Microsoft Windows 11: Difference between revisions

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==Consumer impact summary==

===User Freedom===

Windows 11 has several and more restrictions than their previous version, Windows 10. Some highlighted restrictions are:

*In order to use the operating system, it is required to link a Microsot account. Since October 2025 local accounts cannot be created and Microsoft has blocked the ways to bypass the Microsoft account requirement.

*Updates are forced and cannot be disabled, only postponed by default. They can only be disabled with third-party tools.

*BitLocker drive encryption is forced and there are known incidents of users permanently losing their data. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Sayan |date=1 May 2025 |title=Windows 11 users reportedly losing data due to Microsoft's forced BitLocker encryption |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-users-reportedly-losing-data-due-to-microsofts-forced-bitlocker-encryption/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/69uPN |archive-date=2025-05-02 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Neowin}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Nasir|first=Hassam |date=19 Oct 2025 |title=BitLocker reportedly auto-locks users' backup drives, causing loss of 3TB of valuable data — Windows automatic disk encryption can permanently lock your drives |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/bitlocker-reportedly-auto-locks-users-backup-drives-causing-loss-of-3tb-of-valuable-data-windows-automatic-disk-encryption-can-permanently-lock-your-drives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/0ixWF |archive-date=2025-10-20 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>

*Like Windows 10, [[OneDrive]] sinchronization is active by default. The File Explorer redirects the local file shortcuts to the OneDrive file addresses.

*Interface customization is less flexible than the one that Windows 10 used to have. The ability to move the taskbar was a feature that presented previous versions of Windows, but it can no longer be moved on Windows 11.

===User Privacy===

Telemetry is active by default and cannot be completely disabled without using third-party tools.

Microsoft Copilot application setting of using user's data to train AI models is active by default {{Citation needed}}

===Business Model===

Windows comes pre-installed on most of current new desktop computers.

The operating system license can also be acquired by an one-time purchase.

Windows 11 contains [[bloatware]], such as [[Microsoft Copilot]] and [[Microsoft Edge]] that cannot be uninstalled without specialized tools.

System tools such as Settings or File Explorer contain integrated ads about Microsoft software and services.

Ads can also appear on the lock screen, notifications and the desktop.

===Market Control===

Windows 11 is installed on more than 30% of all computers world wide. <ref>{{Cite web |last=StatCounter |date=2025-07-01 |title=Desktop Windows Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720124002/https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide |archive-date=2025-07-20 |access-date=2025-08-17}}</ref> Windows 11 collects user data including but not limited to hardware specs, apps and drivers installed on the device, app activity, device settings and configuration, web browser history, etc. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2025-04-01 |title=Data Collection Summary for WIndows |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/data-collection-windows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729153757/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/data-collection-Windows |archive-date=2025-07-29 |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=Microsoft}}</ref>

Microsoft has a rich and plentiful history of data breaches. Many services that Microsoft offers have been forcibly accessed into by malicious and white hat hackers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heiligenstein |first=Michael |date=2024-02-20 |title=Microsoft Data Breaches: Full Timeline Through 2024 |url=https://firewalltimes.com/microsoft-data-breach-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502010658/https://firewalltimes.com/microsoft-data-breach-timeline/ |archive-date=2025-05-02 |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=Firewall Times}}</ref>

==Incidents==

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Poorer interface customization===

When the operating system was released, many users noticed the taskbar was unable to be moved. This caused complaints amongst the users that used that feature. Microsoft replied the ability to move the taskbar could not be implemented on Windows 11 because it would require "a large amount of engineering effort". <ref>{{Cite web |last=M |first=Abhijith |date=19 Dec 2025 |title=Explained: Why you can’t move Windows 11 taskbar like Windows 10, according to Microsoft |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/12/19/why-you-cant-move-windows-11-taskbar-like-windows-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pyjTY |archive-date=2025-12-20 |access-date= 9 Mar 2026 |website=Windows Latest}}</ref>

===Unstable & forced updates===

Following the update form of Windows 10, Windows 11 updates are forced and can only be postponed when accessing to settings. Third-party tools such as WinAeroTweaker allow to block updates until the user wants to enable them again.

