Windows 11 Start Menu: A Frustrating Experience for Users
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Chapter 1: Overview of Windows 11 Start Menu Issues
In a recent tweet, Andy Young, a former Microsoft employee, shared his frustrations with the performance of the Windows 11 Start Menu. Despite using a powerful i9 CPU with 128 GB of RAM, he noted that the menu took an excessively long time to load search results.
His findings were shared through a screen recording that illustrated the sluggishness users may face. Interestingly, my own experience with a less powerful setup yielded different results, leading me to question the necessity of disabling features in the Start Menu altogether.
Section 1.1: Persistent Problems with the Start Menu
The Start Menu presents several ongoing challenges. For instance, users cannot remove the "Recommended" section, which occupies space even when empty. Additionally, the ability to add file shortcuts to this area has been eliminated, a feature that was available in previous versions.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Shift in Windows Experience
The overall evolution of Windows seems perplexing. While Microsoft aims to create a more consumer-friendly operating system, the execution appears flawed. Settings are scattered across various menus, and the new context menu limits user options, requiring navigation through multiple layers to access standard features.
Section 1.2: Meeting Diverse User Needs
As a web and frontend developer, my requirements differ significantly from the average user. I primarily rely on browsers like Brave and Opera, alongside essential applications such as Visual Studio Code, LibreOffice, and Blender. While Visual Studio Code, developed by Microsoft, meets my needs, it remains an exception rather than the norm.
Chapter 2: The Limitations of Native Applications
The applications I use are tailored to handle extensive file management and processing tasks. Despite the growing trend towards web alternatives, I still see a vital role for desktop applications, particularly for tasks requiring direct access to files and hardware resources.
However, the effectiveness of the operating system itself has diminished. Simple tasks, like using a calculator, become cumbersome when waiting for updates, making web alternatives far more appealing.
Managing files remains a core function of any operating system, and yet, Windows struggles in this area. Issues like the inability to copy files when a preview is being generated, or the lack of customization in the file context menu, are frustrating. Navigating through libraries and folders feels more cumbersome than it should be.
Operating systems, be it Windows, macOS, or Linux, often focus on attracting users with flashy features, neglecting fundamental functionalities such as efficient file management. It's a call for a return to prioritizing the essential tools of an operating system, much like the simplicity offered by DOS.
In conclusion, I sincerely hope for a renewed focus on enhancing these basic but crucial features, akin to how printer manufacturers should prioritize effective printing solutions.
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