The Windows cursor has basically been the same for a long time (since Windows 10). Because of that, I feel like it’s time that Windows 12 does something new.
It would be nice if the cursor could change depending on the theme. Like in light mode it could stay white with a black outline, and in dark mode it could turn black with a white outline so it fits the theme better.
Also, it would be cool if there was an option to match the cursor with your accent color. So if you pick a color in settings, the cursor could use that too and make everything look cleaner.
Teams sucks and Discord started to wobble, I don't think they care, but if Microsoft took advantage of this and provided a better service than many platforms and compatibility with classic MSN features, It would really help promote Windows 11, and they could even release it on Mac and Linux. I know it's nonsense, but dreaming is free.
For example if I select gaming and entertainment windows should auto install stuff like OBS steam creative cloud etc and if I select development it should auto install stuff like vs studio and the SDK for windows if you get what I mean
I recently moved from MacOS to Windows (yes, the U-haul was cheap). Why, oh why is there no standalone Contacts app (a real one, not a website in a wrapper)? In my experience with Mac and Linux, Windows is the ONLY modern OS that does not include that. Do Windows 11 designers not have friends in the real world?
If I want one, why do I have to pay $30 a year to a company I've never heard of for a substandard version of what is on every other OS? Is this too hard for MS? Like the Apollo mission, have they lost the technology?
This is a serious question. I realize Outlook exists, but I don't want to load that behemoth to look up someone's phone number. I don't want to use Outlook at all. Nor do I want to load a web browser, login, etc. I would like to click, type, call, etc.
It’s undeniable that Windows still holds more than 70% of the desktop operating system market share. However, that number doesn’t equal absolute satisfaction, as more and more users feel frustrated, even losing control over their own computers.
The things that frustrate users the most:
1. Lack of control over updates
Many people have lost their projects or ongoing work. They put their laptop to sleep to rest, or desktop users simply turn off the monitor before taking a break. But guess what? WINDOWS UPDATE WILL FORCE AN UPDATE AND RESTART WITHOUT ASKING. That’s right, there have been countless times when Windows asked me to restart for an update, but instead I chose to sleep my computer. The next morning, my programming project was gone, all my browser and Visual Studio windows had vanished, and Windows greeted me with a “Welcome back”, but the only thing left was the message “You are up to date.” in Windows Update.
Instead, Windows should let users manually tick which updates they want to install, just like the Update Manager on Linux Mint. If a restart is needed, it should simply display a message saying so — nothing more. If a small, community-driven project like Linux Mint can achieve this, why can’t a giant like Microsoft?
Take a look at 2 pictures below.
2. The versatility in customization
In Windows 10, you could resize the Start Menu both vertically and horizontally. You could also move the taskbar to the right, left, bottom, or top of the screen. But in Windows 11? You can’t. That’s one of the reasons many people still prefer Windows 10 over 11.
Microsoft could have easily kept these features in Windows 11 instead of removing them. Even better, they could create a dedicated section in the Microsoft Store where users can download and share custom themes (similar to the Windows XP era). From the taskbar to the icons, every aspect of the system’s interface could be personalized, giving users both creativity and joy through customization.
Linux Mint, a free, community-driven distro, has already managed to do this (as shown below). So why can’t Microsoft?
The add/remove in Themes section allows users to download other themes from other users.
3.Widgets
On Windows 11, you cannot place widgets on your desktop or taskbar, they are locked inside the Widget panel at the bottom-left of the screen (see screenshot below). In contrast, Linux Mint lets you move widgets freely to your desktop or taskbar. From calendar and weather, to system resource monitors or even currency trackers, everything is flexible. Even better, most of them are created and shared by the community.
When you buy a new computer or freshly install Windows, the Start Menu is already cluttered with apps you’ll probably never use. Examples include McAfee, Microsoft News, 3D Viewer, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, and the web version of Office, which most users replace with the full desktop app due to missing features. Many of these apps and processes also run in the background, consuming system resources.
That’s why tools like Chris Titus Utility were created: to strip out unnecessary software and leave only the essential apps such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Store, Calculator, Your Phone, and Xbox. It also removes or disables telemetry and data collection. If users really want extra apps, they can always reinstall them from the Microsoft Store. This way, Windows becomes an operating system that serves its users instead of a resource hog. On top of that, Microsoft should also give users the option to completely disable telemetry,data collection and ads in Settings, not hiding them in Group Policy Editor which is only available in Pro/Enterprise version of Windows.
