Microsoft is expected to launch Windows 11 this Thursday, and it is hoped that the new version will fix some of the main problems of its predecessor, Windows 10.
Our first contact with the leaked version of Windows 11 has already given us an idea of what the new operating system will look like. But if this leaked version was, as stated, an incomplete version, it is likely that many more will make it to the official version of Windows 11.
Microsoft is expected to continue working on Windows 11 over the next few weeks and months, which is an opportunity for further improvements. So it’s time to add those finishing touches.
We list (some) the issues we would like to see fixed with Windows 11.
1. Leave local user accounts alone
Signing in with a Microsoft account (MSA) has many benefits. Favorites and passwords are synced in Microsoft Edge, Windows can preinstall and validate Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, and documents can be shared across multiple PCs with OneDrive.
But at Microsoft, they struggle to allow Windows 10 users to sign in with a local account, and they’re often completely barred from doing so if you’re connected to the internet.
You could say that the more the services are linked to an MSA, the more the ecosystem becomes valuable. But if we care about our privacy onlineWhy can’t we value the same privacy from our PC?
2. Make the installation even better
From what we saw in Out of the Box Experience (OOBE), when setting up a new Windows 11 PC, the exclamation “Hello, this is Cortana” disappeared. But the process could be even easier.
I don’t mind logging in with my MSA. But what I would like to do is just connect to the network (wired or not), connect to my MSA, authenticate it with the app or the security key, and let’s go.
Ad preferences, keyboard settings, Office logins – I want this all saved to the Microsoft cloud and applied automatically.
If someone wants to log in with a local account, leave it. This is when you can ask them for their preferences.
3. Leave the configuration alone after a major update
This annoyance is at the top of the list for most users. At this point, I’m resigned to the possibility that a major update will unexpectedly reset one of my preferences. Windows 11 resurfaces this concern.
4. Control of OneDrive placeholders
I thought the OneDrive file and folder placeholders were perfect until I piled up more and more folders. I hate the way OneDrive wants to back up my desktop, so I turned it off.
But what I can’t turn off are the various bookmark folders piling up on my OneDrive: folders that I want, but hate dragging and sliding so I can add one more folder for one. see again or other project.
I want there to be the possibility of making a copy of my documents or photos in the cloud automatically, but also to be able to activate and deactivate the placeholders so that I can have the best of “local” files, as well as the cloud .
By definition, downloading those bookmarks should be a few kilobytes there, a few kilobytes there, right? Turning them on and off shouldn’t be a problem for any modern PC.
5. Repair the Microsoft Store
If you’re one of the angry users protesting the Microsoft Store, torch and pitchfork in hand, look to your left – you’ll see PCWorld editor Brad Chacos.
For starters, the Store lacks in terms of ease of discovery. Also, there is no way to download a heavy game (hello, Forza Horizon 4), save it to an external drive, then save it to a new PC. No, you will have to download it again.
Why do I have to scan the fine print to find the file size? When was the app last updated? There is much to be done in this regard. It is said, however, that the Store will be one of the Microsoft apps that will be redesigned in Windows 11.
6. Improve the PC gaming experience
PC gaming is at its best, thanks in large part to the efforts of third-party marketers from Equipment Yes Software. Epic’s weekly free games, easy to install games through Steam, the GOG app, GeForce Experience, management apps and overclocking from AMD, Intel and others: there is a whole ecosystem of Equipment, Software and many more that work together to improve the experience Game from PC.
At this point, Microsoft is helping and hindering. The Microsoft Store has never been very easy to use for external modifications, and the end of the Mixer network has been a blow to the back for the community. Game from Microsoft.
Xbox Game Pass is wonderful, as is paying for it with Microsoft Rewards. Game Pass for PC is still lagging behind and options for cross play they are still non-existent. But cloud gaming also offers a solution to the lack of Equipment.
What Microsoft needs to do is say, “We’re going to make an amazing PC game!” And then keep his promise. Playing on Xbox is all the rage again. The Xbox brand on PC? Not a lot.
7. Make Windows Media Apps the Best
Microsoft has two major apps on Windows that don’t get a lot of attention: Photos and Video Editor. Both cover the basic needs of most users.
Photos aspires to genius, with a wand that uses artificial intelligence to “enhance your photo”, filters, etc. I always use it to retouch my photos. The video editor joins various clips and audios, although the experience is not the best.
It’s not necessary. While Microsoft has tried to mix mobile and reality experiences, the more basic ones have been ignored. The Paint 3D application hides a Photoshop-like “Magic Select” tool which is amazing. Why isn’t it in Photos, where people would actually use it?
8. Keep the dream of simplification
Hopefully Windows 11 will offer more than the minimalist Windows 10X-style start menu and taskbar that we saw in the leaked version. As a business user of Windows 10, I want a full-fledged operating system on my PC.
But there is a place for the simplified Chrome operating system (or maybe Windows 10 S), and Microsoft shouldn’t give up on the dream of a simplified, low-impact operating system.
To be fair, it’s easy to say but difficult to implement, although combining unused apps and services like Mixed Reality Viewer is a good start. But don’t advertise them and then delete them.
9. Give new features a chance to shine
Speaking of which, if you’re introducing a new feature, tell people about it. Microsoft 365 Office apps now do this, as part of a floating window when a new update is released. Microsoft Edge too.
But why not Windows? If you’re proud enough to develop and launch a new feature, promote it. If you do, people might try it. And then maybe you won’t have to delete it after several years.
The Windows Tips app appears to be where Microsoft would include these new introductions. At the very least, Windows 11 should interact with users, showcase what’s new, and then disappear (with an option to turn off tips for future updates).
Original article published in PCWorld US.
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