The Engadget Podcast Can Microsoft fix Windows 11 by dumping AI?
Mar 26, 2026
Mark Hachman, senior editor at PCWorld who covers Windows and PC trends, breaks down Microsoft's Windows 11 reset. He explores how Copilot overreach alienated users. Short, punchy takes on taskbar changes, restoring familiar desktop behavior, and whether Windows can refocus on stability over flashy AI.
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Why Windows 10 Felt Right And Windows 11 Did Not
- Windows 10 felt collaborative because Microsoft solicited user feedback; Windows 11 felt sterile and top-down.
- Mark argues restoring that user-inclusive development approach could repair Windows' relationship with its audience.
Copilot Push Was As Much Habit Building As Innovation
- Microsoft seemingly prioritized habit-forming Copilot usage and subscription conversion over delivering reliable baseline features.
- Mark and Devendra say saturation was a strategy to normalize usage and payment, but it backfired.
Reporter Pushback When Copilot Gave Wrong Answers
- Devendra recounts being told by Microsoft execs to 'give it time' when Copilot returned wrong answers.
- He compares AI to a calculator where wrong outputs are unacceptable and users quickly reject unreliable tools.
