Microsoft has been making waves with rumors and leaks surrounding Windows 12. While some users eagerly anticipate its release, others—especially Linux enthusiasts like myself—remain skeptical. The reality is, unless Microsoft addresses some fundamental flaws, I won’t be making the switch from Linux to Windows anytime soon.
If Microsoft truly wants Windows 12 to appeal to privacy-conscious and customization-loving users, it needs to fix these five critical issues.
1. Prioritize Privacy Over Telemetry
Privacy is a major concern when it comes to Windows. Windows 11, like its predecessor, is packed with telemetry, hidden tracking mechanisms, and forced Microsoft account logins.
Linux, on the other hand, provides users with complete control over their data, with no hidden data collection running in the background. If Windows 12 hopes to win over privacy-conscious users, it must offer a real option to disable all tracking and telemetry—without requiring hacks or third-party software.
2. Allow True Customization
Microsoft has been taking customization options away from users. Windows 11 removed basic features like moving the taskbar to different positions and restoring classic Start menu styles.
Linux users enjoy complete freedom over their desktop environments, window managers, and themes. If Windows 12 truly wants to be competitive, it must bring back full customization features and stop restricting users from personalizing their OS experience.
3. Implement a Proper Package Manager
Linux distros come with powerful package managers like APT (Debian/Ubuntu), Pacman (Arch), and DNF (Fedora) that make installing and updating software a breeze. Windows users, however, still rely on downloading EXE and ZIP files from various websites or using the clunky Microsoft Store.
While Windows does have Winget, it still lacks the seamless integration and efficiency that Linux package managers offer. If Microsoft wants to modernize Windows, it needs to introduce a robust, unified package management system.
4. Reduce Bloat and Improve Performance
One of Windows' biggest weaknesses is its excessive bloatware. Windows 11 comes pre-installed with unnecessary apps, ads in the Start menu, and background processes consuming system resources.
In contrast, Linux distributions like Arch, Debian, and Fedora offer lightweight, minimal installations that prioritize performance. Windows 12 needs a true minimal install option that doesn’t force users to remove unnecessary software manually.
And please, Microsoft—stop pushing your ecosystem at every turn. Let users choose what they want without forcing them into Microsoft services.
5. Make WSL a True Linux Experience
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a step in the right direction, but it still feels like an add-on rather than an integrated solution. If Microsoft wants to appeal to Linux users, it should:
Improve performance and resource efficiency
Offer seamless GUI application support
Deeply integrate WSL into Windows, making it feel like a native Linux system
If WSL could provide a near-native Linux experience, it might convince some Linux users to give Windows a second look.
Will Microsoft Listen?
With Windows 12 possibly years away, Microsoft has time to implement these much-needed improvements. However, based on past decisions, the company seems more focused on locking users into its ecosystem rather than giving them real choices.
If Microsoft truly values its users and wants Windows 12 to be a success, it must prioritize privacy, customization, efficiency, and flexibility. Until then, I—and many others—will be sticking with Linux.
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