This is Microsoft’s plan to fix Windows 11

2026-03-20 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Microsoft's Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, has announced a comprehensive plan to rebuild trust and improve Windows 11 quality following user backlash over AI additions and general issues. Initial improvements, previewing in March and April, include a repositionable taskbar, reduced "unnecessary" Copilot integration in core apps, less disruptive updates, and enhanced File Explorer performance. Broader plans for the year focus on boosting overall system performance, reducing memory footprint, improving Start menu latency, enhancing File Explorer, increasing underlying OS reliability, and refining Windows Updates with a single monthly reboot and more user control. Additionally, Microsoft aims to improve the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) experience and Windows Hello biometric authentication, while also promising "less noise, less distraction and more control across the OS" and thoughtful AI integration with transparency and choice. Although a direct commitment to respecting browser defaults is absent, the company is redesigning its Feedback Hub to facilitate user input.

Key takeaway

Microsoft is addressing Windows 11 trust issues and AI backlash by committing to significant quality improvements, including reduced "unnecessary" Copilot integration and enhanced system performance. Key initiatives include improving memory efficiency to lower baseline footprint, faster app launches, and critical enhancements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for better file and network performance. These changes aim to make Windows 11 more responsive and reliable, particularly benefiting developers and users on 8GB RAM systems, while offering more control over AI features.

Topics

• Windows 11 Improvements
• Microsoft Copilot Integration
• System Performance Optimization
• Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Windows Hello

Best for: Software Engineer, IT Professional, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.