Windows 11 is undeniably one of Microsoft’s most refined operating systems ever released. It brings modern polish and many fresh ideas to the table, yet not all design choices have been warmly embraced by long-time Windows enthusiasts. Let’s take a deep dive into eight features that – as many power users contend – should never have made it past the drawing board, and explore practical tweaks to tailor the experience to your liking.
Why It’s Controversial:
Points to Consider:
Key Concerns:
Common Gripes:
What’s the Issue?
Points for Debate:
User Concerns:
Why It’s Problematic:
Each of these eight features highlights the tension between pushing forward with modern design and maintaining the intuitive usability that long-time Windows users expect. For many, built-in toggles and workarounds offer temporary fixes, but these settings also remind us that operating systems need to evolve in tune with their user base.
As Windows 11 continues to grow through feature updates and user feedback, the ongoing dialogue about these frustrating yet tweakable elements ensures that the spirit of customization and flexibility remains alive. Whether you choose to disable the Widgets board, reposition the Start menu, or even restore the old right-click context menu via a Registry tweak, the beauty of Windows is that nearly every annoyance can be turned into a personal preference.
In the end, our journey through Windows 11’s quirks is a reminder that technology should serve the user—not the other way around. As we await future updates, one can only hope that Microsoft listens to the feedback from power users and enthusiasts alike, striving for that perfect balance between modern innovation and classic usability.
Summary: Windows 11 is a finely crafted OS laden with modern features that sometimes stray into unnecessary territory. By understanding and applying the available customizations—from taskbar tweaks to disabling distracting notifications—users can tailor their experience to ensure that productivity and personal workflow remain paramount in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Source: XDA Developers https://www.xda-developers.com/8-windows-11-features-should-never-been-added/
1. Centered Start Menu: A Modern Twist That’s Not for Everyone
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the placement of the Start menu. By centering it on the taskbar, Microsoft signals a break with decades of Windows tradition. However, if you rely on muscle memory honed over countless years of clicking in the left corner, this shift can feel like an unnecessary hurdle.Why It’s Controversial:
- Muscle memory misalignment: The new layout clashes with ingrained habits from Windows 10 and earlier.
- Perceived aesthetic vs. functionality: Although the centered Start menu contributes a modern feel, many argue it detracts from efficiency.
- Open Settings > System > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
- Change the Start menu alignment from center to left with a simple dropdown adjustment.
2. Taskbar Search: Redundancy in a Modern OS
Windows 11 retains the search box on the taskbar—a feature that proved popular in Windows 10 yet now feels redundant. Even if you’re a fan of quick searches, the space taken by a persistent search field may not be worth it when you have the Windows key at your fingertips.Points to Consider:
- Redundant functionality: Simply pressing the Windows key and typing delivers the same result.
- Screen real estate: A cleaner taskbar can be achieved by removing less essential items.
- Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Search.
- Set the dropdown to “Hide” to reclaim some space.
3. Widgets Board: A Distracting Dashboard
If you’ve ever found your focus shifting from work to news, weather, or sports updates, you’re not alone. The Widgets board in Windows 11 is designed to bring curated content right to your desktop. Unfortunately, for many users, this feature feels like an intrusive sidebar of distractions.Key Concerns:
- Instant pop-ups: The board activates with a simple mouse hover, sometimes before you’re ready.
- Advertisement overload: The integration of news, weather, and ads can interrupt your workflow.
- Inherited legacy position: Its place near the former Start menu location makes it impossible to hide without repositioning other elements.
- Head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Toggle off the Widgets switch to remove it completely.
4. A Static Taskbar: Limiting Customization in an Evolving OS
Historically, Windows users have relished the ability to move their taskbar to various parts of the screen—to position it at the top, bottom, or sides. Windows 11, however, locks down this flexibility, offering only left or centered positioning.Common Gripes:
- Lack of mobility: Tucking the taskbar into a screen corner isn’t supported natively anymore.
- Dependence on third-party apps: Users who crave flexibility must resort to paid solutions like Stardock’s Start11 or intricate Registry hacks.
- Consider third-party applications if you insist on customizing the taskbar’s position.
- Always back up your Registry if you decide to attempt custom hacks.
