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Will Microsoft’s “Agentic OS” gamble be the disastrous move that finally dethrones Windows?
Microsoft is moving forward with its plan to make Windows an AI-powered “Agentic OS”. This means future versions of Windows will be deeply integrated with artificial intelligence, intended to act as a personal assistant for users. However, this new direction has caused a strong negative reaction from the developer community. Many developers are unhappy with the changes, and some are even considering leaving the Windows platform altogether.
Developer Frustrations with Windows 11
The core of the issue lies in the current state of Windows 11 and the vision for its future. Developers and power users have raised several key concerns:
Performance and Reliability
Many users report that Windows 11 is slow and buggy, with performance issues even on high-end computers. Simple actions like opening the file explorer can be sluggish, and the overall user experience feels unresponsive.
Bloatware and Unwanted Features
Windows 11 comes with many pre-installed applications and features that users do not want. These programs can slow down the computer and take up valuable disk space. The new AI features, like Copilot, are seen by many as unnecessary additions that detract from the core functions of the operating system.
Poor User Experience
Changes to the user interface in Windows 11 have made some tasks more complicated. For example, a promotional video from Microsoft showed Copilot being used to change the text size, a task that was previously simple to do through the settings menu. This has led to criticism that Microsoft is out of touch with how people actually use their computers.
Forced Integrations
Microsoft has been pushing users to link their Windows experience with a Microsoft account and use cloud services. This has raised privacy concerns and a feeling that users are losing control over their own computers.
Microsoft’s Response to the Backlash
Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows development at Microsoft, has responded to the criticism. In a public statement, he acknowledged the feedback and said that the company is listening to developers. Davuluri stated that Microsoft “cares deeply about developers” and is aware of the need to improve the user experience.
However, his response has been met with skepticism. Critics point out that Davuluri’s statement was vague and did not offer any specific solutions to the problems raised by the community. The general feeling is that Microsoft is committed to its AI strategy and is unlikely to change course, despite the negative feedback.
The Future of Windows for Developers
The current situation has led many developers to question their loyalty to the Windows platform. Some prominent figures in the software development community have publicly stated that they are considering switching to other operating systems like macOS or Linux, which they feel offer a more stable and developer-friendly environment. The sentiment is that Microsoft is no longer prioritizing the needs of developers and power users, instead focusing on a vision of an AI-driven future that many of them do not want. The long-term impact on the Windows ecosystem remains to be seen, but the current dissatisfaction among developers is a significant challenge for Microsoft.