"We're doing the work required to win back fans across Windows and Xbox": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the company is making foundational changes to fix Windows 11 and Xbox

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has commented on the company's recent announcements around improving Windows and Xbox for customers. In its FY23 Q3 earnings call, Nadella commented on the company's consumer businesses, and was surprisingly candid about the work needed to fix both platforms.

"When it comes to our consumer business, we are doing the foundational work required to win back fans and strengthen engagement across Windows, Xbox, Bing, and Edge," Nadella said. "In the near term, we are focused on fundamentals, prioritizing quality and serving our core users better."

"With Windows, we recently announced performance improvements for lower memory devices, streamlined the Windows Update experience, and brought back focus to core features and fundamentals that matter most to our customers. And you also see this in Xbox where the team is recommitting to our core fans and players, and shaping the future of play. Last week’s Game Pass changes are one example of how we are staying responsive to customer feedback."

Nadella also announced a new active devices number for Windows, confirming that Windows usage continues to grow: "Monthly active Windows devices surpassed 1.6 billion, and over time Windows value will extend to deliver unmetered intelligence at the edge." He also confirmed that Xbox active users are also up: "We set new records for monthly Xbox active users in the quarter, as well as game streaming hours."

Nadella's comments come just weeks after both Windows and Xbox teams announced major changes to their platforms in direct response to frustration from users over the last two years. Windows has confirmed plans to address serious pain points across Windows 11, working to fix the platforms biggest issues and position the OS as a viable competitor among macOS, steamOS, and others.

The Xbox team has also said it's working on the "return of Xbox," refocusing on console and reevaluating changes to Game Pass and exclusives to help position Xbox as a strong consumer gaming platform once again. Both Windows and Xbox are working together to strengthen the future of gaming on Microsoft platforms.

Nadella doesn't often comment on internal ongoings, but he's clear that something is changing internally that is allowing these teams to refocus their efforts on what matters most: the customer. "Across everything I have talked about, we are also hard at work changing the way we work. Our north star remains the same: delivering customer value with highest quality and top-class innovation."

It's good to see that CEO Satya Nadella is onboard with this refocused energy that Microsoft seemingly has for Windows and Xbox. Hopefully, it can actually deliver on these promises, because if it can, both Windows and Xbox will once again be strong competitors in the tech space.

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