Microsoft gives Windows 11 massive rework to address top user complaints and feedback

Taskbar on top, faster File Explorer, less annoying Windows Update, and more long-requested features are coming to Windows 11 this month.

It is a big day for Windows users, especially those frustrated with the current state of Windows 11. Just a couple of months after promising to fix Windows 11 in 2026, Microsoft is finally ready to ship those fixes. Today, in a post on the official Windows Blogs website, Windows boss Pavan Davuluri revealed plans to address the most popular complaints from Windows 11 users in areas like the taskbar, File Explorer, Windows Update, and more.

Starting with the taskbar, Microsoft is finally bringing back the ability to change its default position. Soon, you will be able to have it on top of your screen or on its sides so that it better fits your workflow and monitor. Just right-click the taskbar and select where the taskbar should go.

Back in the day, Microsoft said changing the taskbar position was not important (despite a lot of feedback from users), and now, the company stands corrected and admits that the operating system needs its taskbar customization back.

File Explorer is another thing Windows 11 users often grumble about. Slow and buggy, it often drives users to third-party alternatives, and now, Microsoft is fixing it by making the default file manager in Windows 11 faster and more dependable. The first set of improvements for one of the most important bits of Windows 11 includes faster launch, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and better performance in everyday tasks. Also, look out for lower search latency, faster context menus, and more reliable file copying and moving.

Next, we have Windows Update, a critical part of Windows 11 that is often mocked for the lack of user choice, forced updates, and poor stability. Microsoft is addressing that by allowing you to skip Windows updates during the initial setup to get to the desktop faster, and the long-requested ability to turn off your PC without applying pending updates. Also, Microsoft is letting you pause Windows Update for a longer period (the company says for "as long as you want"), with only one mandatory restart per month.

Windows 11 users often grind their teeth when it comes to AI, and Pavan wants them to know that Microsoft is not deaf to their complaints. Going forward, Microsoft promises to be more intentional about how and where Copilot shows up across Windows 11 so that the operating system can deliver meaningful and useful, not forced experiences. To show you that Microsoft means business, the company is removing "unnecessary Copilot entry points" in apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad.

The Windows Insider Program is getting some love, too. Some time ago, I published an editorial about all the annoying stuff in the program and how Microsoft should fix it. The company is now doing so by making it easier to understand channels, giving faster access to new features, more stable builds, and clearer visibility on how feedback improves Windows 11. As part of this, Microsoft is giving Feedback Hub a big update that makes it faster and easier to submit your thoughts and engage with other insiders.

It is not all about new features, though. Windows 11 is often slammed for worse resource usage, which, in the times of crazy RAM prices, is a serious issue. Microsoft says that this year, users will see changes that improve memory efficiency and lower the overall memory footprint. The latter means that Windows 11 should take less RAM by default, leaving you more memory for apps and games.

Windows 11 should also get much more stable with fewer system crashes, more reliable drivers, better connections with accessories, faster wake time, and more.

As you can see, Microsoft has a lot in store for Windows 11 users and insiders going forward. It is a tremendous work to do, and it will take Microsoft some time to ship it to all users. The good news is that you do not have to wait years to see these promises come to action. The first preview builds with the promised changes will be available this month and throughout April, so stay tuned for new builds.

Of course, some stuff remains unaddressed, like mandatory Microsoft Account requirements or higher hardware requirements, but at least Microsoft is finally doing to Windows 11 what users actually want and not just shoving in questionable AI features that nobody asked for.

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Posted Saturday 21 March 2026 at 5:49 am AEST (my time).

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