Microsoft is addressing user concerns regarding persistent bug issues and system instability in Windows 11. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's president of Windows and Devices, acknowledged the issues, stating that customer and Windows Insider feedback has been "clear". Microsoft is shifting its engineering priorities to focus on resolving performance hiccups, reliability issues, and everyday pain points that have eroded user confidence in the OS.
This acknowledgment comes after a series of updates that have caused slowdowns, broken sleep and shutdown behavior, unexplained reboots, and intermittent system instability for some users. Some users reported being unable to enter sleep mode or properly shut down their computers after installing the January Windows 11 patch. Others have been unable to boot up their PCs. A past security update also left some users unable to use USB-connected mice or keyboards within recovery tools. Microsoft has used Known Issue Rollback to undo problematic changes in some instances.
Microsoft is now focusing on quashing the most persistent issues in Windows 11. This involves a "swarming" process, where engineers are pulled from other projects to address long-standing complaints. The company will focus on improving system performance, reliability, and the overall Windows experience. Microsoft is aiming to rebuild trust with the Windows community.
The upcoming February update aims to deliver bug fixes across various apps. These include tweaks to File Explorer's navigation responsiveness, a fix for an unresponsive Lock Screen, and a resolution for a bug that caused desktop icons to move unexpectedly.
Microsoft has released KB5074105, a preview update for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which introduces enhanced security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system files. The update delivers robust protection against unauthorized access to Windows system directories and critical files. It implements stricter access control validation mechanisms that prevent unprivileged users and malicious processes from modifying or reading protected system resources. The update also includes KB5074104, a Windows 11 servicing stack update (version 26100.7704), which ensures that future security patches and system updates are deployed more securely and efficiently.
Microsoft is scheduled to roll out a new Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026. The update introduces new features, improvements, and bug fixes. These include the ability to resume Android apps on computers, a major upgrade to Windows MIDI Services, expanded Windows Hello enhanced security for external devices, and the ability to manage Smart App Control without reinstallation. The update also includes improvements to File Explorer, Voice Access, and Voice Typing.
Microsoft is also testing Copilot integrations into File Explorer and Windows Search, and the Windows 11 notification center.
Users have expressed frustration with the OS, citing broken updates, forced Microsoft accounts, default app restrictions, and constant interface changes. Concerns have also been raised about the increasing integration of AI features, with users wanting AI to be optional and disabled by default. Users have also stated a desire for Microsoft to prioritize stability and reliability.