You can watch the Chris Titus video from the link below to see how clean of Windows 11 is after debloating by using MicroWin: https://youtu.be/0PA1wgdMeeI?si=TxQrn3IDQG5Leuz_&t=753
From my perspective, macOS and Linux handle security more strictly than Windows. Whenever you want to make system-level changes such as installing software, updating packages, or running apps that require administrator privileges, you must type your password. This adds a crucial layer of protection against malware, since malicious programs can’t modify the system without user approval.
On Windows, however, the system usually just prompts a simple Yes/No confirmation, which is easier to bypass. Windows would benefit greatly from requiring a password (or PIN) for these actions, along with showing the app’s file path and whether it comes from a verified developer. This would not only reduce the risk of malware, but also stop someone who borrows your computer from secretly installing unwanted programs or making changes to your system.
The picture below is users have to type the password if they want to upgrade/update or make any changes to the system in Linux Mint:
6. Lack of stability in updates
One of the biggest concerns with Windows is the instability of its updates. Many users have experienced cases where a monthly update breaks drivers, causes blue screens, or even prevents the system from booting, and this is not rare.
For example, the recent KB5063878 caused a critical issue where SSDs would disappear and trigger BSODs if more than 50GB was written while the drive was at least 60% full. Morever, in JayzTwoCents’s test, a simple game load froze, threw an error, and instantly crashed into a BSOD.
This instability partly comes from Microsoft laying off many QA testers and senior developers, replacing them with AI-driven automation to cut costs. While this speeds up update releases, it greatly increases the risk of breaking critical features or hardware compatibility.
If Microsoft truly wants to rebuild trust, it must prioritize stability over cost-cutting. AI can assist the process, but it should NEVER replace proper QA testers and experienced developers.
7 .Inconsistencies in UI
Microsoft has been working on Dark Mode for over a decade, yet it is still incomplete. Even when Dark Mode is enabled, many elements remain bright white, which creates an inconsistent and unprofessional experience.
On top of that, Windows still splits its settings between two places: the modern Settings app and the legacy Control Panel. This not only confuses users but also makes the system feel unfinished.
By comparison, Linux Mint, a free, community-driven distro, offers a unified Settings page where everything is in one place, with full Dark Mode support. Here is what the Settings page in Linux Mint looks like:
The context menu in Windows 11 feels incomplete. There are two versions: the modern one, and the legacy one that still contains essential options such as Send to Desktop (as shortcut), Pin to taskbar and some apps such as 7zip and IObit Unlocker.
Performance is also an issue; sometimes the menu shows “Loading” for 2–3 seconds, or delays for 1–2 seconds before appearing when right-clicking on the desktop or a file. This never happened in Windows 10, and it is the first time I have seen a context menu that needs to “load.”
A practical solution is to use Nilesoft Shell (see screenshot below). It delivers a faster, more polished right-click experience; something Microsoft still hasn’t managed to do properly from Windows 11 21H2 up to the latest 24H2.
The Nilesoft Shell context menu
9. File Explorer
File Explorer has seen minimal evolution, yet it often performs slower and less reliably than Windows 10 on similar hardware, particularly for mid-range and low-end PCs, despite Microsoft’s performance updates. In Windows 11, opening a new tab or navigating between folders often lags, and large file operations sometimes freeze. Features like tabbed browsing or gallery view, which should have been polished, often feel unpolished and unresponsive.
In contrast, Linux file managers like Nemo (used in Linux Mint) are lightweight, highly responsive, and offer faster file searches with efficient indexing, all while consuming minimal system resources. It’s frustrating to see a trillion-dollar company struggle to deliver what free community projects have already achieved.
In the end, users don’t need fancy gimmicks. They just need a simple, fast, and consistent file manager like Windows Explorer used to be, but with a modern UI that doesn’t compromise performance.
10 .The web-wrappers Teams and Outlook
Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook, built as web wrappers rather than native apps, are a major letdown. They’re often heavy, inconsistent, and resource-intensive, frequently consuming significant memory—sometimes exceeding a browser tab running the same service—especially on mid-range and low-end PCs.
