" We are evolving the way Windows is designed internally in order to raise the level of quality. "
This little sentence was written by Pavan Davuluri, one of the main people in charge of the Windows Insider Program Team, on the official Microsoft blog. A true declaration of intent, this sentence should sum up the major update work that Microsoft is already working on for 2026. This work is intended to restore the reputation of Windows 11, which is often compared - and not in its favor - to its predecessor, Windows 10. Windows 11 is generally criticized for wasting system resources and placing too much emphasis on artificial intelligence without directly benefiting users.
Before going into detail, we invite you to read Pavan Davuluri's message directly: we won't go into every point again, so you can learn a little more on Microsoft's official blog. You should know, however, that the primary objective of Microsoft and all the teams in charge of Windows 11 is to make it more responsive. The "performance" pillar is therefore widely emphasized, with several key points.
The three pillars of "K2", the code name given to the Windows 11 revival © Microsoft
- Improve overall system performance. The aim is to deliver a " faster, more responsive " Windows experience, for example, by reducing the time it takes to launch applications such as File Explorer. There's also talk of better use of system memory, so that - it's about time - Windows absorbs less of it. Finally, performance stability is another of Pavan Davuluri's main concerns: that the system keeps running smoothly throughout the day.
- Smoother interactions between applications: essential Windows functions will be migrated to the WinUI3 framework to reduce system latency. Key points such as the Start menu should benefit from improved responsiveness.
- The "fundamentals" of File Explorer should also be improved. Here again, the issue of latency is highlighted by Microsoft, which talks of faster searches, smoother navigation and more responsive contextual menus. Copying and moving large files will also be "faster and more reliable" thanks to the far-reaching changes.
- Finally, performance will also be improved in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): the enterprise is particularly targeted here, with faster, more efficient file exchanges between Linux and Windows. Network compatibility as a whole will be improved, and everything to do with configuration and familiarization will be simplified. Finally, governance and security policy management will be extensively revised.
Logically, after performance, Pavan Davuluri insists on the reliability of the "new Windows" he is trying to promote. He puts it very clearly: " Reliability is the foundation of trust. You need to be able to rely on your PC to be up and running when you need it most ", before adding, " we'll be focusing on improving the basic reliability of things like the Windows Insider program, drivers and applications, updates and Windows Hello. "
- First and foremost, Microsoft seems intent on improving everything to do with the Insider program, the new features tested, their prominence, navigation between the various channels and a validation process with more rigorous feedback. These are interesting decisions, but they won't concern the average person, who doesn't really care about the Insider program anyway.
- Secondly, Microsoft insists on " the reliability of the operating system, drivers and applications ". Making Windows 11 more reliable would then be achieved by " strengthening the Windows foundation, improving driver quality and application stability ". He also mentions everyday accessories (Bluetooth peripherals, USB devices, printers), before dwelling on standby management with " more consistent wake-up for faster resumption of work ".
- This quest for reliability also involves improving the Windows Update experience. Here, Microsoft is aiming for faster, more predictable updates: the issue of restart control and scheduling is clearly put forward, while Pavan Davuluri evokes a small revolution: " a single monthly device restart ". Better still, there's no longer any question of being forced to install them, and Microsoft talks of " the possibility of suspending them for as long as necessary ".
- More anecdotally, the final reliability point is devoted to Windows Hello, with a view to enhancing its efficiency and security. The aim is, of course, to be correctly recognized by your devices, but not only with facial recognition: fingerprint login should be " faster and more reliable, with fewer attempts ". Finally, a brief remark on the reliability of this secure connection for the ROG Xbox Ally X console, proof that Microsoft is targeting all Windows devices.
The Windows 11 desktop will soon benefit from many more customization options © Microsoft
The third and final pillar of this Windows 11 evolution - codenamed K2, the planet's second highest peak after Mount Everest - is what Microsoft calls " craft ", or " the art of transforming functional products into appreciated objects through consistent ergonomics, finish, coherence and refinement ". In other words, this is where the changes will be most directly palpable for users, at least visually.
- At the heart of the Windows user experience, the Start menu and taskbar should offer " even more reliable and consistent access to applications and files, for smooth navigation throughout the day ". We're not going to argue with Microsoft, which finally seems to be planning " extensive customization options for the taskbar ": we're talking about its position, but also its size.
- Pavan Davuluri stresses the importance of a " more immersive user experience with fewer distractions ": Windows will be " quieter " from the moment of installation, with fewer steps and restarts. We're still talking about widgets, which will simply display " information in a more targeted way ". Here, we're not sure that users are really in demand, but fortunately Microsoft talks about " simplified settings that make it easier to personalize, activate or deactivate widgets and display content according to our preferences ".
- Last but not least, Microsoft insists on progress in search to achieve "faster, more accurate results, and a consistent search experience across all Windows interfaces". This includes " clearly distinguishing results from content on your device from Web results ".
Phew! It's fair to say that Pavan Davuluri had a lot to say, and it has to be said that in most cases, the points raised are along the right lines. Of course, we mustn't take Microsoft's word for it, and we'll have to wait and see when these improvements come to fruition. The company's objective is not to release everything at once: the first improvements should arrive through multiple builds on the Windows Insiderprogram... from the end of the month and throughout April. However, it won't all be wrapped up in a few weeks, and Project K2 is a program scheduled for the whole of 2026. We'll just have to wait and see, but it's good to see that Microsoft is finally taking the measure of the task that awaits it on Windows 11. It's about time!
