Could User Feedback Finally Fix the Biggest Problems in Windows 11?

Is Microsoft Listening to What Features Users Really Want in Windows 11?

Microsoft is signaling a potential shift in its approach to Windows 11. The company appears to be looking beyond headline-grabbing AI features and focusing on the core user experience. This renewed attention comes from a key figure inside the company actively asking users what they miss most and how the operating system can be more helpful in their everyday tasks. This suggests a recognition that for many, the fundamentals of speed, efficiency, and usability are what truly matter.

A Call for Feedback from a Key Influencer

The conversation began with a post on the social media platform X from Rudy Huyn. Huyn is a Partner Architect for Windows and the Microsoft Store. His name carries weight within the Windows community. He is widely respected for his past work, particularly during the Windows Phone era, where he developed high-quality third-party applications that filled significant gaps in the app ecosystem. His history as a developer who understands consumer needs makes his direct request for feedback significant.

When someone like Huyn asks, “What do you miss most in Windows?”, it feels different from a generic corporate survey. It suggests that a person with influence and a genuine interest in the user experience is listening. This is not just about adding flashy new tools. It is about refining the existing foundation of the operating system to better serve the people who use it for hours every day. The focus is on practical improvements that can make daily tasks smoother and more intuitive, which has been a recurring point of concern for many users since the transition from Windows 10.

Smoothing Out Performance and Multitasking

One of the most immediate areas of feedback highlighted was the performance of Virtual Desktops. This feature is a powerful multitasking tool. It allows you to create separate desktop spaces to group your applications. For example, you can keep all your work-related apps on one desktop, your personal apps on another, and perhaps a third for a specific project. This helps organize your digital workspace and reduce clutter, which is critical for focus and productivity.

However, users have reported that the experience on Windows 11 is not as smooth as it was on Windows 10. The animations when switching between desktops can feel choppy and slow. Some users pointed out a delay of nearly two seconds for the transition animation to even begin. This kind of lag disrupts workflow and makes the entire system feel less responsive and polished. While a two-second delay might seem small, it becomes a constant source of friction for anyone who relies on this feature throughout their day. The feedback points to a broader issue of inconsistent performance in the Windows 11 user interface, where animations and transitions on some PCs do not feel as fluid as they should.

A Long-Awaited Fix for File Explorer

Another piece of feedback that gained immediate traction was a simple but crucial request for File Explorer. Users want to see the size of folders directly within the File Explorer window. Currently, to see how large a folder is, you must right-click it, go to “Properties,” and wait for the system to calculate the size. The alternative is to add the folder to a zip archive, which is not a practical method for a quick check.

This is a basic quality-of-life feature that has been missing from Windows for a long time, even though it is standard in other operating systems. The absence of this feature forces users to perform extra clicks for a simple piece of information. Huyn’s response to this suggestion was “very good feedback,” a small comment that has given many users hope. It signals that Microsoft acknowledges this long-standing user request. Implementing it would be a clear demonstration that the company is listening and willing to make practical improvements that respect the user’s time and efficiency.

The Battle for Battery Life and System Control

“Battery anxiety” is a real problem for many Windows laptop users. It is the feeling of constantly worrying about how much charge is left and whether it will last until the next opportunity to plug in. Compared to Apple’s MacBooks, which are known for their long-lasting batteries, many Windows laptops struggle to last more than a few hours of active use. This undermines the very idea of portability.

Microsoft’s recent messaging has pointed toward its new Copilot+ PCs as the solution. These devices use a different kind of computer chip, similar to those found in smartphones, that is much more power-efficient. While these new machines may indeed offer all-day battery life, this is not a solution for the millions of people using existing Windows 11 devices. It can feel like being told to buy a new product rather than receiving a fix for the one you already own.

This issue is directly connected to another common user request: better control over background applications. Many programs run processes in the background even when you are not actively using them. These processes can consume significant system resources and drain the battery. Users want a clearer, more accessible way to see what is running and to easily stop non-essential tasks. Providing more granular control over background apps could be a software-based solution to improve battery life and overall system performance on a wide range of existing hardware.

Other Key Features on the User Wishlist

Beyond the major points of performance and battery life, users have a list of other features that would make Windows 11 a more pleasant and personal operating system.

Automatic Theme Switching

People want the system’s theme to change automatically between light and dark mode based on the time of day. This can help reduce eye strain, especially at night. Some also want the theme to switch based on location or when Focus mode is enabled. While a similar feature is available through a separate Microsoft utility called PowerToys, users desire a seamless, built-in option that works out of the box.

Customizable Context Menus

A significant annoyance for many in Windows 11 is the redesigned right-click context menu. It often hides common commands behind an extra “Show more options” click. This adds an unnecessary step to many common actions, slowing down users who are accustomed to the more direct menus of previous Windows versions. The ability to customize this menu and set your own defaults is a highly requested feature.

Fixing UI Inconsistencies

The calls to fix laggy animations are part of a larger desire for a more cohesive and polished user interface. In many parts of Windows 11, new designs exist alongside older ones that look like they are from Windows 7 or even earlier. This mix of styles can make the operating system feel disjointed. A consistent design language across the entire system would contribute to a more modern and professional user experience.

The Growing Competitive Pressure

Microsoft’s renewed interest in user feedback may also be influenced by the competitive landscape. Reports suggest that Apple is developing a more affordable MacBook, potentially priced around $599. Such a device could be powered by one of Apple’s highly efficient A-series chips, the same family of processors used in iPhones. These chips have proven to be both powerful and energy-efficient.

A low-cost MacBook with strong performance and excellent battery life could seriously disrupt the mid-range laptop market, which has long been dominated by Windows. If consumers can get a smooth, reliable, and long-lasting laptop from Apple at a competitive price, their loyalty to the Windows ecosystem could weaken. This external pressure may be pushing Microsoft to not only innovate with new features like AI but also to perfect the fundamental user experience to keep its massive user base satisfied. The challenge is no longer just about what Windows can do, but how good it feels to use it.