Now the company is trying to repair its damaged reputation with a new initiative, known by the codename Windows K2, which aims to restore user trust and make Windows 11 a more stable and pleasant platform.
One of the most prominent points of contention has been Windows 11's so-called "second-stage setup," which can appear to the user months or even years after the device has been put into use. For the user, this manifests as a screen popping up when the computer starts, stating that the computer's setup is "almost complete," even if Windows has been in use for years. The process guides through a series of choices, offering, among other things, "recommended settings" for the browser, linking a phone to the computer, Office subscription options, and advertisements for the Xbox Game Pass service.
The core of the criticism is directed at the fact that this view is not actually a technical or mandatory step, but primarily a channel to sell more services and guide users to Microsoft's desired settings. Many believe the user interface is designed in a way that makes skipping more difficult than complying: the most prominent buttons encourage subscribing or accepting recommendations, while skip links are smaller and less noticeable. Furthermore, some users are confused as to why the system claims the installation is incomplete at all, which can raise concerns about the device's condition.
Even bigger problems have been caused by this practice in companies where computers are managed centrally by IT support. The notification can indeed pop up on the screen of such a computer, and a sudden "installation completion" screen in the middle of a workday easily leads to unnecessary support requests and work interruptions.
In companies, the problem is not limited to mere wasted time: IT departments are concerned that employees might accidentally subscribe to services or install software that has not been approved by the company's IT support. Employees may have ordered Xbox Game Pass subscriptions or separate Microsoft 365 licenses using company computer credentials, not fully understanding how the menu maze works.
Against this background, the Windows K2 initiative, which Windows chief Pavan Davuluri publicly confirmed in March, is set. This is not a separate new Windows version, but a long-term project aimed at fixing Windows 11's pain points and creating a model for how Windows will be developed in the future. According to sources, K2 was launched late last year, and at its core are three main pillars: performance, polish, and reliability. Less visibly, a fourth pillar, community, is also included, through which Microsoft aims to improve interaction with active users and enthusiasts.
Regarding performance, Microsoft has internally admitted that Windows 11 is slower than Windows 10 in certain situations, especially in system applications like File Explorer, UI quick menus, and games. The company aims to change this by making extensive optimizations. For gaming use, SteamOS has been taken as a benchmark, and the goal is to achieve similar performance on identical hardware. Furthermore, it was previously reported how the company is returning to native applications for operating system components, focusing on their performance and lightness.
Regarding polish, Windows K2 aims to address long-standing wishes for UI flexibility and consistency. One visible example is the decision to restore the ability to move and resize the taskbar - a feature that was removed in the original versions of Windows 11 and for which users have provided extensive feedback. Microsoft also encourages internal teams to more widely utilize its own WinUI 3 user interface framework to bring different parts of the system, including older components, under a more consistent and technically modern user interface.
K2's goal is also to directly address those features that have been considered examples of Windows' enshittification. According to sources, Microsoft plans to remove ads from the Start menu, which is a significant policy change from a financial perspective. Windows K2 does not have an official end date; instead, it is described as a continuous development model that defines how Windows will be built from now on.
Written by: Petteri Pyyny @ 28 Apr 2026 0:15
