Table of Contents
Why Do Some Lifelong Fans Feel Betrayed by Windows 11’s Changes?
A veteran Microsoft engineer, Dave Plummer, recently shared his thoughts on Windows 11. He helped build parts of Windows you might know, like the Task Manager. Plummer explains that Windows has slowly changed from a tool that serves you into a platform that sells to you. Many longtime users feel this change but have found it hard to explain. Plummer’s view comes from his experience shaping Windows in its key years.
Your Computer as a Sales Channel
One of the biggest issues with Windows 11 is how it constantly pushes other Microsoft products. When you open the Start menu, you might see “recommended” apps you don’t want. The Settings app can show a banner asking you to use OneDrive. Even searching for a file on your computer can lead you to Microsoft’s Bing search engine. Plummer calls this approach “disrespect” because the operating system ignores the choices you make. The core problem is that your computer, which you already own, feels like it is trying to sell you things. This shift began with Windows 10, when it became a “service” that needed to find new ways to make money.
Common user complaints in 2025 often echo these sentiments, pointing to intrusive ads and promotional content in the Start Menu, File Explorer, and Settings. Many users feel that they are the product, as the free OS upgrade came with increased data collection.
How to Make Windows Better
Dave Plummer suggests a solution he calls a true “Pro Mode”. This would not just be a theme but a switch for the entire system to tell Windows you are a power user. This mode would deliver a cleaner, more direct experience.
- No More Interruptions: Web search and sponsored suggestions would be turned off by default.
- A Privacy Log: A simple “privacy ledger” would show every piece of information Windows wants to send, why it is sending it, and where you can read about it.
- Honest Updates: Before any update, Windows would explain what is changing and why. If an update causes a problem, the system would automatically roll back to the previous version.
- Clear Choices: The setup screen would offer a “local account” and a “Microsoft account” on the same page, without needing a Wi-Fi connection to proceed.
- Essential Tools Included: Power user tools like Windows Terminal, winget, and others would come pre-installed.
The Strong Foundation of Windows
Despite these frustrations, the core of Windows is still excellent. Plummer gives Microsoft credit for its powerful and mature foundation, which is as robust as Linux. The system’s ability to run games through DirectX is unmatched, and its driver support is extensive. Businesses rely on its solid enterprise features, and developers have powerful tools like the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The main issue is not the engine but the parts built on top that you interact with every day. Plummer concludes that Windows only “sucks” when it forgets who it is supposed to be working for.