The updates are frequent and users have reported many issues with updates. These issues vary from minor issues to major issues that can lead to have an unusable system. These unstable updates have caused several users to complain <ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Joe |date=25 Nov 2025 |title=Windows 11 has become INCREASINGLY unstable |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5635937/windows-11-has-become-increasingly-unstable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107122136/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5635937/windows-11-has-become-increasingly-unstable |archive-date=2026-01-07 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Microsoft Learn}}</ref>, disable updates <ref>{{Cite web |last=Rozario |first=Hamlin |date=25 Feb 2026|title=I stopped updating Windows immediately — here's how long I wait now |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/i-stopped-updating-windows-immediately/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227172743/https://www.xda-developers.com/i-stopped-updating-windows-immediately/ |archive-date=2026-02-27 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=XDA}}</ref> or even migrate to other operating systems. {{Citation needed}}

Some problematic documented updates include:

*The 24H2 KB5063878 minor update caused some SSD drives damages that could lead into unrecoverable data. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Cale |date=24 Aug 2025 |title=Reports say Windows 11 update is bricking drives — is yours on the list? |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/reports-say-windows-11-update-is-bricking-drives-is-yours-on-the-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309042734/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/reports-say-windows-11-update-is-bricking-drives-is-yours-on-the-list |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>

*An update on December 2025 caused core features issues on many computers and may users complained for the update. Microsoft admitted later this update broke core features. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalton |first=Theo |date=8 Dec 2025 |title=Microsoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/windows11/microsoft-finally-admits-almost-all-major-windows-11-core-features-are-broken/4475930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309033645/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/windows11/microsoft-finally-admits-almost-all-major-windows-11-core-features-are-broken/4475930 |archive-date=2026-03-09|access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Microsoft Community Hub}}</ref>

===Microsoft Copilot integration===

In recent releases of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to integrate its AI assistant, '''Copilot''', directly into the operating system. This integration has raised concerns among consumer rights advocates, who argue that users are given limited control over the feature and its data collection practices. Critics claim that Copilot’s presence, often enabled by default and not easily removable, undermines user choice and privacy. Supporters, however, contend that the tool enhances productivity and reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday computing. The debate highlights broader issues regarding software autonomy, informed consent, and the extent to which technology companies can embed proprietary services into essential consumer platforms.

===Windows Recall===

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Bing Wallpaper is a free-to-download app on the Microsoft Store that displays a daily rotation of wallpapers for Windows 11 computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Explore the world one photo at a time {{!}} Bing Wallpaper |url=https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?pc=w011&brand=bing |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Bing}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260116071012/https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?brand=bing&pc=w011 Archived])</ref> By default, an option is toggled in its settings to automatically open Bing and search for the wallpaper's contents whenever one clicks somewhere on their desktop that doesn't contain an icon and place a permanent window on top of one's wallpaper to learn more. This option must be manually switched off in a setting at the bottom of the options page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M B |first=Abhijith |date=26 Oct 2025 |title=Windows 11’s Bing Wallpaper app opens Bing.com if you click anywhere on the desktop |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Windows Latest |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215022522/https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Along with this, it reportedly replaces one's default search engine with Bing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Darren |date=28 Oct 2025 |title=Microsoft sinks to new lows with Bing Wallpaper 'feature' in Windows 11 that'll either confuse or annoy you |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206100558/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>

~~'''Microsoft also forces Co-Pilot onto consumers'''~~

In recent releases of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to integrate its AI assistant, '''Copilot''', directly into the operating system. This integration has raised concerns among consumer rights advocates, who argue that users are given limited control over the feature and its data collection practices. Critics claim that Copilot’s presence, often enabled by default and not easily removable, undermines user choice and privacy. Supporters, however, contend that the tool enhances productivity and reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday computing. The debate highlights broader issues regarding software autonomy, informed consent, and the extent to which technology companies can embed proprietary services into essential consumer platforms.

