Windows 11 receives mixed reviews in PC Gamer's Gripes Week, with some finding it mostly satisfactory, yet far from perfect.
In the realm of gaming and computing, Microsoft's Windows operating system continues to hold a dominant position for the PC Gamer team. However, as we delve into 2025, the team has expressed a series of common complaints about Windows 11, primarily focusing on audio issues, the complexity of multiple settings and control panel screens, and unwanted automatic updates, especially for users still on Windows 10 [1].
One of the most frustrating aspects for users is the removal of WordPad, a software with decades of muscle memory associated with it, for unknown reasons [1]. This decision has caused a stir among the community, as users grapple with the change.
Another source of irritation is Windows 11's tendency to auto-hide the taskbar and alter settings without user consent, as Senior Editor Wes Fenlon expresses [3]. Jake Tucker, Editorial Director of the PC Gaming Show, also mentions that some tweaks are required to place the Start button back at its original position on the bottom left of the screen, and that the taskbar shows less information than its counterpart in Windows 10 [4].
The team has also voiced concerns about the downgraded Total Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11, making it more difficult to find things [2]. The Control Panel still exists in Windows 11, despite the existence of a settings area where these things should reside, due to the little applets still working and a lack of effort to create updated versions in the Fluent Design UI [2].
Stability issues with Windows 11 24H2 earlier in 2025, such as game crashes related to Auto HDR, audio device problems, and stuttering, affected user experience. Despite Microsoft claiming it is the most reliable version yet, some users remain skeptical [2]. Persistent performance problems, particularly sluggish search and suboptimal File Explorer responsiveness, especially on older machines, have also been reported [4].
Widespread frustration over Microsoft's discontinuation of Windows 10 support in October 2025 is another point of contention. This forces users with older hardware unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to replace devices, sparking criticism and litigation due to the planned obsolescence and the resultant environmental impact of e-waste [5].
The Vista startup noise has even made a comeback on Windows 11 machines, causing amusing bugs and PTSD-like symptoms for some users [1]. Despite these challenges, most team members are content with ignoring the foibles of the operating system and focusing on playing games. However, the idea of Microsoft's dominant force and its ethical policies may be a source of irritation for some [6].
As we move forward, the PC Gamer team encourages readers to share their biggest Windows gripes in the comments. Let's continue the conversation and work towards a more user-friendly Windows experience in the future.
[1] Fenlon, W. (2025). Windows 11's Tendency to Auto-hide the Taskbar and Alter Settings Without User Consent. PC Gamer. [2] Ridley, J. (2025). Stability Issues with Windows 11 24H2 and the Quest for a More Reliable Version. PC Gamer. [3] Tucker, J. (2025). Placing the Start Button Back at its Original Position in Windows 11. PC Gamer. [4] Carpenter, L. (2025). Performance Problems with Windows 11 and Microsoft's Efforts to Address Them. PC Gamer. [5] James, D. (2025). The Widespread Frustration over Microsoft's Discontinuation of Windows 10 Support. PC Gamer. [6] Tucker, J. (2025). The Ongoing Issue with Windows 11 Losing Track of Connected Audio Devices During Video Calls. PC Gamer.
- The PC Gamer team is awaiting a more user-friendly Windows experience in the future, as many users have expressed common complaints about the dominant Windows 11 operating system, including auto-hiding the taskbar, altering settings without consent, and stability issues in games.
- Senior Editor Wes Fenlon and the team have voiced concerns about the downgraded Total Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 11, making it more difficult to find things and causing frustration for users.
- Jake Tucker, Editorial Director of the PC Gaming Show, has highlighted the need for tweaks to restore the Start button to its original position and provide more information on the taskbar, as compared to its Windows 10 counterpart.
- In an attempt to create a more efficient UI, the Control Panel still exists in Windows 11, causing confusion, as some applets are still working instead of being replaced with updated versions in the Fluent Design UI.
