft continues emphasizing the importance of “keeping systems secure and updated,” it doesn’t acknowledge the frustration for users managing these transitions on short notice. Could Microsoft offer bundled service packs for manual installation to cut down repetitive downloads? It remains to be seen, but this ordeal shows the dire need for a better user-centric update model.
For users, the key mantra remains: prepare and persevere. And for goodness’ sake, don’t trust the salesperson at Costco implicitly—do your own research! If Windows 11’s growing pains have taught us anything, it’s that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a requirement.
So, what’s your “Windows Update horror story”? Let’s commiserate in the comments!
Source: Pocketables The Windows 11 experience (from someone in a hurry)
A Perfect Storm of Deadlines and Tech Drama
Imagine this: Your colleague is rushing out the door for a month-long leave and—just your luck—you’re left scrambling to set up a replacement laptop today, not tomorrow. A Costco trip later, you’re armed with a brand-new laptop, but the real challenge awaits: taming the Windows 11 beast. The author humorously recounts the confusion of choosing laptops based on chipsets, battery ratings, and why they ultimately ignored a salesperson’s advice. However, once that laptop box was cracked open, the real drama began.Windows Update—or, As It Should Be Called, "The Patience Trials"
The setup process promised to be straightforward but quickly went sideways in a series of unwelcome surprises. Let’s lay it out step by step:- Out-of-the-Box Updates: After starting the laptop, the system immediately required a hefty update download “several gigabytes in size,” taking over 30 minutes. While this wasn’t unexpected, the belief that this would cover the major updates was a grave miscalculation.
- A Marathon Update Path: Once inside Windows, the PC demanded the jump to the 23H2 feature update. Feature updates bring significant changes to the OS, similar to service packs from Windows’ earlier days. The ordeal didn’t stop here—24H2 came knocking right after, alongside a plethora of other updates.
- Manufacturer Annoyances: All this was exacerbated by added downloads from the manufacturer, including 1.4 GB of software and drivers that interrupted the ongoing updates. Frequent interruptions from mandatory reboots made this worse.
- Power Problems: Despite attempting to set the device to bypass sleep mode (to keep updates running), the machine slipped into “nap mode” repeatedly. This functionality snafu, resolved much later through updates, was a frustration no one needed under tight deadlines.
- The Final Toll: What began around 6:00 PM ended well past midnight after compiling nearly every available update, application install, and system configuration tweak. What should have been a two-step update felt more like reinstalling layers of an operating system while the clock ticked ominously.
The Bandwidth Situation: Huge Downloads Are the Norm
The growing size of update packages deserves scrutiny. The author points out that the Windows 11 installation itself sits at about 1 GB. But this bloats rapidly after a 2 GB initial update, compounded further by subsequent feature updates like 23H2 (~1 GB+) and later 24H2. If you’re working on limited bandwidth or a metered connection, this isn’t just frustrating—it’s borderline untenable.While Microsoft continues emphasizing the importance of “keeping systems secure and updated,” it doesn’t acknowledge the frustration for users managing these transitions on short notice. Could Microsoft offer bundled service packs for manual installation to cut down repetitive downloads? It remains to be seen, but this ordeal shows the dire need for a better user-centric update model.
Edge vs. Chrome Drama: Who Invited That Scam Site?
Some may find the lighthearted detour into browser woes relatable. The author found themselves in a vulnerable moment when mistakenly navigating to a scammy third-party site (a fake version of SpeedTest). Here’s where the setup journey revealed some eyebrow-raising behaviors concerning Microsoft Edge:- Edge’s Stubborn Persistence: Despite the user deliberately keeping things separate between Chrome and Edge, Edge popped back into the spotlight, supplying notifications tied to a dubious site.
- Annoying Prompts: Beyond functional inconveniences was Edge’s “friendly” persistence, nagging users to make it the default browser. Users everywhere share in this collective groan about Microsoft’s aggressive banners aimed at dethroning Chrome.
Lessons for Windows Users on the Go
Here’s what all this means for everyday Windows enthusiasts, IT professionals, and casual users alike:1. Plan for Updates Ahead of Time
If you’re setting up a Windows 11 PC, allocate several hours—or better yet, set it up overnight. Major updates like 23H2 and 24H2 won’t install themselves in the snap of a finger. If you're working under a time crunch, this setup journey can rapidly spiral into frustration, as seen here.2. Use Installation Media
While downloading updates piecemeal may be the standard procedure, it’s significantly faster to bypass this by opting for the latest installation media from Microsoft's website (available through the Media Creation Tool). This eliminates several intermediary update steps.3. Optimize Power Settings Preemptively
Ensure your device is actively set to bypass sleep entirely while plugged in during setup. Turn off “power-saving” mode and tweak advanced settings in the control panel to keep the system awake until updates are complete.4. Edge Still Needs Work
For those new to Microsoft Edge, tread carefully when adjusting browser settings. Always verify permissions before approving pop-up requests. And if you prefer Chrome or another browser, mentally prepare for Edge’s uncanny ability to reassert itself at inopportune moments.Broader Implications for Microsoft's Update Model
This narrative highlights some glaring pain points in Microsoft’s update strategy. While Windows 11 continues its evolution with features driven by AI integration, UI refinement, and improved security, the process for hitting the ground running out of the box still feels clunky. Here's what needs addressing:- Streamlining Feature Updates: Users shouldn’t have to download multiple feature updates sequentially. Ideally, every update path should apply cumulatively, reducing downtime.
- Patch Sizes: Microsoft must focus on delivering leaner update packs that accomplish the same tasks without annihilating bandwidth.
- OOBE (Out of Box Experience) Improvements: For rushed setups like the one described here, Microsoft and manufacturers might consider offering “ready-to-go” modes tailored specifically for corporate users.
Is There Hope for a Better Windows Setup Experience?
The answer is, “Microsoft is working on it”—but we’ve been hearing that for years. What’s clear is that the traditional update slog isn’t ideal for everyone, particularly in those high-pressure moments when time isn’t a luxury. If you’ve ever wondered why people dread setting up a new PC, now you know the full story.For users, the key mantra remains: prepare and persevere. And for goodness’ sake, don’t trust the salesperson at Costco implicitly—do your own research! If Windows 11’s growing pains have taught us anything, it’s that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a requirement.
So, what’s your “Windows Update horror story”? Let’s commiserate in the comments!
Source: Pocketables The Windows 11 experience (from someone in a hurry)
