Microsoft’s push to turn Windows into an agentic operating system has sparked major user anger. In mid-November 2025, Windows leader Pavan Davuluri responded to complaints, admitting the company has work ahead but offering few details on fixes.
What Sparked the Agentic OS Debate
Microsoft announced plans to evolve Windows into an agentic OS, where the system acts on user behalf without constant input. This vision came from Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows and devices, in a social media post on November 10, 2025.
Users quickly pushed back, saying the focus on AI ignores basic problems like slow performance and poor reliability. Many pointed out that Windows 11 already struggles with everyday tasks, making an AI overhaul seem out of touch.
The backlash grew online, with thousands of comments highlighting frustration over forced updates and clunky interfaces. Developers joined in, worried that new AI features could make coding on Windows even harder.
Davuluri’s Response to User Complaints
On November 15, 2025, Davuluri posted a reply on social media to address the uproar. He said the team listens to feedback from product systems and direct user input, even if they do not always match.
He noted concerns about reliability, performance, and ease of use. Davuluri stressed that Microsoft cares about developers and wants Windows to be their top choice.
In his words, the company knows it has a lot of work to do on inconsistent dialogs and power user experiences. Yet, he stopped short of sharing a clear plan or timeline for changes.
This came after he locked comments on his original post due to the flood of negative replies. The response aimed to calm tensions but left many wanting more concrete action.
How Users Reacted to the Statement
The reply drew mixed feelings, with some calling it too vague. Power users and developers felt it did not tackle core issues like system bloat or hardware limits.
Online discussions showed ongoing gripes about Windows 11, such as freezing explorers and slow updates. One common complaint is how the OS feels draggy compared to older versions.
Here are key user concerns raised in recent feedback:
- Slow start menus and file explorers that freeze during simple tasks.
- Forced AI tools like Copilot that add bloat without improving basics.
- Developer tools that lag, pushing some to switch to other systems.
- Privacy worries from AI that acts on its own.
Many users shared stories of switching to alternatives like Linux for better speed.
A quick look at recent Windows issues reported by users:
| Issue | Description | Reported Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Lag | Apps and menus take seconds to load, even on strong hardware | High, ongoing since 2024 |
| UX Inconsistencies | Mix of old and new designs confuse navigation | Medium, noted in 2025 updates |
| AI Bloat | Unwanted features slow down the system | Rising, post-2025 announcements |
| Developer Friction | Tools and defaults hinder coding workflows | High among tech pros |
These points show a pattern of unmet needs.
Experts say this echoes past Microsoft missteps, like the Windows 8 tile interface that users rejected. The current debate ties into broader 2025 trends, where AI hype faces real-world pushback in tech products.
Why This Matters for Windows Future
The agentic OS idea promises smarter computing, like automating tasks based on habits. But critics argue it risks more bugs if basics stay broken.
Microsoft has rolled out AI features in 2025, such as Copilot updates for voice input. These aim to make Windows more helpful, yet they add to the load on older machines.
Logical reasoning suggests fixing core problems first could rebuild trust. For instance, improving reliability might draw back developers who left for smoother platforms.
This fits into larger industry shifts, where companies like Apple and Google balance AI with user control. Microsoft’s stock dipped slightly after the backlash news, showing market nerves.
What Could Happen Next
Looking ahead, Microsoft might detail its roadmap at upcoming events. Insiders hint at Windows updates in early 2026 that could address performance.
Users hope for options to turn off AI features easily. This could solve many complaints without scrapping the agentic vision.
In the end, the company must show action, not just words, to win back faith. Share your thoughts on Windows changes in the comments below, and pass this article along if it helped you understand the debate.
