Windows 11 Generally Has Positive Reviews
Don’t put off your Windows 11 upgrade because you are concerned about a change or learning something new. Why do the Windows 11 upgrade? EOL Windows 10 Coming October 2025
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE >> Windows 10 End of Life
Generally, Windows 11 has received positive reviews, but with anything, as we know, there will be complaints. Here are some common criticisms of Windows 11 and how to manage them.
Remember that many of these complaints have been addressed through updates and improvements to Windows 11 – that is the benefit of waiting to do the upgrade instead of when it was first released. Additionally, everyone had an opinion and that is based on their individual experiences, hardware, and usage.
Interface Changes:
- Centered Taskbar: Some users find the centered taskbar to be less intuitive and prefer the traditional left-aligned layout.
- TIP: You have the option to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the side:
- Rick-click on empty space in the taskbar
- Select Taskbar settings
- Under Taskbar Behaviors, find the alignment option
- Choose your preference from the dropdown menu
- TIP: You have the option to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the side:
- Removed Features: Certain features, such as the ability to drag and drop files onto the Start menu, have been removed or changed, causing inconvenience for some users.
- TIP: Retrain yourself to use the mouse to add files to the Start menu
Hardware Requirements:
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: These security features are mandatory for Windows 11, which can limit compatibility with older hardware.
- Minimum System Specifications: The higher minimum system requirements for Windows 11 have excluded some older computers from upgrading.
TIP: Neither of these complaints is necessarily bad. Yes – it may require replacement machines, but the intent is security. Start working with us now and budget your replacements to spread out purchases over the next year.
Performance Issues:
- Initial Performance: Some users have reported slower boot times and overall performance issues, especially on older hardware.
- TIP: Here are a few common ways to speed up the machine
- Restart the device (not shut down)
- Have us check for updates
- Have us scan for viruses and other undesirables
- TIP: Work with us to review the following
- Uninstall unnecessary programs
- Disable startup programs
- Disable search indexing
- Run an overall health check
- TIP: Here are a few common ways to speed up the machine
- Updates: Updates can sometimes cause temporary performance problems or compatibility issues.
- TIP: We manage updates for you to reduce these types of issues
Having CommWest do the upgrade and replacement of machines will avoid any of these potential complaints. We manage the updates, provide monitoring and antivirus protection, clean off the unnecessary programs and settings that are preset by the manufacturer.
Other Complaints:
- Forced Microsoft Account: Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account for initial setup, which can be frustrating for users who prefer local accounts.
- TIP: We manage this aspect for you since it is associated with a business and not a personal home device
- Limited Customization: Some users find the customization options for Windows 11 to be more limited than those in Windows 10.
Windows 11 will be different, and there will be a learning curve. That is why we encourage everyone to start planning their Windows 10 EOL migrations now. Don’t put off what you could do today.
Contact us and start planning your Windows 11 migration. We’ll do an audit of your devices including, those eligible for upgrade or needing to be replaced – and provide a timeline for the entire migration process.