Windows 11 overhauls performance after user backlash and AI rollbacks
Microsoft is making major changes to Windows 11 after facing criticism over performance and feature bloat. The company has shifted its focus from adding new tools to improving speed and stability. These updates come as Windows 10 still holds a significant share of the market, despite its support ending in October 2025.
The latest adjustments include rolling back some AI features. The Copilot assistant's dedicated buttons and sidebars are being removed from system apps. Users will also have the option to disable the 'Ask Copilot' function in the taskbar, while the traditional Windows search indexer returns as the primary tool.
A new 'quiet mode' for Windows Update will reduce automatic restarts and notifications. Users can now pause non-security updates indefinitely and move the taskbar back to the top or sides of the screen—features many had requested.
Under the 'Performance Fundamentals' plan, Microsoft is prioritising system optimisation over new features. Core elements like the Start menu and taskbar are switching from web-based frameworks to native WinUI3 for better performance. RAM usage could drop by up to 20% on some devices, particularly those with 8GB of memory.
The first performance-focused updates will arrive in April for Windows Insiders. Meanwhile, an emergency patch (KB5085516) was released in March to fix a critical login bug caused by a previous update.
These changes follow market pressure from Apple's macOS and the continued popularity of Windows 10. As of February 2026, Windows 11 held 72.77% of the Windows desktop market, up from 62.4% in January. Yet Windows 10, now at 26.27%, remains widely used—with around 21 million private users in Germany alone as of January 2026.
The updates aim to address long-standing performance issues while scaling back AI integrations. Windows 11 users can expect a more responsive system, especially on lower-end hardware. The shift reflects Microsoft's effort to retain users as competition grows and older Windows versions persist in the market.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
- Inspired & Paddy Power Extend Virtual Sports Partnership for UK & Ireland Retail
- South West & South East England: Check & Object to Lorry Operator Licensing Now
