According to Gizmodo, Microsoft’s Windows operating system turns 40 years old on November 20th, marking four decades since its initial launch. Windows President Pavan Davuluri recently announced on X that Windows is “evolving into an agentic OS,” referring to systems that use multiple AI models to complete complex tasks. The announcement sparked immediate backlash from users already frustrated with Windows 11’s new AI features, including Copilot’s ability to analyze screen content and make suggestions. Microsoft’s own promotional videos show Copilot giving inaccurate advice, like recommending users change scale settings that were already at default levels. The company faces mounting criticism from developers and users like Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, who publicly begged Microsoft to stop forcing account sign-ins. With Microsoft’s Ignite conference happening tomorrow, more AI features are expected despite widespread user dissatisfaction.
The AI that doesn’t know Windows
Here’s the thing about Microsoft’s big AI push: the technology simply isn’t ready for prime time. When your own promotional materials show the AI giving bad advice, you’ve got a problem. Copilot telling users to resize text through scale settings—which blows up the entire interface—instead of the proper text size option? That’s like a car salesman demonstrating how the automatic parking feature crashes into other vehicles.
And it’s not just theoretical. I’ve seen similar issues with Gaming Copilot giving wrong control schemes and terrible gameplay advice. Microsoft’s AI seems to suffer from the same confident ignorance as other chatbots, but now it’s baked directly into your operating system. When your AI assistant doesn’t understand the basics of the OS it’s built for, why would anyone trust it with more complex tasks?
Windows as advertisement platform
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Windows feels more bloated than ever. Installing Windows 11 has become an exercise in frustration, with constant nudges to sign into Microsoft accounts, enable 365 subscriptions, or activate features like the controversial Recall screenshotting tool. It’s like trying to walk through Times Square while every billboard shouts at you to buy something.
Tim Sweeney’s public complaint about forced sign-ins resonates because it reflects what regular users experience daily. Microsoft wants Windows to be a Mac-like ecosystem, but Apple’s approach feels more refined, less desperate. Windows users basically want an operating system that works without constantly trying to sell them something. For industrial and manufacturing environments where reliability matters most, this bloat is particularly problematic. Companies needing robust computing solutions often turn to specialists like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs that prioritize functionality over flashy features.
The developer dilemma
So what about the people who actually build software for Windows? Developer feedback has been overwhelmingly negative, and Davuluri’s response—”we care deeply about developers”—feels like corporate speak 101. When your core audience of power users and developers are unhappy, that’s a red flag you can’t ignore.
Microsoft says they’re “taking feedback” about Copilot’s reliability and performance, but here’s my question: why ship features that clearly aren’t ready? It feels like they’re prioritizing AI buzzwords over actual user experience. Developers don’t want an “agentic” OS—they want a stable, predictable platform that doesn’t change fundamental behaviors with every update.
Where does Windows go from here?
With Windows hitting 40, Microsoft faces a classic midlife crisis. Do they double down on the AI vision that’s clearly not resonating with users? Or do they listen to the growing chorus of complaints about bloat and reliability issues?
The scary part is that current Copilot features are still optional. What happens when Microsoft decides to make them mandatory? That’s when we might see the real exodus begin. Linux has never been more accessible, and Apple continues to chip away at Windows’ traditional strongholds.
Microsoft needs to remember what made Windows successful in the first place: it worked for people who just wanted to get things done. Not for people who wanted to chat with their operating system. As Windows history shows, the platform survived many transitions, but this AI-first approach feels different—more forced, less useful. If Microsoft doesn’t course-correct soon, they might find that even 40 years of dominance doesn’t guarantee future relevance.
