You paid me, a long-time Linux user, to use Windows 11 exclusively for a month
2 hours ago
- #Operating System Comparison
- #Windows 11 Review
- #Linux vs Windows
- The author, a long-time Linux user, tested Windows 11 for a month as part of a fundraiser incentive.
- Installation was problematic due to lack of support for other OS filesystems, unsupported trackpad and Wi-Fi 7 chip drivers, and numerous reboots.
- Hardware issues included broken sleep/wake requiring firmware changes, erratic fan behavior, and graphics driver updates causing black screens.
- Windows 11 lacked a preferred keyboard layout (US int’l with AltGr dead keys), requiring third-party software.
- The window manager was inflexible (e.g., no option to change titlebar double-click action), and Explorer was slow with poor compressed file handling.
- Other grievances included slow updates, non-customizable Start menu, broken dark mode, and persistent useless default folders.
- Microsoft applications like Edge and the new Outlook were functional but problematic (e.g., Outlook sends data to Microsoft and shows ads without a subscription).
- The Windows app ecosystem is inconsistent, with multiple UI frameworks leading to a messy, disjointed user experience.
- Application management is fragmented, involving manual downloads, various installers, multiple updaters, and limited package managers.
- System tray clutter and inconsistent behavior across applications added to frustration.
- A few positives included improved Settings app, emoji/symbol picker, clipboard manager, and easy printer setup.
- After a month, the author returned to Linux, citing Windows 11's lack of user respect, consistency, customizability, performance, and privacy as deal-breakers.