I am admittedly a Windows fan and I think the latest version is the best one to date. However, I am also a realist and certain things bug me about Windows 11 features that probably shouldn’t have been added in the first place or were added later.

While some features are welcomed, like an improved Task Manager, phone integration, and tabs in File Explorer, others are not. Some so-called features seem like just a way to advertise Microsoft products, can make it challenging to change default apps, and limit your workflow. In addition to listing some of the features you don’t need and probably shouldn’t be included with Windows, I will show you how to disable them or use a workaround if one is available.

8 Start menu placement

Move it back to the left

When you first start Windows 11, the first glaring new feature is the placement of the Start menu. It is centered on the taskbar, not to the left as it was with Windows 10 and earlier versions. This is an annoyance because your muscle memory wants to click it in the left corner of the taskbar. This placement sets off many people starting on the new version of Windows. There is a fix, however. You can reset its position to orient it to the left. Open Settings > System > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and change the dropdown to the left.

7 Taskbar Search

Search your system from one location

Microsoft must have thought the search box on the taskbar in Windows 10 was a success because it’s included on Windows 11. However, it takes up unnecessary space on your taskbar for searching you don’t need. To search, simply press the Windows key and type in your query. I don’t think this feature should have been included in the new OS. If you want to remove it, you can.

Like the Start menu, you can disable the taskbar search if you find it distracting from more important items. Head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Search and set the dropdown to Hide.

6 Widgets board

One of the more irksome features

This is one of the most annoying default features in Windows 11. The board’s icon sits in the lower left corner where the Start menu used to be. So, it will stay where it is unless you move the Start menu using the above steps. The News and Weather widget remains on the taskbar even if you move the Start button, though.

What’s worse is the default behavior. You just need to hover your pointer over it for it to open. It shows you news, weather, sports, and ads from the MSN network which, unfortunately, will get in the way of your work. You can keep it from launching when hovering over the mouse. But to completely turn it off, head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle off the Widgets switch.

5 A static taskbar

You can’t move it at will

In previous versions of Windows, you could easily move the taskbar by unlocking it and moving it to the top, left, or right side of your screen. No more. The most you can do is “move” it to the center or left, as shown in the previous steps. If you want to move the taskbar, you will need to install a third-party app like Stardock’s Start11 menu replacement. It's also possible to hack the Registry to move the taskbar, but that is convoluted and doesn't produce the best results. So, I recommend using Start11. It is a paid app (but affordable) which gives you many other customization options.

4 Desktop notifications

Too many distractions from the system and software

One of the annoyances you will find with Windows 11 out of the box is far too many desktop notifications. While notifications about your system and select apps can be helpful, getting notifications from Outlook, Copilot, websites, Windows Update, your phone, social media, and other apps can easily clog up the screen. What is supposed to be helpful reminders turns into a jumble of banners and distracting sounds that are distracting.

The good news is that Windows 11 allows you to tame app and system notifications. Head to Settings > System > Notifications. Here, you can manage notification sounds, lock screen visibility, or turn them off entirely. You can also enable and schedule the do-not-disturb mode, so notifications are sent directly to the center and are less distracting. Scroll down the menu to enable or disable notifications for specific apps. For instance, you might want to allow notifications for email, but turn them off for Instagram or other social media. It's also important to note that this section allows you to enable the Focus Sessions feature for when you need to get things done.

3 Copilot

AI should be optional

Whether we want it or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being integrated everywhere. Of course, like other companies, Microsoft has its own AI tool called "Copilot" which is being integrated all over the place. While it may be helpful with a Copilot+ laptop, it's less so in Windows 11 (let alone Windows 10). Windows 11 heavily emphasizes Copilot and pushes it on the desktop, Microsoft Edge, and Office apps. Luckily, you can get Copilot out of your way at the time of writing. Still, we don’t know how long that will last, and generative AI isn’t for everyone, so this should be an optional installation like Microsoft PC Manager.

2 Truncated context menu

You have to click twice for more options

In previous Windows versions, right-clicking a file, folder, or other item brought up a ton of options for managing it. However, on Windows 11, the right-click context menu has fewer options. If you want additional functionality, click Show more options on the menu or press Shift+F10. While simplifying things on Windows was a good idea, reducing functionality and adding an extra step to get the features you want isn’t welcomed — especially in File Explorer. If you are not a fan of the new context menu, you can change it back via a Registry hack, but that isn't for the faint of heart. But if you really prefer the old context menu, you might want to look at getting it back. Before you proceed, however, ensure that you back up the Registry first.

1 Change default Windows apps

Changing them is more complicated than it needs to be

When you fire up Windows 11 for the first time, you’ll notice that all the apps for media and other files default to Windows apps. That in itself isn’t bad; macOS does the same thing. However, changing default apps is more complex than it needs to be. For instance, you can’t install a photo app and have it default for all file types. Instead, you must change the app for each image format individually, i.e., JPG, PNG, BMP, otherwise, it will default to using Microsoft's Photos app. Other examples include opening links with Edge instead of Chrome or Firefox from specific features like the unwanted widget board.

Some features shouldn’t be included in Windows 11

While Microsoft has released the most modern and responsive version of Windows, it has some drawbacks. The good news is that you can change these annoying features in system settings or use a workaround. Still, some features shouldn't have been added from the start. You shouldn't need to use workarounds to get Windows to act like Windows.

Also, like previous versions, Windows 11 gets a major feature update annually, and new things are added and improved via monthly updates. Some new features aren’t welcome, but you can usually change them. That is why some of us pause or prevent Windows updates and wait for things to shake out first before installing them.