Microsoft Faces Major Windows 11 Crisis as Core Features Fail

URGENT UPDATE: Microsoft is grappling with significant failures in its flagship operating system, Windows 11, as critical features malfunction, prompting frustration among users worldwide. This alarming situation comes just **four years** after the OS launched in **October 2021**.

New reports confirm that numerous core features of Windows 11, including the **Start Menu**, **Taskbar**, and **File Explorer**, have been rendered unreliable following a problematic update released in **July 2025**. Microsoft itself acknowledged these issues, stating that “major Windows 11 core features” can break after recent updates due to flaws in a **XAML software component**.

The fallout has been severe, with users experiencing crashes in **Explorer.exe** and **ShellHost processes**, along with critical errors preventing the Start Menu from opening. Many have faced broken taskbars and non-functional settings, prompting Microsoft to issue temporary workarounds while engineers work on solutions.

This crisis underscores a broader concern: nearly **1 billion PCs** are still running Windows 10, which officially reached end-of-life in **October 2025**. Despite the rollout of **Extended Security Updates** for Windows 10 users in the EU, many remain hesitant to upgrade, fueled by a growing distrust in Microsoft’s handling of Windows 11.

The situation is compounded by a shift in Microsoft’s focus toward AI. Company CEO **Satya Nadella** revealed that up to **30%** of new code is now AI-generated, raising questions about software quality and reliability. As users grapple with persistent bugs, new features—such as the intrusive **Copilot integration**—have been introduced without resolving existing issues.

Users are not only frustrated by technical failures but also by Microsoft’s aggressive monetization strategies. What began as “suggestions” in the Start Menu has evolved into persistent advertisements for Microsoft services and third-party applications, further alienating those who feel betrayed by the shift away from a straightforward user experience.

With adoption rates for Windows 11 lagging significantly behind Windows 10, Microsoft now faces an uphill battle. Current data shows that Windows 11’s rollout is trailing Windows 10 by **10 percentage points**, indicating a lack of confidence among users. Many are opting to stay on the older OS, believing that they are avoiding potential pitfalls.

What happens next? Microsoft stands at a crucial juncture. The company must decide whether to continue pushing forward with AI features while core functionality crumbles or to focus on stabilizing the operating system. Users are calling for a reliable experience—where the Start Menu opens consistently, File Explorer functions without crashes, and updates do not introduce new problems.

As Microsoft contemplates its next steps, the pressure mounts to address these fundamental issues. The company has the resources and expertise to rectify its missteps, but time is of the essence. With millions of users still on Windows 10, Microsoft risks losing its user base if it cannot restore faith in Windows 11.

For now, users remain hopeful that Microsoft will prioritize stability over flashy new features. The clock is ticking, and the demands are simple: they want an operating system that works reliably. As this situation develops, users are eager to see if Microsoft can rise to the challenge and reclaim trust in its flagship product.