Despite detractors, more than half of our readers like Windows 11

Windows 11 has drawn a lot of criticism, but over 50% of our readers like the new OS.

What you need to know

• Over 50% of polled Windows Central readers like Windows 11.
• Microsoft's new operating system started rolling out to the public on October 4, 2021.
• Many people are unable to install Windows 11 on their PCs.

Windows 11 started rolling out to the public on October 4, 2021. The new operating system has drawn criticism for its Start menu, minimum requirements, and lack of exciting changes, but the majority of Windows Central readers still like Windows 11.

Over the weekend, we ran a poll asking if people like Microsoft's new operating system. Of those that voted, over 50% like Windows 11. Only 15.41% of polled participants dislike the OS. There were more people who felt indifferent about the OS (16.65%) than people who disliked it. 17% of our readers that voted in this poll can't install Windows 11.

"I like it. The OS has come a very long way and I enjoy the new look and the improvements below the skin," said alukard in the comments. "It's obvious it's not finished in some parts yet and like Windows 10 there will be feature updates coming to add those missing things for the power users. So I'm not ripping my hair out over it and spitting bile."

As is often the case in poll pieces, those with negative views towards the item in question were more vocal in the comments section.

Many pointed toward the lack of customization options as a weakness of Windows 11. SillvvaSensei said, "not a fan of the lack of customizability and grouping in the start menu. I'm going to wait a year to see what gets added."

The Start menu also drew criticism. "The new start menu is pretty awful. No way to group apps, can only see 18 shortcuts at a time, ugly old icons, no at-a-glance info, doesn't work well at all on a tablet/touch screen device and so on," said appel1. "Not being able to put the taskbar on the left hand side of the screen is a very annoying limitation as well. I have lots of horizontal space on my display, why not let me use it?"

As Windows 11 continues to roll out to more PCs, we'll have to see if public opinion sways in another direction or remains the same.