Windows 11 is being revamped, and Microsoft is here to show that it's keeping its promise. Windows K2 is an ongoing effort by the company to improve Windows 11, rebuild user trust, and shake off the negative sentiment surrounding the operating system.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the tech giant is "doing the work required to win back fans across Windows and Xbox." A Windows blog post by Marcus Ash details some of that work.

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• Clearer controls for Windows Insider features
• Smoother Windows Updates with less disruption
• A simplified UI for inbox apps
• Faster and more reliable File Explorer performance
• More control over widgets
• Improved overall system performance

Since these are all rolling out to Windows Insiders, we've already touched on them. But Ash's post serves as a quick recap that illustrates real change happening at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

One of the first major changes was rebooting the Windows Insider Program. With clearer channels that make sense, transparent options for enabling or disabling features, and a simplified experience for moving between channels, Insiders are more likely to test features and send feedback.

It's smart of Microsoft to revamp the Windows Insider Program first, since ignoring feedback is a large reason user trust in Microsoft eroded.

Looking ahead

Ash teased what's ahead for Windows 11:

"I’m excited to share more on that work later this month, including how we’re improving Taskbar and Start, as well [as] the work underway to enhance Search."

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden shared that Microsoft will rebuild the Start menu from scratch with WinUI 3. The new Start menu will be up to 60% faster and more responsive.

There will also be more customization options for the Start menu. Microsoft reportedly plans to get rid of ads in the Start menu as well.

It seems like we won't have to wait long to see some of those changes enter testing.

We'll update our Windows K2 status tracker as more features enter testing and roll out to everyone.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.