Windows users want Microsoft to fix Windows 11 and they have a pretty convincing plan for it

Windows 10’s days are slowly but surely ending, which means most Windows users will have to migrate to the newer version, Windows 11.

If you’ve been following us, you know already that Windows 11 is not really popular. It’s still struggling, and many users disagree with its high system requirements. These users claim that they would upgrade to Windows 11 if only Microsoft would make the operating system more bearable.

If Microsoft doesn’t know how, however, the Windows users know. And they have made a plan for it. I stumbled upon this on Reddit, a platform where users are genuine in their opinions. And I found the plan not only reasonable but also very well put.

Here’s what they ask for:

Dear Microsoft and Windows Dev Team,

Nail the Basics: Consistency and Performance

File Explorer and UI/UX Inconsistencies: The file explorer remains buggy, with slow context menu loading times (up to 3 seconds) and inconsistent scrolling behavior (smooth on the home screen but laggy in folders, especially with images). These issues undermine user trust and productivity.

Loading States and Legacy UI Elements: The grey loading states on the home screen and outdated UI elements (e.g., Windows 10-style Wi-Fi and keyboard interfaces on the lock screen) detract from a cohesive experience. These are not difficult fixes and should be prioritized.

PDF Scrolling in Edge: Scrolling through PDFs in Edge often results in blurred content due to slow rendering. Competitors like Apple have solved this years ago. Microsoft must deliver a native, seamless experience.

Unify Design Language and Modernize Legacy Systems

Fluent Design System: React Native apps (e.g., Weather app) lack tactile feedback and fail to leverage Fluent Design’s potential. Apps like Sharp3D demonstrate Fluent Design’s capability for complex applications—Microsoft should use it consistently across its ecosystem.

Debloat Windows 11: Remove legacy software and update old apps to Fluent Design. While backward compatibility is important for industries, Windows 10 can serve that purpose. Windows 11 should focus on modern, streamlined experiences.

Refine Fluent Design Guidelines: While Fluent Design is visually appealing, excessive animations can hinder productivity. Take inspiration from Apple’s balance of aesthetics, fluidity, and usability.

Eliminate Gimmicks and Ads

Gamification and Ads: Features like mini-games in the Weather app and Edge, as well as intrusive ads, cheapen the user experience. Focus on attention to detail and quality rather than gimmicks to retain users. As a user, we won’t find that either fun or useful.

Bing Integration: Forcing Bing and ads on users creates a negative impression. Quality products naturally attract users—focus on delivering value rather than aggressive marketing.

Positive Steps and Areas for Improvement

Copilot and GitHub: The new Copilot UI is visually appealing, though the underlying engine needs refinement. GitHub’s Copilot and pixel-perfect UI are excellent examples of Microsoft’s potential.

Edge Browser: While Edge started strong, recent updates have introduced UI inconsistencies and degraded the experience. Consistency and polish are key to retaining users.

Windows 11 Progress: Updates like the integrated volume mixer and taskbar hover animations are steps in the right direction, but progress needs to be faster.

Long-Term Vision

UI Component Library: Develop a unified, updatable UI component library for all Microsoft products. This investment will pay off in the long run by ensuring consistency and reducing development overhead.

User-Centric Approach: A great user experience—not forced adoption or ads—is what retains users. Unify the brand’s app language and deliver a premium experience that rivals macOS.

What do you think about this? Do you agree with this list?