Windows 11 Uptake Slow: The Problems, The Solutions

Articles • July 12, 2022

windows11

Windows 11 is the latest OS from Microsoft. With new features, better security, and a brand-new skin on top, it must be the OS that everyone must be jumping to, right?

Wrong! Only a fraction of people have adopted Windows 11, and there are many reasons for it. The primary problems for the slow adoption rate – are system bugs, slow performance, and hardware compatibility issues.

So, let’s take a look at some of the critical reasons why Windows 11 isn’t on the rise and how you can improve your Windows 11 experience.

Windows 11 uptake remains slow

Only about 1.5% of the total Windows users have shifted to Windows 11. Windows 10 users still dominate 80% of the market. The funny thing is that even Windows 7 and Windows XP have better adoption rates.

Moreover, people are very comfortable with Windows 10. It has been one of the best operating systems in circulation. Plus, the years of updates, bug fixes, security improvements, and excellent compatibility have made it the primary OS to use.

Windows 11 problems

Here are a few problems with the latest Windows OS that keep it away from mass adoption by the people.

1. Compatibility and system hardware requirements

You need TPM 2.0 to install Windows 11 on your PC. Most desktops from the last 5 years can run Trusted Platform Module version 2.0. Windows claims to use it for security-related features, including Windows Hello and BitLocker for identity protection and data protection, respectively.

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However, not all PCs support TPM 2.0. Some users are running hardware older than 5 years old or don’t support TPM 2.0. Hence, most people don’t see the value in upgrading their hardware just for a ‘re-skinned’ version of Windows 10.

2. Bugs and errors

Windows 11, like all new operating systems, have been struck with bugs and errors. Most users and enterprise applications want their OS to be as stable as possible. Hence, using Windows 10 becomes their only choice.

There are multiple bugs that users have faced with Windows 11, but here are a few that are affecting most people:

  • SSD slowdowns
  • Unable to connect to WiFi hotspots
  • Cannot sign in to Microsoft 365 services
  • Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound drivers
  • Terrible RAM management
  • Safe Mode is not working on some hardware

Note: These are the most common issues that users are facing. However, there are a lot more bugs that you can find. Take a look at Microsoft’s known errors and problems.

3. Missing features

Unfortunately, Microsoft removed a lot of features from Windows 11 that were key staples of Windows 10. This has led to a backlash from users that won’t upgrade to Windows 11 until the features are restored.

I too, have missed the drag and drop to taskbar feature. It is essential to my workflow, and Windows 11 just makes it a tab bit complicated. This led me to find a fix for it and install a third-party solution so I could get it working again. Here is the fix by Dr. Mona Lisa on Github.

There are also other features that have gone missing. Here are a few that you should take note of:

  • Ability to move Taskbar and Taskbar menu
  • Calendar Flyout missing events
  • Quick status from lock screen removed
  • Drag and drop to taskbar apps removed
  • Timeline is removed
4. Pricing issues

This leads back to the hardware compatibility angle. If you want to upgrade to Windows 11, then you need compatible hardware. This may mean you would need to spend a lot of money to upgrade an OS.

Hence, many people just use Windows 10 because it has no hardware limitations and can even run on old PCs dating back a decade.

Windows 11 performance

As discussed earlier, Windows 11 suffers from driver issues and slowdowns. This leads to a bad experience for the user. Depending on your hardware, you can expect a slowdown of 5-10%. So, users prefer to stick with the stable and optimized last-gen Windows OS for better performance.

Windows 11 also has a knack for using a bucket load of RAM. This results in choppy gaming, browsing, or working experience. However, there are ways you can get around this problem and make Windows 11 as good as Windows 10 or even better. To do so, follow the guide below.

RELATED: How to Make Your Computer Faster for Gaming

How to fix Windows 11 problems and improve performance?

Fixing Windows 11 problems and improving performance isn’t that challenging. All you need to have is an active internet connection and some spare time. Here are a few methods to enhance your Windows 11 experience:

Method 1: Uninstall unused apps

The easiest way you can improve your Windows experience and performance is by uninstalling unused apps. Even if you’re not using the app, it will consume memory in the background. This leads to performance loss and can even cause random stutters.

So, head on to the ‘Apps and Features’ settings and uninstall or disable all the apps that you don’t need.

apps

RELATED: How to Clean and Save Space on Windows 11

Method 2: Disable startup apps

Apps that run their services while you turn your PC on can take a lot of resources. This also impacts your boot times and makes your PC feel sluggish. So, I recommend disabling all app startups for better performance and faster boot times.

Head on to your ‘Task Manager’, click on the ‘Startup’ tab and then disable all the apps. This will keep your PC fast and responsive when you boot it up.

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Method 3: Enable Windows security for better security

A great way to improve your PC’s security and safety is by using Windows Security. It is a built-in feature that scans through your PC for malware and viruses. Plus, it also keeps you safe while browsing online.

I’m an avid Windows Security fan and recommend you start using it too. It’s less resource-intensive than standard anti-virus/anti-malware softwares and comes built-in with Windows 11. So, make sure to take advantage of this amazing tool.

protection

Method 4: Perform a manual defragmentation

Defragmenting your storage disk helps you faster response times and file lookup rates. Windows 11 automatically defrags your storage drives once in a while, but I recommend you manually defrag it once or twice in a year.

This helps you re-arrange all storage sections of your drive for better performance. You can do it by searching for ‘Defragmentation’ in the Windows search bar and then starting the defragmentation process for all your drives. Once the process is completed, reboot the system, and you’re done.

defragmentation

RELATED: The Best Disk Partition Manager for Windows 11

Method 5: Install a 3rd-party PC optimization app

Finally, the best way to optimize your Windows 11 experience is by using a third-party optimization app. A PC optimizer helps you clean your system, remove unwanted apps, boost performance, and a whole lot more.

systemcare

After trying more than 15 apps, I found out IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro to be the best. It comes with a simple and easy-to-use interface that has all the features you need. You can clean your storage drive, improve performance and get better security with just one click.

Moreover, it doesn’t require a lot of resources to run smoothly and can also monitor suspicious background activity and kill it to keep you protected.

However, if you don’t want to use IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro or want an in-depth look at different third-party PC optimizers, then I recommend checking the comparison of different PC optimizers for Windows 11.

Try Windows 11 today

Windows 11 is a great OS to use. However, it has specific problems or issues that can keep you from using it. Hence, I recommend giving it a try on a virtual machine first. You can download Microsoft virtual machines for Windows 11 from the official website. Available virtual machine software options include variants for VMWare, Hyper-V, VirtualBox, and Parallels.

I also tried out VMWare with a  Windows 11 install, and everything worked as you expected it to. This will allow you to try it for free and experience all the things that the OS has to offer.

Moreover, I recommend waiting for the upcoming 22H2 version as Microsoft is making a lot of upgrades to Windows 11. It’s also bringing support for Android apps and is guaranteed to be a better and more optimized version than we have today. Hence, offering better performance and security.