The Windows operating system is currently facing significant challenges. In its 40-year history, Windows has experienced several bugs, but Windows 11 is testing users’ patience in unprecedented ways. Persistent bugs, performance issues, annoying notifications, ads, and unnecessary software have diminished the essential Windows experience. Early decisions on system requirements have also damaged trust among Microsoft’s loyal users, a situation exacerbated by the company’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence that often falls short of expectations.
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Microsoft is aware of the critical state of Windows and is taking action. Sources say that Windows engineers are now prioritizing fixing key issues in Windows 11 through a process known as “swarming.” The company is reallocating resources to urgently address performance and reliability issues, aiming to mitigate the operating system’s ongoing challenges.
Throughout the year, Microsoft plans to focus on various pain points related to Windows 11. Pavan Davuluri, president of Windows and devices, said: “The feedback we’re getting from our community of passionate customers and Windows Insiders is clear. We need to improve Windows in ways that matter to people.” The focus will be on improving system performance, reliability, and the overall user experience.
The improvements will include key changes, such as fixing the dark mode in Windows 11 and modernizing neglected features. While Microsoft has made progress in improving driver stability and reducing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) incidents, it still needs to address fundamental performance issues with File Explorer and the fact that Linux can often run Windows games more efficiently than Windows itself.
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Performance and reliability issues in Windows 11 have become increasingly apparent over the past year, especially as the challenge of supporting a multitude of PC configurations intensifies. Microsoft took months to resolve Remote Desktop disconnection issues, released a Windows update that accidentally removed Copilot, and issued updates that duplicated Task Manager and introduced a serious system recovery bug.
An update that was meant to improve Windows 11's dark mode instead caused an annoying white screen flash when opening File Explorer.
As the new year progresses, Windows 11 bugs continue to escalate. The first Windows 11 update of 2026 was particularly problematic, with shutdown issues on some machines that led Microsoft to issue an unusual emergency update outside of the program. A week later, a second update outside of the program was released to address crashes related to OneDrive and Dropbox.
See also: Windows 11: The first update for 2026 was problematic
Additionally, Microsoft has confirmed that some business PCs are failing to boot after installing the January update due to being left in an "unhealthy state" after the December monthly update failed to install.
