I tested 5 major changes and improvements coming to Windows 11 this year: Microsoft is clearly serious about fixing Windows, and it's doing things right this time

Key Points:

• Microsoft has rapidly delivered on its Windows K2 initiative, addressing major Windows 11 issues by improving update reliability, reducing ads, enhancing performance, and adding customization options since March.
• Windows Update improvements now synchronize driver, framework, and security updates to require only one restart per month, allow indefinite pausing of updates, and enable skipping updates during initial PC setup, all already available to users.
• The OS has fewer ads and AI intrusions, with the Widgets board defaulting to local content, removal of Bing/MSN ads from Windows Search, and more granular Start menu controls that reduce recommended content and allow users to disable sections entirely.
• Performance enhancements include a new Low Latency Profile that boosts responsiveness, a System Compositor to reduce latency and memory use in WinUI interfaces, faster file navigation, and improved search functionality, contributing to overall smoother operation.
• Customization options for the Taskbar and Start menu have returned, allowing repositioning and resizing of the Taskbar and the ability to hide or disable Start menu segments; additional features and UI improvements are planned for release by 2026-2027.