8 Windows 11 Features that Should Never Have Been Added
As a self-proclaimed Windows fan, I have to admit that the latest version has its flaws. While some features are welcomed, others seem like a way to advertise Microsoft products or limit our workflow. In this article, we'll explore some of the features that should never have been added to Windows 11, along with tips on how to disable or work around them.
1. The Start Menu Placement
When you first start Windows 11, one of the most glaring new features is the placement of the Start menu. It's centered on the taskbar, not to the left as it was in earlier versions of Windows. This can be frustrating for those who have muscle memory that expects the Start button to be in the left corner.
Fortunately, there's a fix. You can reset its position to orient it to the left by going to Settings > System > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and changing the dropdown to the left.
2. The Taskbar Search Box
Another feature that's not necessary is the search box on the taskbar. It takes up unnecessary space and can be distracting. To disable it, head to Settings > System > Search and click "Off" under "Search on the taskbar."
Why it shouldn't have been added:
We already had a search bar in the Windows 10 taskbar. Adding another one was redundant.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
Windows 11 heavily emphasizes AI integration, particularly with Microsoft's Copilot tool. While this might be helpful for some users, it can also feel overwhelming and intrusive.
If you want to get rid of Copilot, you can disable it by going to Settings > Apps & features and uninstalling it.
Why it shouldn't have been added:
Not everyone wants AI integration in their operating system. This feature feels like a way for Microsoft to push its own products on users.
4. The Reduced Right-Click Context Menu
In Windows 11, the right-click context menu has fewer options than in previous versions. If you want more functionality, you'll need to click "Show more options" or press Shift+F10.
If you're not a fan of the new context menu, you can change it back via a Registry hack. However, this requires some technical expertise and should be avoided if you're not comfortable with editing the Registry.
Why it shouldn't have been added:
Reducing functionality in the right-click context menu feels like a step backward. This feature is more complicated than it needs to be, making it less user-friendly.
5. The Default App Changes
When you fire up Windows 11 for the first time, all the apps for media and other files default to Windows apps. However, changing these defaults can be more complex than it needs to be.
For example, you can't install a photo app and have it default for all file types – instead, you must change the app for each image format individually.
Why it shouldn't have been added:
This feature feels like a way for Microsoft to promote its own products. Changing defaults should be easier, not more complicated.
6. The Focus Sessions Feature
Windows 11 includes a new feature called Focus Sessions, which helps users stay focused by sending notifications directly to the center of their screen. This can be useful for productivity, but it's also another way for Microsoft to push its AI integration.
If you want to enable or disable Focus Sessions, go to Settings > System > Focus and choose from three modes: Focus on apps, Focus on people, or No focus mode.
Why it shouldn't have been added:
This feature feels like a way for Microsoft to promote its own AI integration. While it might be useful for productivity, it's not necessary and can feel invasive.
7. The New Context Menu
In Windows 11, the right-click context menu has fewer options than in previous versions. If you want more functionality, you'll need to click "Show more options" or press Shift+F10.
If you're not a fan of the new context menu, you can change it back via a Registry hack. However, this requires some technical expertise and should be avoided if you're not comfortable with editing the Registry.
Why it shouldn't have been added:
Reducing functionality in the right-click context menu feels like a step backward. This feature is more complicated than it needs to be, making it less user-friendly.
By following these tips, you can work around some of the annoying features in Windows 11 and make your experience more enjoyable. However, some features should never have been added – they're unnecessary and can feel invasive or intrusive.