Microsoft keeps fixing things. The community keeps complaining. This week shows the gap between progress and perception.

Four Windows Insider builds, new hidden features, and a week with Xbox have given us plenty to try out.

The new Windows Run impressed us and showed what happens when Microsoft cares and puts effort into a feature.

It wasn't all rosy, however. Windows 10 users are still holding out from upgrading, possibly due to being priced out of getting new hardware. Xbox Mode also disappointed when spanned across multiple displays.

But overall, it was another solid week for Microsoft, and that's continued a strange phenomenon. Despite Microsoft rolling out changes people have asked about for years, many are silent or even critical.

That trend has me asking: Do you want to complain or do you want things to get better?

Biggest News Stories

We uncovered a major Windows 11 performance boost in testing

Windows 11 is set to gain a new feature that will boost CPU frequency in bursts when initiating high-priority tasks to speed up app launches and system responsiveness.

Windows 10 users are holding out in Steam — by choice or force?

Valve's new hardware survey shows that a quarter of Windows users are holding on to Windows 10, while the most popular PC components paint a broader picture.

Dual monitor Xbox Mode feels like a missed chance

Xbox Mode’s handling of dual monitor setups is raising concerns among PC gamers, with secondary displays left blank.

Windows 11's new Run box is what happens when Microsoft actually cares

The new Windows Run box has been officially unveiled, and it's a genuine improvement over the legacy interface with faster launch times and more features.

Windows Insider builds improve touchpad gestures, File Explorer clarity, and voice typing

Microsoft rolled out four new Windows Insider builds with upgraded touchpad gestures, clearer File Explorer descriptions, a redesigned voice‑typing UI, and a free K‑12 upgrade path.

Windows 11 can stop Chrome and Edge from installing 4GB of AI models

Windows 11 now gives you the power to block Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge from automatically downloading local AI models for on-device generative AI features without explicit user consent.

Following the development of Windows 11 and Xbox over the last few years has led to some interesting experiences. Many of us were frustrated with Microsoft for the degradation of quality and features across our favorite platforms, and rightfully so.

What disappoints me is how vocal people continue to express displeasure even when Microsoft is moving in the right direction. Even more frustratingly, many are silent when a good change occurs and loud when anything fails to go their way or at their speed.

Check out the response to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden showing Low Latency Profile on Windows 11, a feature that's in the early stages of testing among Windows Insiders.

People on X and Reddit called the feature slop, a waste of time, and said Windows "already [pooped] the bed." Some yelled about why such a feature is not the default behavior. Others complained about the feature existing at all because they're worried about CPU spikes.

Our Managing Editor Jez Corden argued that "Too many of us are eager to take Xbox for granted," including himself. People told Jez to switch to PlayStation and accused him of working for Microsoft.

To be clear, Microsoft should be called out for faults and issues. I've done so many times and will continue to do so.

It's been a theme for the Windows Wrap since I started publishing weekly. I've called out Microsoft for holding back Windows and praised Microsoft for taking steps to fix it.

Pretty much without fail, more people have engaged with stories criticizing Microsoft than pieces praising the company. Many responding to good news react with negativity.

It seems like people are happier to complain than to see criticism lead to improvement. It reminds me of the Baroness Von Sketch Show skit about returning cheese.

If we want Windows and Xbox to get better, we have to acknowledge progress when it happens, not just when it’s convenient to complain.

Shopping with Sean

This week's best deal was on the WD_Black SN7100 SSD. While the gargantuan $914 discount on the 4TB model has ended, there are still great deals on the 1TB and 2TB versions. It's not as big as the earlier deal, but there is still a sizable discount on the 4TB SSD through Amazon.

We expect the deal on the SSD to end this weekend, so now's the time to take advantage of the deal.

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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.