==See Also==

*[[Microsoft Copilot]]

*[[Microsoft Office 365]]

*[[OneDrive]]

==References==

[[Category:Windows 11]]

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==Consumer impact summary==
+===User Freedom===
+Windows 11 has several and more restrictions than their previous version, Windows 10. Some highlighted restrictions are:
+*In order to use the operating system, it is required to link a Microsot account. Since October 2025 local accounts cannot be created and Microsoft has blocked the ways to bypass the Microsoft account requirement.
+*Updates are forced and cannot be disabled, only postponed by default. They can only be disabled with third-party tools.
+*BitLocker drive encryption is forced and there are known incidents of users permanently losing their data. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Sayan |date=1 May 2025 |title=Windows 11 users reportedly losing data due to Microsoft's forced BitLocker encryption |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-users-reportedly-losing-data-due-to-microsofts-forced-bitlocker-encryption/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/69uPN |archive-date=2025-05-02 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Neowin}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Nasir|first=Hassam |date=19 Oct 2025 |title=BitLocker reportedly auto-locks users' backup drives, causing loss of 3TB of valuable data — Windows automatic disk encryption can permanently lock your drives |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/bitlocker-reportedly-auto-locks-users-backup-drives-causing-loss-of-3tb-of-valuable-data-windows-automatic-disk-encryption-can-permanently-lock-your-drives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/0ixWF |archive-date=2025-10-20 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>
+*Like Windows 10, [[OneDrive]] sinchronization is active by default. The File Explorer redirects the local file shortcuts to the OneDrive file addresses.
+*Interface customization is less flexible than the one that Windows 10 used to have. The ability to move the taskbar was a feature that presented previous versions of Windows, but it can no longer be moved on Windows 11.
+===User Privacy===
+Telemetry is active by default and cannot be completely disabled without using third-party tools.
+Microsoft Copilot application setting of using user's data to train AI models is active by default {{Citation needed}}
+===Business Model===
+Windows comes pre-installed on most of current new desktop computers.
+The operating system license can also be acquired by an one-time purchase.
+Windows 11 contains [[bloatware]], such as [[Microsoft Copilot]] and [[Microsoft Edge]] that cannot be uninstalled without specialized tools.
+System tools such as Settings or File Explorer contain integrated ads about Microsoft software and services.
+Ads can also appear on the lock screen, notifications and the desktop.
+===Market Control===
 Windows 11 is installed on more than 30% of all computers world wide. <ref>{{Cite web |last=StatCounter |date=2025-07-01 |title=Desktop Windows Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720124002/https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide |archive-date=2025-07-20 |access-date=2025-08-17}}</ref> Windows 11 collects user data including but not limited to hardware specs, apps and drivers installed on the device, app activity, device settings and configuration, web browser history, etc. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2025-04-01 |title=Data Collection Summary for WIndows |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/data-collection-windows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729153757/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/data-collection-Windows |archive-date=2025-07-29 |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=Microsoft}}</ref>
-Microsoft has a rich and plentiful history of data breaches. Many services that Microsoft offers have been forcibly accessed into by malicious and white hat hackers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heiligenstein |first=Michael |date=2024-02-20 |title=Microsoft Data Breaches: Full Timeline Through 2024 |url=https://firewalltimes.com/microsoft-data-breach-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502010658/https://firewalltimes.com/microsoft-data-breach-timeline/ |archive-date=2025-05-02 |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=Firewall Times}}</ref>
 ==Incidents==
 This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
+===Poorer interface customization===
+When the operating system was released, many users noticed the taskbar was unable to be moved. This caused complaints amongst the users that used that feature. Microsoft replied the ability to move the taskbar could not be implemented on Windows 11 because it would require "a large amount of engineering effort". <ref>{{Cite web |last=M |first=Abhijith |date=19 Dec 2025 |title=Explained: Why you can’t move Windows 11 taskbar like Windows 10, according to Microsoft |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/12/19/why-you-cant-move-windows-11-taskbar-like-windows-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pyjTY |archive-date=2025-12-20 |access-date= 9 Mar 2026 |website=Windows Latest}}</ref>
+===Unstable & forced updates===
+Following the update form of Windows 10, Windows 11 updates are forced and can only be postponed when accessing to settings. Third-party tools such as WinAeroTweaker allow to block updates until the user wants to enable them again.
