[dlivingston]

Microsoft's Copilot AI software has been integrated in every corner of the operating system, from the start menu to the notepad to settings. Beyond the intrusiveness of it, it also does not work very well. Other AI mishaps include Recall, which takes screenshots of your desktop every so often, and the original version of Recall stored these in an unencrypted, insecure database.

On top of that, the OS feels more bloated and disorganized than ever, with something like six different UI frameworks all present in various spots on the OS; system settings are scattered across the Settings app (new) and various legacy panels like Control Panel and Network Connections.

What else... Microsoft now requires an online connection and Microsoft account to sign in to your PC; no more local-only accounts allowed.

I'm sure there's more I'm missing. It's not a pleasant operating system.

[Wistar]

I added a local-only account to a Win 11 Pro box just two days ago. Nothing seems different to me—the usual horsing around with the no online account stuff but it let me create the account.

[esseph]

Pro will allow it. Home which is what comes with most computers, does not now.

[timpera]

I find that it is quite a pleasant operating system!

Recall is turned off by default and Copilot never nags you to use it (like Gemini on Chromebooks/Google Search/Google Docs does).

I completely agree with the UI frameworks thing though. They really need to remove the Control Panel.

[GrowingSideways]

> I find that it is quite a pleasant operating system!

Pleasant compared to what? Older versions of windows? linux, or macs? This is the first positive review I've ever heard.

[_carbyau_]

> They really need to remove the Control Panel.

... they really need to provide 100% coverage to all the same settings, THEN remove the control panel.

[p_ing]

I don't have Copilot in my start menu. It's in Notepad, but that is the only place I've found it. This is on 25H2.

> original version of Recall stored these in an unencrypted, insecure database.

Why do you bother mentioning it, given that's been long rectified and that particular version never made it to the production ring?

> six different UI frameworks all present in various spots on the OS

Windows has always been like this. It wasn't until Windows 11 that the Font dialog was upgraded from a Win 3.x look and feel.

> no more local-only accounts allowed.

Just false.