Microsoft has announced a series of major changes to Windows 11 aimed at addressing user complaints about the operating system's functionality and update policies. The updates come as the company faces criticism over system performance and the integration of AI features.

One of the most significant changes is the return of taskbar positioning options, allowing users to move the taskbar to the top or sides of their screen. This feature had been removed from Windows 11 despite being available in previous versions of Windows, and its absence had been a persistent complaint among users for nearly five years.

Microsoft is also overhauling its Windows Update system to give users more control over when updates are installed. The new approach will allow users to pause updates indefinitely, marking a significant departure from the company's previous policy of mandatory automatic updates that was implemented in 2015. The automatic update system had drawn criticism from users whose computers would restart unexpectedly during work, potentially causing data loss.

Additionally, Microsoft is reducing the presence of its Copilot AI assistant across various Windows applications. The company is removing Copilot integration from several built-in apps including Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, responding to user feedback about excessive AI integration throughout the operating system.

The changes are being presented as part of Microsoft's broader effort to rebuild user trust in Windows 11. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri has outlined these modifications as the company's comprehensive plan to address ongoing concerns about the operating system's reliability and user experience.