Microsoft’s decision to scale back parts of Copilot and rethink how Recall fits into Windows 11 has sparked a wave of responses across the web — and what’s striking is how unified those reactions are. Whether you look at the comments on our original reporting or the discussions happening on Reddit, the sentiment is remarkably consistent.
People aren’t rejecting AI itself. They’re reacting to how Microsoft has handled it: features pushed into the OS without clear communication, shifting priorities that feel disconnected from user needs, and a growing sense that the company isn’t earning the trust it’s asking for.
The frustration isn’t about the technology. It’s about the relationship between Microsoft and the people who rely on Windows every day.
They're not a tech company anymore
Some of the strongest reactions aren't about Copilot itself, but about what Microsoft has become.
On Reddit, DoughNotDoit summed it up bluntly: "For a tech company they're not that tech literate."
That comment quickly turned into a broader critique of priorities. Downtown_Category163 replied that Microsoft is "very shareholder literate," arguing that the company is adjusting its plans not because users complained, but because the AI hype is slowing down.
Windows Central commenters echoed the same idea in a less sarcastic tone. Several argued that the company is chasing trends instead of focusing on what Windows 11 is supposed to be, a stable, predictable operating system.
AI is fine. Being forced to use it is not.
Across both sites, the most repeated point is also the simplest.
On Reddit, Ihavenoideatall put it like this: "OS should be an OS alone. If anyone wants AI, they can install AI all they want.”
That feeling mirrors comments on our site, where users repeatedly said Copilot would be acceptable if it stayed out of the way. Benji, for example, wrote that Copilot is fine "as long as it's not being the pilot."
The frustration isn't about AI existing. It’s about AI being everywhere by default, with no clear global off switch.
Recall crossed a line
If Copilot annoyed users, Recall has been a loud alarm, even though, from a technological perspective, Windows Recall is one of Microsoft's best applications.
On Reddit, DadMagnum called Recall "a huge trust mistake," arguing users want one AI tool they can choose to open, not something constantly watching in the background. Others were less restrained, with comments such as "Remove recall" and "Scrap it" appearing repeatedly.
Windows Central commenters raised similar concerns, especially around long-term trust. Even users who understand how the photographic memory feature works today worry about what it could become tomorrow. As one commenter put it, once a feature like this exists, believing it'll always remain optional is difficult.
Just make Windows 11 work
One of the most noticeable patterns is how often AI criticism turns into a reliability complaint.
On Reddit, Toby101125 listed a familiar set of frustrations, including broken updates, forced Microsoft accounts, default app restrictions, and constant interface changes, followed by the question of why the company expected no pushback.
On our site, commenters shared a similar view, including File Explorer instability, unfinished interface transitions, and bugs that have persisted for years.
For these users, it's evident that AI has become a symbol of lost priorities.
As one Reddit user put it: "Nobody asked or wants it – just make the OS work properly."
Copilot confusion didn't help
Another shared criticism is that Copilot means too many things at once.
On Windows Central, users complained that Copilot behaves differently in Word, Paint, and Notepad, with little explanation of why it needs to be there at all. Reddit reactions were more brutal, with multiple users calling Copilot in Notepad the low point of Microsoft's AI push.
The issue isn't capability, but clarity, as a lot of users suggested Microsoft should stop branding everything as Copilot and instead offer simple, task-specific AI actions that don't dominate the interface.
Not everyone wants Microsoft to abandon AI
Despite the backlash, a smaller group is defending Copilot. In our community, some users said Copilot saves them significant time in Microsoft 365. On Reddit, a few commenters admitted features like "Click to Do" are genuinely useful, and one even said Recall was something they were looking forward to.
The message is consistent. The technology has value, but Microsoft's way of rolling it out has made people push back instead of appreciating it.
Skepticism about Microsoft’s “rethinking”
When looking at the comments on this announcement, it appears that only a few people believe this pause will help correct the course of Windows 11 development.
Reddit users repeatedly described the shift as "PR speak," arguing Copilot and Recall are here to stay, just repackaged. Windows Central commenters were more reserved, but still cautious, noting Microsoft is "considering" changes rather than delivering them.
That doubt points to a bigger problem. Microsoft can't automatically be trusted anymore.
What users are actually asking for
When you put aside the sarcasm, anger, and jokes, the requests are remarkably consistent across.
User wants AI to be optional and disabled by default. They want a single centralized AI experience, not buttons everywhere. Users want clear system-wide and per-app controls, less clutter, and fewer forced accounts, and they want Microsoft to focus on stability and reliability.
As one Reddit commenter summarized, users don't despise AI. They don't like being told how to use their own computer.
A small window to reset
Microsoft's decision to slow down its AI push on Windows 11 is being viewed as a positive move, but many see it as overdue.
Some users have already switched to macOS or Linux. Others are waiting, cautiously, to see if the software giant follows through on its words.
Windows 11 doesn't need to prove it's AI-first. It needs to prove it's user-first like in the old times.
If Microsoft gets that balance right, Copilot and even Recall might still have a future. If not, this moment will be "recalled" (no pun intended) as another example of the company hearing feedback, but not truly listening.
Since its original publication, the Windows Central exclusive report has received over 55 comments on our site and more than 470 on Reddit, highlighting the strong reactions from the community.
Microsoft can keep refining its AI stack, but none of it will matter if users don’t trust the company’s direction. Windows 11’s AI rollout has exposed a widening gap between what Microsoft wants the OS to become and what users feel comfortable accepting. Closing that gap is the real challenge ahead — and it’s one no amount of engineering alone can solve.
Join the discussion on Reddit about this story to see what others are saying, and let us know below about whether you disagree with them or not.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
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