Top 6 Microsoft Apps in Need of Revamp for Windows 11

It’s no secret that Microsoft has been on a modernization spree since the launch of Windows 11, aiming to enhance user experience through a sleeker interface and a wide array of improvements. Yet, as we peer beneath the glossy exterior, certain core applications remain outdated and frustrating to use. In this feature, we’ll unpack the six apps that Microsoft must prioritize for revamps, along with those notorious shortcomings and areas for improvement.

1. File Explorer: Stuck in the Past​

File Explorer is the gateway to your digital life, yet many users still feel as if they’re navigating a relic from the Windows 7 era. Despite receiving a facelift and the introduction of tabbed browsing, performance issues plague the experience. Slow loading times, particularly when accessing OneDrive, make even the simplest operations frustrating. Imagine wanting to open a folder only to be met with lag, as if your device is working hard to remember how to find it!

Key Takeaways:​

• Performance Lag: It’s particularly slow with cloud storage operations.
• Outdated Features: While it looks modern, essential features like tagging—nothing less than what Mac’s Finder has—are sorely lacking.

2. Microsoft Photos: A Misfired Shot​

Microsoft Photos could have been a fantastic platform for photography enthusiasts. However, it frequently stumbles when handling high-resolution images, resulting in annoying delays. And what’s with the HEIC format? As iPhones increasingly adopt this container format for images, many users are left grappling with a slow workaround that requires a paid extension from the Microsoft Store. A basic feature like HEIC support should be integrated right into the app, not left as an afterthought!

Key Takeaways:​

• High-Resolution Struggles: Slow performance with large files is a recurring issue.
• Lack of Native Support for HEIC: An unnecessary burden for users, particularly iPhone photographers.

3. Microsoft Store: A Shopping Cart Full of Dust​

The Microsoft Store stands in stark contrast to its rivals. While the selection of apps has improved, the browsing experience is sluggish and downright frustrating, with stuttering animations, even on high-end devices. Beyond performance, it struggles with app quality. As users sift through a sea of mediocre apps, they can't help but wish the experience could be as smooth as Apple's App Store.

Key Takeaways:​

• Performance Issues: Slow loading times make it difficult to browse and discover apps.
• Quality Control: Too many low-quality apps clutter the Store, requiring a much-needed overhaul.

4. Outlook: A Heavyweight Without the Punch​

Microsoft has revamped its email services, but the result feels like a swing and a miss. The transition from the native Mail & Calendar app to a web-based variant has left many users disappointed. Tasking the system with a RAM-hungry and sluggish interface, Microsoft Outlook feels outdated compared to its native app on Mac. Features that were once standard, such as offline access and export capabilities, have been tossed out the window. Users are better off seeking alternatives that don't bog down their workflow with delays.

Key Takeaways:​

• Performance and Usability Concerns: Switching folders can become a testing exercise in patience.
• Loss of Essential Features: It’s like losing your wallet and finding out your spare change isn’t working either.

5. Copilot: The Overhyped Assistant​

Microsoft’s Copilot offers a glimpse into the future of productivity, yet its current rollout feels half-baked. Designed as a web-based interface, it disrupts the workflow by taking over the entire screen. With a lack of meaningful integrations, users are left feeling that it’s more of a distraction rather than an enhancement. Wouldn't it be better served as a launcher or a mini-window, allowing for a smoothly integrated experience?

Key Takeaways:​

• Disruption to Workflow: Copilot’s full-screen takeover turns productivity into a chore.
• Limited Functionality: The absence of system control tweaks leaves many potential users underwhelmed.

6. OneNote: Sluggish and Outdated​

OneNote has a lot going for it, yet users experience frustrations with syncing speeds and technical shortcomings. When switching devices, missing edits become a common headache. The app also lacks support for newer font types such as Aptos fonts and fails to deliver a seamless AI experience that feels native, unlike its rivals. With other note-taking apps capturing users' attention, Microsoft needs to step up its game.

Key Takeaways:​

• Sync Speed Issues: Missing edits lead to a frustrating cross-device experience.
• AI Integration: Copilot in OneNote appears shoehorned instead of fluid and user-friendly.

The Bigger Picture​

As Microsoft endeavors to modernize its OS, these core apps must also evolve. The current state of these applications doesn’t do justice to the overall experience that Windows 11 aims to provide. Competing platforms are nipping at its heels, with their polished applications garnering user loyalty. An investment in these areas could transform mediocre utilities into must-have tools.
In conclusion, Microsoft needs to address these critical issues to transition its core apps from being merely adequate to exceptional, offering the polished functions that dedicated Windows users rightfully demand. And if you’re not feeling these built-in options, the good news is that a plethora of third-party alternatives can fill the void until then. Stay tuned for what we hope will be a much-improved suite of tools in the coming updates!
Let’s discuss—do you feel similarly about these apps? What would you like to see improved? Share your thoughts below!

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Source: XDA 6 core apps Microsoft Needs to fix on Windows