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Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021, five years ago. While Microsoft has faced numerous controversies since then, including forcing capable hardware into retirement by raising minimum system requirements and mandating online Microsoft accounts for setup, things are reportedly settling down. The company recently introduced the Windows 11 26H2 update, which it describes as a "predictable and low-disruption" release rather than a revolutionary change.

Microsoft has struggled with market missteps, such as the Copilot+ PC era, which included controversial features like the AI-centric Windows Recall app. These issues led Microsoft and its OEM partners to quietly remove all Copilot+ PC branding earlier this year. Instead of focusing on built-in AI, the company is now shifting toward a cross-platform agentic model.

Despite past controversies and various bugs, Windows 11 remains widely adopted, dominating roughly 76% of all desktop and laptop computers globally. Within the Windows ecosystem, it holds nearly 72% of the market share, while Windows 10 has declined to under 28%. In response to user needs for productivity and gaming, Microsoft executives promised in spring to optimize the OS for basic everyday use, offering faster apps and lower resource consumption. The upcoming 26H2 update aims to deliver these foundational improvements without introducing new problems.