Windows 11’s Quality Crisis: Inside Microsoft’s Months-Long Sprint to Polishing the OS.

According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is well aware that the Windows 11 experience has been marred by persistent bugs, performance dips, and the intrusive presence of advertisements. In response, a specialized task force of engineers has been reassigned to prioritize fixing these core issues, with a tight deadline to deliver significant improvements within the next few months.

Listening to the Feedback Loop

Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s President of Windows and Devices, confirmed this strategic shift. He emphasized that the company has been actively listening to customer feedback and acknowledges the urgent need for a more stable and refined operating system.

The "Back-to-Basics" initiative will target several long-standing pain points, including:

• UI Consistency: Refining the Dark Mode experience to be seamless across the entire OS.

• Core Performance: Optimizing File Explorer for better responsiveness and fluid navigation.

• System Stability: Improving overall software execution and reducing system overhead.

One of the most frequently complained-about issues by users is the intrusive advertisements in the Start Menu and Settings. Microsoft's shift back to focusing on "User Experience" (UX) reflects concerns that low user satisfaction might drive users to alternatives or delay upgrades.

Part of the instability in Windows 11 stems from attempts to compromise new technology with decades-old legacy code. This improvement may involve refactoring key internal components to better integrate with modern hardware.

Over the past year, Microsoft has heavily invested resources in Copilot and AI, potentially compromising basic system maintenance. This shift is aimed at building a "strong foundation," because even the most sophisticated AI cannot function effectively if the underlying operating system is unstable or slow.

With the growth of macOS and ChromeOS, and the increasing popularity of Linux-based gaming (via Steam Deck), Windows can no longer afford to be complacent. Making Windows 11 "easy to use and fluid" is therefore a critical business priority.

 

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 Source: The Verge