What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is a PC operating system released by Microsoft on October 5, 2021, as part of its NT kernel line. It promises speed, fluidity, and ease of use. In reality, it often fails to deliver, introducing hardware restrictions, inconsistent design, and privacy issues.
Why Not Switch to Windows 11?
At first glance, Windows 11 might seem appealing — if your hardware meets the requirements. But the reality is harsh: most PCs from just a few years ago don’t qualify.
Unreasonable System Requirements
- TPM 2.0 chip required
- UEFI Secure Boot mandatory
Take my 3rd-gen Intel i5: my motherboard supports both BIOS and UEFI. BIOS works perfectly, but Windows 11 forces me into UEFI, which is buggy on this board. Result? Unbootable system.
And very recently, Microsoft added POPCNT instruction checker to scare off people from running Windows 11 on Unsupported PC's.
Inconsistent Design Choices
- File Explorer finally got tabs — but that’s where the “good” ends.
- Start Menu is cluttered with bloatware and ads.
- Context menus hide essential functions, frustrating long-time users.
Even after a few weeks, I was ready to roll back — Windows 11 feels less like progress and more like compromise.
Long-Standing Problems Persist
- Privacy: telemetry and tracking remain invasive.
Forced Updates & Lack of Control
- Updates are mandatory, with little warning (Automatic restart when i was working on a spreadsheet).
- Patch quality varies; some updates even break drivers or features.
- Background services consume CPU/RAM and affect battery life.
Hardware Lock-In & E-Waste
- Strict requirements push users to buy new PCs unnecessarily.
- Older, perfectly functional hardware is discarded.
- Artificial “progress” hurts both wallets and the environment.
Microsoft Account & App Store Push
- Windows 11 nudges users toward a Microsoft account.
- Local account setup is hidden behind tricks.
- Microsoft Store is bloated with ads and redundant apps.
Ads & Monetization
- Ads now appear in Start Menu, File Explorer, and lock screen.
- Windows is slowly shifting from “your tool” to a platform for ads and subscriptions.
Gaming? Mixed Bag
- AutoHDR and DirectStorage require specific new hardware.
- Anti-cheat and DRM are stricter, limiting user freedom.
Future Concerns
- Rumors of subscription-based Windows worry users.
- The OS increasingly feels like a data-collection service rather than software you own.
Never Been a Better Time to Switch to Linux
If you’re frustrated with Windows 11, there’s a better alternative: GNU+Linux.
- Runs on older hardware effortlessly — no TPM or UEFI nightmares.
- Lightweight and fast — even on low-end PCs.
- Customizable interface — you decide how your desktop looks.
- Privacy-first — no hidden telemetry or tracking.
- No bloatware or forced updates — you’re in control.
- Free and open-source — truly yours, no licensing headaches.
Conclusion
Windows 11 may look sleek on the surface, but its hardware restrictions, design inconsistencies, and privacy issues make it a frustrating upgrade. If your PC can’t run it, you’re locked out; if it can, you may still regret the decision.
And I completely understand the fragile nature of Linux distributions, but I've tried my best to make a website which helps you choose the perfect distribution(I don't collect data, the site is LibreJS compatible), I hope it helps you.
Site [Link](https://avahi_daemon.gitlab.io/)
You using a Free Software empowers thousands of Unpaid volunteers who strive every bit to make it easy to use. I hope you try and switch to Linux
