Windows 11 is no ‘flop’ – just give it time

Issue 621’s

‘Question of the Fortnight’ (‘Has Windows 11’s release been a complete flop?’) asked the wrong question. You should have asked whether Windows 11’s popularity actually matters at the moment. I would say it doesn’t, because it’s clear Microsoft’s strategy with Windows 11 is gently nudging people towards upgrading, rather than constantly elbowing them in the ribs, as they did with Windows 10.

I think this is the right strategy. I remember plenty of people, including writers on Computeractive, criticising the company for forcing Windows 10 on to people. Many users felt rushed into upgrading from an operating system they loved (Windows 7, in most cases). It would have been less disorientating for people if they’d felt confident to wait and upgrade in their own time.

I don’t know if that’s what Microsoft is doing this time, but if so they should be commended. I interpret their message as: Windows 10 is fine, there’s nothing wrong with it, but you’ve four years to upgrade to a newer, better system. That gives people plenty of time to grow accustomed to the idea of making the switch. My own position is that my newish desktop PC can run Windows 11, but there’s nothing about the new system I’m desperate to try. However, I have no desire to still be using Windows 10 when support ends in 2025. I’m going to wait for Microsoft to add more tools to Windows 11, and will probably upgrade when the first Feature update is released next autumn. So for me, Windows 11 isn’t a “flop”. It’s just being released gradually in a sensible and measured manner, and will eventually become the dominant system.

Richard Hoyle

The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!