Introduction

Since its release in October 2021, Microsoft's flagship operating system, Windows 11, has struggled to gain traction among users. The adoption rate has been frustratingly slow, yet it seems unsurprising to some observers. This article delves into why Microsoft continued to release systems like Windows 11 and the potential ramifications for user satisfaction.

Microsoft's Strategic Moves and User Reactions

Vladimir, a user and tech enthusiast, expresses his frustration with Microsoft's decisions, particularly regarding Windows 11. According to Vladimir, Microsoft deliberately targeted hardware more recent than those from 2017, excluding a significant portion of computer users. This strategy seemingly aimed to improve the user experience by limiting issues with older hardware. However, this move has backfired, leading to a lower adoption rate.

It's worth noting that Microsoft has shifted its focus to the Surface team for Windows development since 2020. Additionally, the company laid off or reassigned quality assurance teams in 2014-2015 during the release of Windows 10. These actions have raised concerns about Microsoft's commitment to consistent quality in operating system updates and releases.

Perceived Incompetence and Lack of Consideration

The decision to release Windows 11 appears to be a disservice to users, especially those impacted by a global pandemic and ongoing chip shortages. Microsoft seems to have underestimated the impact these factors would have on user adoption. Critics argue that the company's failure to provide reliable support and updates for users with older hardware suggests a lack of foresight and poor planning.

The situation has led many to question the trustworthiness of future Microsoft offerings. Given this track record, it is understandable why some IT professionals advise users to hedge their bets by learning alternative operating systems like Linux or Android, which are seen as more reliable in the current market landscape.

Evidence of Low Adoption Rates

Low adoption rates of Windows 11 are not a widely reported phenomenon. When analyzed through reputable sources and methodologies, the data paints a more nuanced picture. Popular tech media outlets often present contradictory claims about the adoption rates, either stating that the system is exceeding expectations or is falling short of them. However, these claims lack concrete evidence, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

According to analyst reports, uptake has been described as abysmal, with less than 10% of all Windows PCs updating to Windows 11. However, these reports often include data from older operating systems and Windows XP users, which are no longer supported. This skewed data sets a misleading baseline, making it challenging to gauge the true adoption rate accurately.

Microsoft's statements add to the confusion. For instance, in November 2021, they claimed that 9% of eligible Windows 10 machines had installed Windows 11 after just one month of availability. However, this figure includes machines that were not yet offered the operating system as part of the stage rollout process. This suggests that the early update rate was in line with Microsoft's expectations.

True adoption numbers will become clearer as more Windows 10 machines receive the update through automatic updates and as time elapses. In November 2022, more data from users who have received the update through Windows Update and the initial corporate adopters will provide a clearer picture of the actual adoption rate post one year.

Conclusion

The slow adoption rate of Windows 11 is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While Microsoft's strategy to target newer hardware has backfired, the lack of concrete data and misuse of metrics by some analysts have made it difficult to form a clear opinion. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for Microsoft to learn from this experience and ensure that future releases are more inclusive and user-focused.