Windows 11 promised a modern, secure, and AI-enhanced desktop experience. Yet, for many users, it increasingly feels like an OS that acts on its own, prioritizing Microsoft’s vision and services over user choice. From forced AI features to cloud nudges, intrusive telemetry, and occasional reliability issues, the operating system raises questions about control, privacy, and trust.

The Agentic OS

In late 2025, Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows at Microsoft, described Windows as “evolving into an agentic OS” — a system capable of taking actions on users’ behalf using AI rather than simply waiting for commands. Microsoft framed this as “unlocking intelligent productivity,” but many interpreted it as Windows stepping into decision-making territory traditionally reserved for the user, sparking widespread discussion online. (TechRadar)

Privacy and Activity Tracking

Features like Windows Recall, which creates a searchable timeline of user activity, have raised questions about how much of a user’s workflow is captured, even if stored locally. Combined with ongoing telemetry collection, some users feel increasingly surveilled, with limited options to restrict data sharing. (Microsoft)

Cloud Integration and Accounts

OneDrive has become the default for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, nudging users toward cloud storage even when local control is preferred. Creating a purely local account has grown more difficult, as older workarounds have been blocked and Microsoft Accounts strongly encouraged.

Ads and Upsells

Windows 11 also features ads and product prompts across the interface, from Edge and Bing to Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Critics argue these reminders blur the line between productivity tools and marketing, though some see them as gentle guidance for modern features. (The Verge)

Update Reliability

Some updates have caused crashes and disrupted workflows, including problems with critical applications like OneDrive and Dropbox. (Windows Latest) While Microsoft regularly patches these issues, the unpredictability has frustrated users who expect stability.

A Global Perspective

The northern German state of Schleswig‑Holstein is migrating approximately 30,000 government desktops from Windows to Linux and LibreOffice, citing digital sovereignty, cost, and control over data. While Windows remains dominant, this demonstrates that some institutions are exploring alternatives when control and transparency are top priorities.

Strengths Amid Criticism

Windows 11 is not without merit. Snap Layouts, improved security features, and modernized productivity tools are meaningful enhancements. However, when features are forced, invasive, or destabilizing, the OS risks alienating users it seeks to empower.

The Bottom Line

Windows 11 is a glimpse into the future of desktop computing; one that blends AI, cloud, and productivity. Yet it must balance innovation with user agency. Until Microsoft offers clearer choice, privacy safeguards, and stability, Windows 11 may be remembered more for its overreach than its breakthroughs.

_{Photo credit: Executive Digest, Creative Commons}