Microsoft’s vision for Windows 11 as an “AI-first” operating system is making waves, but not always in the way the company hopes. Mustafa Suleyman, the Copilot boss at Microsoft, recently dismissed claims that today’s AI feels “underwhelming,” pointing out that fluent conversations with super-smart AI should be mind-blowing compared to the days of playing Snake on a Nokia phone. But judging by the replies to his post, many users aren’t laughing—they’re frustrated.
Why I’m Paying Attention
As a sysadmin who spends most of his day juggling scripts, migrations, and troubleshooting, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can be both a lifesaver and a nuisance. I tested Copilot in beta builds, and while it’s handy for quick PowerShell snippets or summarizing logs, it sometimes feels like Microsoft is forcing AI into corners where it doesn’t belong.
Back in 2019, I tried running an early AI-driven assistant on Server 2016, and it bricked the VM. That memory still makes me cautious. So when I hear Microsoft talk about turning Windows into an “AI-native OS,” I can’t help but think: great idea in theory, but execution matters.
Step-by-Step with Commentary
- AI Everywhere: Copilot is already embedded in Notepad, Paint, and even the taskbar. I’ve tested these integrations on Insider builds, and while they’re neat, they sometimes feel like overkill.
- User Pushback: The backlash is real. People want AI when it solves problems, not when it becomes the problem.
- Contradictions: Most guides say AI should streamline workflows, but I’ve found myself spending more time disabling features than using them.
Unexpected Issues
One rainy Tuesday in Bengaluru, I tried Copilot to generate a migration script. The output looked polished, but halfway through execution, it failed silently. That “black, silent, almost mocking” pause reminded me why I still keep my own tested scripts handy.
Workarounds and Lessons Learned
My workaround has been simple: treat AI as a helper, not a replacement. I’ll use Copilot for quick drafts, but I validate everything manually. Ever spent an hour debugging a typo in a script Copilot generated? Welcome to my world.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s AI-first vision isn’t underwhelming because the models aren’t powerful—it’s underwhelming because the rollout feels aggressive. AI should feel like a natural extension of the OS, not a feature you’re constantly fighting with.