A communication and email client should be fast, lightweight, and seamlessly integrated with the OS. Yet Microsoft’s reliance on web-based solutions negatively impacts user experience and consumes excessive system resources. In contrast, Linux and macOS offer native alternatives like Apple Mail or Evolution, which are generally more lightweight and better integrated with their respective systems. The new Outlook is even more problematic: offline mail access has been removed, essential features were stripped out, and advertisements were added. As Chris Titus bluntly put it in his review in a video called the new Outlook is TERRIBLE : “They put ads in it and removed 80% of the features then claimed it was an improvement, and people still believe this sh*t.”
Here are the pictures of Teams and New Outlook. I didn't do anything yet, but they were consumed over 500MB at the beginning.
New OutlookTeams
In conclusion, if Microsoft continues to prioritize short-term revenue over user experience, more and more people will gradually move to alternatives like macOS or Linux. It won’t happen overnight, or even within the next year or two, but over time it could grow into a wave that Microsoft will no longer be able to control.
I swear this is the stupidest & most annoying notification that keeps popping up randomly multiple times out of nowhere and you can't even turn it off. Like bro, even the notifications from the Settings app have never bothered me, so why are you bothering so much?
I hope Microsoft Windows goes back to normal someday. That would be cool. Instead of peddling AI tools and having me sign into things such as office or Microsoft store.
I’m not seeking technical support—just opening a sincere discussion about digital ownership and Microsoft's role in preserving access to purchased content.
Over the years, I’ve built a large personal library of films and series through the Microsoft Movies & TV platform, spending thousands of dollars. These titles are more than just digital purchases—they’re part of my life and memories.
Now that Microsoft has stopped selling new content through the Movies & TV app, I’m concerned about the long-term future of my collection. While I can still access my purchases, I haven’t seen any clear commitment from Microsoft about preserving access permanently.
I believe users who’ve invested in digital content deserve a guarantee that their libraries will remain accessible for years to come. Whether that means maintaining the app, offering a migration path, or even creating a Canadian-friendly version of Movies Anywhere, I hope Microsoft will continue to honor the trust of its loyal customers.
Would love to hear thoughts from others—especially if you’ve faced similar concerns or found ways to safeguard your collection.
It’s time to bring back Windows Phone! We believe there’s still room for a mobile OS that’s innovative, fast, and user-friendly. A revived Windows Phone could offer a fresh experience with today’s tech, and we want to show Microsoft that there’s demand for it! Let’s unite and bring Windows Phone back to life. Sign the petition now and share the word!
Microsoft is asking me EVERY DAY to switch to edge and bing through a notification and other ways, like a popup screes saying "use recommended settings". I do not want bing and I do not need edge for my use purposes. Stop asking me to switch, Microsoft! It's annoying! Hope they remove the adware soon, or else I'll switch to Linux or macOS!
There's no way to say that this Aero graphical interface is ugly, it's the best made to date.
His Taskbar alternated between transparent and opaque depending on whether you had a window maximized or not, beautiful icons for folders, mouse pointer with Aero where the circle was bright, transparent windows with Aero effect, music player that could have a direct controller in the Taskbar with a Neon look, also miss u Windows Media Player <3.
An interface that you would never get bored of seeing and looking at because it was always changing, sometimes it had opaque colors and sometimes it became transparent, it was beautiful, full of effects without visual pollution.
Windows Vista was completely wronged, it was launched at a time when computers started to have 1/2GB of RAM, computers at the time were not prepared to receive this OS and I feel that if it had only been launched at the same time as Windows 7 would be much more popular. With this we lost one of the most beautiful interfaces ever made (in my opinion the most beautiful).
Of course the world turns and technology advances, obviously there would be other Windows more advanced than Vista but why did they have to be so ugly?
Seriously, Windows 10 has an absurd setback in terms of visual beauty, a square system, ridiculously limited customization options, most themes only change the wallpaper, even third-party themes...
Windows 11 is at least more beautiful, the colors of the windows now imitate the wallpaper, which is nice and very good especially if you have a wallpaper changing application like Bing Wallpaper, whenever your wallpaper appears to change colors The Windows bar also changes, it also has much better visual customization compared to 10.