+The updates are frequent and users have reported many issues with updates. These issues vary from minor issues to major issues that can lead to have an unusable system. These unstable updates have caused several users to complain <ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Joe |date=25 Nov 2025 |title=Windows 11 has become INCREASINGLY unstable |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5635937/windows-11-has-become-increasingly-unstable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107122136/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5635937/windows-11-has-become-increasingly-unstable |archive-date=2026-01-07 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Microsoft Learn}}</ref>, disable updates <ref>{{Cite web |last=Rozario |first=Hamlin |date=25 Feb 2026|title=I stopped updating Windows immediately — here's how long I wait now |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/i-stopped-updating-windows-immediately/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227172743/https://www.xda-developers.com/i-stopped-updating-windows-immediately/ |archive-date=2026-02-27 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=XDA}}</ref> or even migrate to other operating systems. {{Citation needed}}
+Some problematic documented updates include:
+*The 24H2 KB5063878 minor update caused some SSD drives damages that could lead into unrecoverable data. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Cale |date=24 Aug 2025 |title=Reports say Windows 11 update is bricking drives — is yours on the list? |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/reports-say-windows-11-update-is-bricking-drives-is-yours-on-the-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309042734/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/reports-say-windows-11-update-is-bricking-drives-is-yours-on-the-list |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>
+*An update on December 2025 caused core features issues on many computers and may users complained for the update. Microsoft admitted later this update broke core features. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalton |first=Theo |date=8 Dec 2025 |title=Microsoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/windows11/microsoft-finally-admits-almost-all-major-windows-11-core-features-are-broken/4475930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309033645/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/windows11/microsoft-finally-admits-almost-all-major-windows-11-core-features-are-broken/4475930 |archive-date=2026-03-09|access-date=9 Mar 2026 |website=Microsoft Community Hub}}</ref>
+===Microsoft Copilot integration===
+In recent releases of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to integrate its AI assistant, '''Copilot''', directly into the operating system. This integration has raised concerns among consumer rights advocates, who argue that users are given limited control over the feature and its data collection practices. Critics claim that Copilot’s presence, often enabled by default and not easily removable, undermines user choice and privacy. Supporters, however, contend that the tool enhances productivity and reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday computing. The debate highlights broader issues regarding software autonomy, informed consent, and the extent to which technology companies can embed proprietary services into essential consumer platforms.
 ===Windows Recall===
@@ Line 37: / Line 78: @@
 Bing Wallpaper is a free-to-download app on the Microsoft Store that displays a daily rotation of wallpapers for Windows 11 computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Explore the world one photo at a time {{!}} Bing Wallpaper |url=https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?pc=w011&brand=bing |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Bing}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260116071012/https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?brand=bing&pc=w011 Archived])</ref> By default, an option is toggled in its settings to automatically open Bing and search for the wallpaper's contents whenever one clicks somewhere on their desktop that doesn't contain an icon and place a permanent window on top of one's wallpaper to learn more. This option must be manually switched off in a setting at the bottom of the options page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M B |first=Abhijith |date=26 Oct 2025 |title=Windows 11’s Bing Wallpaper app opens Bing.com if you click anywhere on the desktop |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Windows Latest |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215022522/https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Along with this, it reportedly replaces one's default search engine with Bing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Darren |date=28 Oct 2025 |title=Microsoft sinks to new lows with Bing Wallpaper 'feature' in Windows 11 that'll either confuse or annoy you |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206100558/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>
-'''Microsoft also forces Co-Pilot onto consumers'''
-In recent releases of Windows 11, Microsoft has decided to integrate its AI assistant, '''Copilot''', directly into the operating system. This integration has raised concerns among consumer rights advocates, who argue that users are given limited control over the feature and its data collection practices. Critics claim that Copilot’s presence, often enabled by default and not easily removable, undermines user choice and privacy. Supporters, however, contend that the tool enhances productivity and reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday computing. The debate highlights broader issues regarding software autonomy, informed consent, and the extent to which technology companies can embed proprietary services into essential consumer platforms.
+==See Also==
+*[[Microsoft Copilot]]
+*[[Microsoft Office 365]]
+*[[OneDrive]]
 ==References==
 <references />
 [[Category:Windows 11]]