Windows 11 through the eyes of Linuxoid

I have been using different Linux distros for about 3 years. After another update with new Hi-Res scrolling and UI improvements, they did some bad stuff so I had to fix lots of shit again. What a coincidence - before updating Linux I updated my dual-booted Windows 11 where layouts switching bug was fixed and Microsoft promised lots of improvements generally. Without thinking too much I just gave up and after a short-term depression, I booted Windows (which, of course, greeted me with an unasked updating process) and encountered lots of problems I never had on Linux.

Disclaimer before I'll start my Windows Week story: I am a programmer paying really huge attention to the working environment - all the small convenient things (I call them smoothies), details in the design, tiny performance, etc. I have an Intel EVO (almost all components built by Intel) based fullHD 14" dual-monitor (the primary monitor is extended by a small another one at the top of the keyboard) laptop. I'm using a Bluetooth headset and mouse with lots of additional buttons and an electromagnetic wheel. All this makes me a non-average user and a significant part of my claims may be nothing to most people, but anyway, I'm still a "legal" user.

And here we go - this whole article will be split into a few sections. Since I already know what to expect, I will fill all the sections with theses and will be adding descriptions and updates in time. Enjoy reading.

Terminology

• Workspace - virtual desktop

List of problems

Fixable

• Can't set CapsLock to change the layout
• No hotkeys settings
• No compose key
• Can't move panel to the top

Partially fixable

• UI size - I have never thought my screen is so small
• Bloatware
• No «Always On Top» feature

Unfixable

• Not developer-friendly at all
• Workspaces are not being created automatically
• Workspaces in the overview are switched by hover
• Fonts - ClearType is nothing but «marketing bullshit»
• Loading time
• No software repositories
• Blurry windows on hiDPI display
• White pop-ups when using a dark theme
• Annoying tiling helpers
• No way to fullscreen the window
• Laggy animations
• Can't move windows while holding the meta-key
• No middle click paste
• Design inconsistency and lots of legacies
• No extensions (no convenient way to extend system features)
• No «Always On Visible Workspace» feature (must-have for a multi-monitor setup)

Minor unfixable

• Updates
• No software installation conventions
• Overloaded UI
• No one at Microsoft cares about your OS problems
• Absolutely proprietary
• «Parrot» apps UX/UI - no consistency at all
• Drop-down menus
• WLS bugs

List of pros

Unique

• Software support
• Flawless soft scroll
• Mouse scroll settings

With Linux alternative

• Windows Terminal + WSL2
• Awesome tiling
• Gaming
• Quick settings menu
• Color picker
• Modern design

Minor (or useless)

• Focus mode
• Mouse highlight feature
• Windows Hello

List of ambiguities

• Flimsy system apps
• Lots of software
• Settings