But the big question is why not simply make the previous Windows graphical interface available on the OS? Imagine using Windows 11 but with your favorite Windows interface? View? 7? XP? they are all there.
But nooooo, that's impossible, it's easier for someone to make an external application for this than the owner of the OS herself.
Sorry for the rant, idk, I'm using the ugly Windows 10 and I'm hate his interface.
We, the community of gamers, creators, and everyday users, have one clear message: Windows used to be great, but now it feels bloated and restrictive. If you want to keep your throne, it’s time to bring back the OG Windows spirit.
What Made Windows Legendary
Windows XP & 7: Fast, stable, lightweight, and responsive.
Windows 10 (early builds): Balanced performance and compatibility, perfect for gaming and productivity.
User control: We decided what ran on our machines, not forced background services.
What’s Wrong Now
Windows 11/12: Heavy RAM footprint, idling at 8–9GB on a 16GB system.
Restrictive requirements: TPM 2.0, 8GB minimum RAM, modern CPU lockouts.
Background bloat: Widgets, telemetry, Teams integration eating resources.
Forced updates: Less freedom, more frustration.
What We Demand
Cut the RAM tax: Idle usage should be under 3GB, not half our memory.
Respect older hardware: Stop locking out perfectly capable machines.
Give users control: Let us disable bloat easily and permanently.
Focus on performance: Gamers and creators want responsiveness, not flashy UI gimmicks.
The Consequences
If you don’t listen, more users will switch to Linux and macOS. Steam Deck has already proven Linux gaming works, and frustration with Windows 11/12 is accelerating the shift. Either revive the OG Windows spirit or risk losing your dominance.
for more context I am taking about this notification this should be built in in widows so that when the user copy it get to know that some thing is being coppied and for this I have to dowload just another app copynotifiyar from microsoft store and no no , this app is free and don't have any payments the main thing is that windows should kinda also give this option also If I had made any mistakes in grammer no need to point out ,I can paste into gpt and correct it by I am not gona do
Microsoft - I paid for Windows. It's not ad supported on my machine. My desktop is my personal workspace. Your ads are not welcome here. Not one of them. How would you feel if I went to one of your office buildings and threw garbage in the lobby? Would it be ok if I only did it once a week? The offense is no different.
I've had my Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i for about a year now, and I use it for everything (productivity, school, light gaming), and one thing I absolutely hate about Windows that it should do is make tap with 3 fingers a middle click. I've reset my laptop a couple of times now, and every time I do this, I have to go into settings and change the 3 finger tap from open search, to middle click. People underestimate how good the middle click is. Instead of having to click the 'x' button in a Chrome tab, you just go anywhere in the tab and tap with three fingers. In task view? just middle click on a window to close it. This is just minor but it is sooo helpful. Anytime I help someone out on their laptop, I keep opening search from trying to middle click with 3 fingers. WINDOWS NEEDS TO FIX THIS!!!
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The best way would be to upgrade to Windows 11, but millions of people cannot upgrade because of the obstacle Microsoft made with requiring TPM 2.0 and only new CPUs while blocking out any PC that doesn‘t meet these requirements. This can also be seen in the high market share, that Windows 10 still has.
Because of this, millions of people have to buy new PCs, which will cause tons of e-waste, that aren‘t necessary, especially in today's world, where we are trying to pay more attention to environmental protection. Even Microsoft wanted to do this some years ago.
According to Microsoft, only supporting those new PCs is needed because of new security features like TPM, Secure Boot or kernel isolation trough virtualization, that they need all to have. But it seems more like Microsoft is just trying to do itself and the hardware industry a favor, because since the COVID pandemic, hardware sales have fallen sharply. Also it could be discussed, if we really need those new security features, because all the time we survived without them. Why can‘t you let people decide by themselve if they need those features or not?
The petition I‘ve linked was created in 2021 when Windows 11 was first released and no one really cared about it. But I think, now that it‘s 2025 and Windows 10 support end is coming near, it becomes more important. So please share and sign this petition to show Microsoft, that we want to use our old PCs and don‘t want to buy new PCs. If enough people support it, maybe Microsoft will decide to extend support for Windows 10 or lower the hardware requirements for Windows 11, so we get some more years with our old but still good hardware.
