16th September 2026
Microsoft Is Finally Tackling Windows 11’s Biggest Complaints
Windows 11 has had a mixed reception since it launched. Microsoft introduced a new look and a number of productivity features, but some of the same complaints have continued to come up: slow performance, limited customisation, unwanted promotions and updates that seem to arrive at the worst possible time. Microsoft now appears to be focusing more closely on these everyday frustrations.
In a progress report published on 31 July 2026, Windows chief Pavan Davuluri outlined work being carried out across performance, reliability, File Explorer, Windows Search, updates, widgets and taskbar customisation.
Many of these changes are currently being tested through the Windows Insider programme, with wider availability expected to begin during autumn 2026.
The Return of Taskbar Customisation
One of the more noticeable changes is the return of greater control over where the Windows taskbar sits. Windows 11 currently keeps the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, something that frustrated users who were used to being able to move it in earlier versions of Windows.
Microsoft is now testing the option to place the taskbar at the top, left or right of the display.
There is also a new compact option that reduces the height of the taskbar and makes its icons smaller. That could be particularly useful on laptops where screen space is at a premium.
It is still a work in progress, though.
Touch gestures, the Search box, Ask Copilot and automatic hiding do not yet work properly in every taskbar position. The smaller taskbar is also currently limited to the top and bottom of the screen.
So, while the changes are promising, they are not quite ready for everyone yet.
For people who have used Windows for a long time, this may feel less like a brand-new feature and more like Microsoft putting back something that probably should not have disappeared in the first place.
Either way, it shows that Microsoft is paying attention to requests for more personalisation.
Better Performance on PCs With 8GB of RAM
Performance is another area Microsoft says it is working on.
One of its priorities for the rest of 2026 is reducing memory usage on Windows 11 computers with 8GB of RAM or more.
That is important because plenty of affordable laptops are still sold with 8GB of memory.
For general web browsing, Microsoft Office, email and video calls, 8GB can still be perfectly usable. The problem is that Windows, web browsers, background services and other applications are all competing for the same memory.
Once that memory starts filling up, switching between applications can become slower and programs can take longer to open.
Microsoft has been working on reducing the amount of memory used by Windows applications and system components. This includes improvements to its WinUI 3 interface technology as well as Chromium and WebView2 components used within Windows.
Boot times and sign-in speeds are also being looked at, along with everyday areas such as the Start menu, Search, File Explorer and Snipping Tool.
Of course, software improvements cannot turn a basic laptop into a high-end workstation.
But if Microsoft can reduce unnecessary memory use, it could make a noticeable difference to a large number of Windows 11 computers already in use.
A Faster and More Reliable File Explorer
File Explorer is something most Windows users rely on every day, which makes slowdowns and glitches particularly noticeable.
Microsoft says it is making changes behind the scenes to improve how quickly File Explorer opens, how smoothly users can move between folders and how responsive it feels generally.
It has also been working on several smaller problems, including blurry thumbnails, file-size formatting, keyboard navigation, file renaming and unstable transitions on the Home page.
Individually, these might not sound like major changes.
But when you are opening folders, moving files and navigating through File Explorer throughout the working day, even small delays quickly become frustrating.
Making File Explorer faster and more dependable could therefore be one of the more useful Windows 11 improvements Microsoft makes.
Windows Search Should Be Less Cluttered
Windows Search is getting attention too.
Microsoft is testing a cleaner Search home screen along with clearer labels showing whether a result is an application, setting, local file, website or Microsoft Store suggestion.
Search should also become better at dealing with spelling mistakes and incomplete application names.
Another useful change is the removal of promotional content from web search results.
A new privacy setting is also being introduced that will allow users to decide whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions should appear alongside results from their own computer.
Microsoft says local files, applications and Windows settings should be given priority when they are the most relevant result.
That is a welcome change.
When you search from your own computer, finding your files and applications quickly should be the priority rather than being shown promotions or unrelated web results.
Less Disruptive Windows Updates
Windows Update has been another source of frustration over the years, particularly when a restart or update gets in the way of work.
Microsoft is now looking at giving users more control.
Its plans include longer update pauses, fewer forced restarts and normal Restart and Shut down options that do not automatically install a waiting update.
Another interesting feature being tested is called Cloud rebuild.
Cloud rebuild is designed to reinstall Windows 11 even when the computer is unable to start normally.
It downloads a fresh copy of Windows along with the drivers needed for the computer through Windows Update.
For users dealing with a badly damaged Windows installation, this could reduce the need for USB installation drives, manufacturer recovery images or recovery files already stored on the computer.
Cloud rebuild is still experimental, however, so it is not currently available on every Windows 11 PC.
Is Microsoft Finally Listening to Windows 11 Users?
The direction Microsoft is taking looks promising.
Rather than concentrating entirely on adding more features, the company appears to be putting more effort into speed, reliability, customisation and the parts of Windows people use every day.
There is still a reason to be cautious.
A number of these changes are currently previews, tests or planned improvements. Features can change during development, and there is no guarantee that everything being tested will reach every Windows 11 computer in its current form.
For that reason, we would not recommend putting an important work computer onto an experimental Windows Insider build simply to get these features early.
Windows 11 does not necessarily need more and more new features.
For many users, making the features already there faster, simpler and more reliable would be far more useful.
Microsoft appears to be moving in that direction. The real test will be whether users notice the difference once these improvements start arriving on everyday Windows 11 computers
If you are unsure if your device can run Windows 11, or need someone to update it for you, get in contact with us; we are happy to help!