Microsoft Windows exec addresses AI rollout criticism and pledges usability improvements
Key Points
- Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows at Microsoft, responded to AI‑related criticism of Windows 11.
- He acknowledged the need to improve everyday usability, inconsistent dialogs, and power‑user experiences.
- The team is actively reviewing extensive user feedback to guide improvements.
- Davuluri did not address concerns about advertising prompts and ecosystem‑driven nudges.
- A recent Copilot demo was criticized for providing incomplete and confusing guidance.
- Critics argue that frequent feature updates may increase bugs and affect stability.
- Microsoft’s focus on AI integration continues despite mixed user reactions.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows, responded to the backlash over AI integration in Windows 11. He acknowledged that the operating system still has work to do on everyday usability, reliability, and performance, and said the team is listening to extensive user feedback. While he highlighted the company’s focus on fixing inconsistent dialogs and power‑user experiences, he did not address concerns about advertising and ecosystem‑driven prompts. The response also drew attention to a recent Copilot demo that many users found confusing, underscoring the challenges Microsoft faces in balancing new AI features with a stable user experience.
Background
Microsoft’s Windows 11 has faced criticism after the company emphasized artificial intelligence features, particularly the integration of Copilot. Users and developers voiced concerns about the operating system’s reliability, performance, and the growing presence of promotional prompts that appear to push Microsoft services.
Executive response
In reaction to this feedback, Pavan Davuluri, who leads Windows and Devices at Microsoft, posted a detailed reply on the social platform X. He said the team receives a "ton of feedback" and balances product‑feedback data with direct user comments. Davuluri highlighted specific areas the team is addressing, including "everyday usability, from inconsistent dialogs to power user experiences." He emphasized that Microsoft cares deeply about developers and is working to improve the core experience of Windows 11.
Unaddressed concerns
While Davuluri focused on technical usability, he did not comment on the criticism surrounding ads and ecosystem‑centric nudges within the OS. Some users argue that Windows 11 feels more like a Microsoft experience than a pure operating system, pointing to prompts that encourage the use of Edge, OneDrive, or a Microsoft account.
Copilot demo controversy
A recent promotional video showcasing Copilot helping a user resize text was also highlighted as a source of frustration. Viewers noted that the AI guidance was incomplete, directing the user to the wrong scaling menu and suggesting an already‑selected setting. This example was cited as evidence that the AI integration still needs refinement before it can reliably assist everyday tasks.
Implications for Windows 11
The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader tension between Microsoft’s push for continuous innovation and the need for a stable, bug‑free operating system. Critics suggest that the frequent feature updates, such as those introduced with the Windows 11 24H2 release, may contribute to a higher incidence of bugs, calling for a possible rethink of the update cadence.
Overall, the executive’s acknowledgment of usability challenges signals that Microsoft is aware of the criticism, but the lack of response to ecosystem‑related concerns leaves some users uncertain about the company’s broader direction for Windows.