Picture generated with Google Gemini.
Ever since its release in 2021, Windows 11 has garnered widespread criticism from tech enthusiasts. At first, users were frustrated, because it introduced changes that were largely unwanted. Examples of this are the new right-click menu and centered taskbar. Windows 11 also removed some beloved features such as the ability to reposition your taskbar at multiple different positions. Most egregiously of all, Microsoft requires a TPM 2.0 chip to be able to run Windows 11 officially. This means that many otherwise perfectly usable PCs are stuck on Windows 10.
Looking back at those early years, these grievances seem downright minor today. After everyone and their mother started clamoring on about AI, Microsoft obviously had to get in there and try to grab a slice of the AI pie.
The Rise of “AI Fatigue”
At first, the AI integration was tasteful enough with a simple Microsoft Copilot app preinstallation and things like AI-powered webcam enhancements (Brytesoft, 2025). Then came Windows Recall (Windows Recall, n.d.), forced Microsoft account sign-in, Copilot buttons inserted everywhere and noticeable performance issues.
I myself am a cautious believer in AI. I think Large Language Models (LLMs) have tremendous potential to aid programmers in particular. But it makes me mad when AI is forced into every program on my PC where it is not needed. I think most users would agree that the only AI they want is the ChatGPT or Google Gemini website on their browser and all the shoehorning of AI into every single aspect of our digital lives is simply exhausting.
Microsoft’s Promise vs. Apple’s Threat
Thankfully Microsoft has recently made an announcement called Our commitment to Windows quality, in which they lay out their plans to make Windows better. They promise things like re-introducing taskbar customization, reducing unnecessary AI entry points, making File Explorer faster and more dependable and giving more control over widgets (Microsoft, 2026).
All of these things sound great to my ear. We will have to see if it’ll be enough to make currently angry Windows users happy. Especially since Apple has recently entered the sub €1,000 laptop market with their MacBook Neo, which is selling remarkably well, especially to first-time Mac customers according to a recent statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook (Cook, 2026).
The 1,000 Euro Ad Machine
I personally switched to Mac in late 2024, partly because Macs nowadays are so good, and partly because Windows laptops in particular have become so insulting to the user experience. Why do I have to see many different ads for Office, Xbox Game Pass and Copilot when setting up my new PC that I just paid €1,000 for? Not to mention when the setup process is complete, you are bombarded with popups from the likes of McAfee telling you about useless virus protection when Windows Defender is more than good enough in the modern day.
I genuinely hope that Microsoft comes through on its commitment to improve Windows quality. So many organizations and governments are heavily dependent on Microsoft services, and Windows being in a rough state benefits no one.
