There are seemingly simple yet impactful reasons that could make users prefer macOS or Linux over Windows. But what are these issues?
Many users have spent years using different versions of Windows and have been satisfied with most of its features. However, according to some of them, there are irritating aspects of Windows 11 that, if not addressed, may lead some to abandon Windows in favor of other operating systems like Linux or macOS. For example, it took several years for the Control Panel to finally be integrated into the system settings, though this is less annoying compared to other issues in Windows that we’ll discuss next.
Intrusive Advertisements
Microsoft essentially holds a monopoly in the desktop operating system market. According to Statista, as of February 2024, about 72% of personal computers were using a version of Microsoft Windows, even after a decade of declining user numbers due to the rising popularity of macOS. Back in 2013, Windows held nearly 91% of the market share.
Unfortunately, Microsoft leverages its dominant position in the OS market to display intrusive ads, such as those shown in the Start menu, on the lock screen, and even during system upgrades. Some users believe these ads not only disrupt user experience but could even be seen as monopolistic behavior.
Microsoft’s approach to promoting its other products within Windows is reminiscent of actions it took in 1998, which led to scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Justice. Back then, Microsoft set Internet Explorer as the default browser for Windows, despite competition from other browser companies.