5. Desktop Notifications: When Helpfulness Becomes Hindrance
Desktop notifications were initially designed to keep users informed of important updates and alerts. In Windows 11, however, an abundance of notifications—from system alerts to app updates and even social media—can easily become overwhelming.What’s the Issue?
- Notification clutter: Too many alerts can transform a helpful feature into a visual and auditory distraction.
- Interruption in workflow: Constant pop-ups can break concentration, especially during critical tasks.
- Access Settings > System > Notifications.
- Customize or disable notifications for individual apps.
- Enable features like Focus Sessions or schedule a Do Not Disturb mode to reduce interruptions.
6. Copilot Integration: AI Assistance or Intrusive Automation?
Microsoft’s push into AI has seen the integration of Copilot into many facets of Windows 11—from the desktop to Microsoft Edge and Office apps. While artificial intelligence can streamline workflow and enhance productivity, its ubiquitous presence might not suit everyone’s taste.Points for Debate:
- Assistance overload: For some users, Copilot feels like an uninvited helper that steals focus instead of offering genuine support.
- Opt-in necessity: Pushing AI integration without an easy way out can leave users feeling boxed in by forced technology.
- Although it’s integrated deeply into the OS, many users have found temporary workarounds to quiet the AI’s presence.
- Look for updates or settings that might allow you to opt out or minimize its reach until it becomes more contextually useful.
7. Truncated Context Menu: The Elusive Right-Click Options
Long gone are the days of the expansive right-click context menu that provided direct access to a multitude of file and folder options. Windows 11 opts for a simplified version, where more detailed options require an extra click on “Show more options” or using keyboard shortcuts like Shift+F10.User Concerns:
- Extra steps: Having to click twice for the same functionality interrupts the seamless flow of managing files.
- Hidden functionalities: Power users who rely on quick access to extensive context menus find this new design inefficient.
- For those willing to venture into advanced settings, a Registry hack can restore the full, expanded context menu.
- Always back up your Registry before performing any edits to safeguard against unintended issues.
8. Changing Default Windows Apps: A Cumbersome Process
Lastly, the process for altering default Windows apps in Windows 11 has grown unnecessarily complicated. While defaulting to Windows apps for many media types echoes practices seen in other operating systems, the method to switch out these defaults is unlike the user-friendly approach seen in earlier versions.Why It’s Problematic:
- Per file-type assignments: Changing a default app now requires setting associations for each file extension individually, such as JPG, PNG, BMP, etc.
- Fragmented experience: Users might expect a centralized choice rather than a fragmented process for every file type or protocol.
- Visit Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- From here, you must select the desired app and then assign it individually for each file type—the lack of bulk editing is the real issue here.
- Some third-party utilities might streamline this process, but they come with additional overhead and compatibility concerns.
Conclusion: Balancing Innovation with Intuitive Usability
Windows 11 stands as a testament to Microsoft’s drive to innovate and modernize. However, innovation is a double-edged sword. While many changes, like a revamped Task Manager or improved phone integration, enhance productivity and aesthetics, others can disrupt the workflow of those accustomed to the old ways.Each of these eight features highlights the tension between pushing forward with modern design and maintaining the intuitive usability that long-time Windows users expect. For many, built-in toggles and workarounds offer temporary fixes, but these settings also remind us that operating systems need to evolve in tune with their user base.
As Windows 11 continues to grow through feature updates and user feedback, the ongoing dialogue about these frustrating yet tweakable elements ensures that the spirit of customization and flexibility remains alive. Whether you choose to disable the Widgets board, reposition the Start menu, or even restore the old right-click context menu via a Registry tweak, the beauty of Windows is that nearly every annoyance can be turned into a personal preference.
In the end, our journey through Windows 11’s quirks is a reminder that technology should serve the user—not the other way around. As we await future updates, one can only hope that Microsoft listens to the feedback from power users and enthusiasts alike, striving for that perfect balance between modern innovation and classic usability.
Summary: Windows 11 is a finely crafted OS laden with modern features that sometimes stray into unnecessary territory. By understanding and applying the available customizations—from taskbar tweaks to disabling distracting notifications—users can tailor their experience to ensure that productivity and personal workflow remain paramount in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Source: XDA Developers https://www.xda-developers.com/8-windows-11-features-should-never-been-added/
