Windows 11: Persistent Issues and Lingering Frustrations Despite General Usability

Despite widespread acceptance and functionality, Windows 11 continues to present persistent issues for users, according to observations from PC Gamer editors. While many acknowledge the operating system’s overall utility for gaming and general computing tasks, frustrations remain concerning audio management, numerous configuration panels, and unwanted automatic updates, particularly for those still utilizing Windows 10.

A significant portion of user dissatisfaction stems not from the software’s core capabilities but rather from concerns surrounding Microsoft’s corporate practices. However, specific shortcomings persist. One recurring complaint focuses on changes to common functionalities, such as the altered method for launching basic applications like word processors, a departure from established user habits and workflows.

The operating system’s extensive legacy code base, while enabling compatibility with older games, introduces complexities. Users often encounter outdated interfaces and controls reminiscent of earlier Windows versions when attempting to adjust specific settings – an experience likened to navigating antiquated systems with relics such as the now-defunct Clippy assistant. The continued existence of the Control Panel alongside the newer Settings application highlights a reluctance within Microsoft to modernize all aspects of the user interface, diverting resources towards initiatives like integrating artificial intelligence into daily computing tasks.

Other reported issues include unusual glitches, such as the unexpected playback of startup sounds from Windows Vista, which can trigger negative memories for users who previously experienced that operating system. The redesigned taskbar and start menu in Windows 11 have also drawn criticism, with many finding them less intuitive than their Windows 10 counterparts, requiring manual adjustments to restore familiar functionality and hindering visibility of running applications.

A particularly perplexing issue involves the frequent failure of Windows 11 to automatically install Wi-Fi or LAN drivers during fresh installations, previously circumvented by a command line bypass that has since been disabled. Users have expressed frustration with this obstacle, resorting to alternative methods such as manually installing drivers from external storage devices.