Windows 11 overhauls performance and stability after Microsoft admits missteps

Microsoft has announced major changes to Windows 11, shifting its focus from flashy new features to system performance and stability. The company admitted that Windows had 'lost its way' and is now rolling out updates to win back user trust.

The first improvements will arrive in April for Windows Insiders, with broader updates planned through 2026.

A recent emergency patch, KB5085516, fixed a critical login bug caused by a March 10 update. This quick response signals Microsoft's renewed commitment to reliability.

The upcoming April update will introduce AI-driven optimisations and performance tweaks. Users will soon pause updates indefinitely and skip non-security patches. RAM usage could drop by up to 20% on devices with 8GB, easing pressure on older hardware.

Microsoft is also ditching web-based frameworks for core elements like the Start menu and taskbar. These will now use native WinUI3, promising faster response times. The full redesign, including a customisable taskbar, won't arrive until late 2026.

In another U-turn, the AI assistant Copilot will become optional in system apps. Users can now move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen without registry edits—a feature long requested by Windows 10 holdouts.

The changes come as Microsoft faces competition from Apple's macOS and lingering loyalty to Windows 10. The company hopes these updates will rebuild confidence in Windows 11.

The first performance-focused updates will reach Insiders in April, with broader rollouts stretching into 2026. Microsoft's shift aims to make Windows 11 more efficient and user-friendly.

By cutting unnecessary AI features and improving core functions, the company is betting on stability over spectacle. The success of these changes will depend on how well they address long-standing user frustrations.