# Windows 11 **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 30, 2021, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515 "2021-10-30T11:35:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/41 "2021-11-05T14:42:31Z")
I haven’t heard that but then again, I haven’t bought a new computer in a few years. Anyone able to confirm this idea? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/42 "2021-11-05T16:30:08Z")
This sounds like “S mode” in Windows 10. Something one is not likely to encounter. > [@](#): > > Since 2018 OEMs can ship Windows 10 Home and Pro in a feature-limited variation named S mode which evolved from the discontinued [Windows 10 S](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#S). Organizations employing Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education can make use of S mode too.[[15]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-15) S mode is a feature-limited edition of Windows 10 designed primarily for low-end devices in the education market. It has a faster initial setup and login process, and allows devices to be provisioned using a USB drive with the “Set Up School PCs” app. > > With the exception of the [Microsoft Teams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Teams) desktop client which was made available for S mode in April 2019,[_[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)_ ] the installation of software (both [Universal Windows Platform](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Windows_Platform) and [Windows API](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_API) apps) is only possible through the [Microsoft Store](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Store_(digital)), and [command line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command_line) programs or shells (even from Microsoft Store) are not allowed.[[16]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-16)[[17]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-17)[[18]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-18)[[19]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-19) System settings are locked to allow only Microsoft Edge as the default web browser with [Bing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bing_(search_engine)) as its search engine.[[20]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-verge-defaultbrowser-s-20) The operating system may be switched out of S mode using the Microsoft Store for free. However, once S Mode is turned off, it cannot be re-enabled.[[21]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-pcw-w10s-21)[[22]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions#cite_note-22) All Windows 10 devices in S mode include a free one-year subscription to _[Minecraft: Education Edition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft:_Education_Edition)_ . Critics have compared the edition to [Windows RT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_RT), and have considered it to be a competitor to [Chrome OS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_OS) From [Windows 10 editions - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10_editions) ---
**Author:** ![Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/do_not_taunt/32/2968_2.png) [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/43 "2021-11-05T16:48:24Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Anyone able to confirm this idea? I can confirm that it’s false. Although I like Edge and think it’s a quality browser. Google of course has its own nags whenever you use gmail. As @wguy123’s cite notes, you can turn off S-Mode if you somehow got a computer with it on, but not everyone would know to do that. And if ‘your’ computer is really owned by your employer, they can impose a variety of restrictions, including what software you can install. But in most normal cases, for a personally-owned machine, there are neither any such restrictions, nor even any complications with using Chrome or software installed from sources other than Windows Store. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/44 "2021-11-05T17:27:40Z")
Yes, I think this is what the laptops I got this past year came with. And you’re right, it can be disabled but if disabled, it cannot be re-enabled, and upon initial setup, it warns of potential security risks if not in that mode. So the instinct is to keep S-Mode until and unless there is some compelling reason to not use it, and for my kids’ computers, there really weren’t. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/45 "2021-11-05T18:59:19Z")
I got a Windows PC within the last year and can use Chrome with no problem. ---
**Author:** ![Mallard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Mallard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mallard)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/46 "2021-11-05T20:04:28Z")
during the brief time I had windows 11, google search worked fine. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/47 "2021-11-05T22:50:41Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > What does the key combo: Windows+Shift+S do in Windows 11? It brings up Snip & Sketch for me, I’ve had no issues with under W11. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2021, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/48 "2021-11-06T01:38:35Z")
What I have heard regarding Edge in Windows 11 is that Microsoft has added a bit more friction to modifying your default browser. The first time you install a new browser, you’ll get an easy prompt that will make it the default in all ways. But, if you say no to that (say, you’re just trying it out), then you have to go through and manually assign your new browser as default for all the things you use. That said, this could have been something they fixed. I haven’t tested installing a new browser in my Windows 11 VM. I mostly have it so that, when people start inevitably asking about how to do something in Windows 11, I can pull up the VM and find out how to do it. Though I also have it to see if Microsoft fixes some of the bad design decisions, like forcing the task bar to always be at the bottom—something people with wider curved monitors (which are great for increasing the viewing angle for gaming) very much do not like. I’m also curious if they’ll ever make the theming consistent. I notice three different “glass” types in the UI right now. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2021, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/49 "2021-11-06T12:41:08Z")
I’m going to be tarred and feathered for saying it, but I really like the flat rectangular theming that came with Windows 8. It’s all fashion though, and the trouble with fashion is that it goes out of fashion. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/50 "2021-11-08T15:11:01Z")
Apparently the Snipping Tool stopped working for some Windows 11 users due to an expired Microsoft digital certificate. > **[Some Windows 11 Features Are No Longer Working Due to Expired Certificate](https://www.gadgets360.com/laptops/news/windows-11-features-snipping-tool-s-mode-not-working-expiry-certificate-microsoft-2599872)** > > Microsoft has partially fixed the problem by releasing an optional update. > The components affected due to the problem include Snipping Tool, accounts page and landing page in the Settings app, Start menu in the S mode, touch keyboard, voice typing, emoji panel, Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI), and Getting started as well as Tips. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2021, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/51 "2021-11-08T15:14:09Z")
Honestly, that’s an idiotic mistake at the release of a new operating system. ---
**Author:** ![Turble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/52 "2021-11-10T01:57:48Z")
Got a new computer a few days ago. Just getting around to setting up the way I wanted it. Played around for a few days. Everything was working fine and today decided to update to Windows 11. Within the first two hours the computer powered down to black screen twice – completely powered down even with back-up power supply working. I’m back to Windows 10. Hated the new start-up thing, too. I want my Start Button menu. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/53 "2021-11-10T02:02:49Z")
Has anyone heard anything about alleged performance problems with Windows 11 on any of the fully supported AMD Ryzen processors? ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2021, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/54 "2021-11-10T02:23:38Z")
I’m running a R7 5800, but the reality it’s so much faster than my i7 6th gen I would never notice. ---
**Author:** ![Mallard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Mallard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mallard)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/55 "2021-12-07T02:10:02Z")
Snipping tool didn’t work when I downloaded windows 11. Was fine when I switched back to 10. Anyone know if that issue has been corrected? (No snip tool is a deal breaker for me) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/56 "2021-12-07T04:33:21Z")
I haven’t tested it myself, but Microsoft says it is fixed, and I’ve not seen anyone say otherwise. The problem was that Microsoft let their security certificate expire. More info: > **[Releasing Windows 11 KB5008295 to Beta and Release Preview Channels](https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2021/11/04/releasing-windows-11-kb5008295-to-beta-and-release-preview-channels/)** > > Hello Windows Insiders, today we’re releasing Windows 11 KB5008295 to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels. > > This update includes the following improvements: > > We fixed a known issue that might prevent some users from That said, all the experts I know are saying that Windows 11 isn’t really ready. It’s less stable for many users. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/57 "2021-12-07T04:48:24Z")
You know there are hundreds of other screenshot utilities you can use instead of Snipping Tool? [Lightshot](https://app.prntscr.com/en/) is free, easy to use, quick and effective. There are many others. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/58 "2021-12-07T07:52:53Z")
I installed Win 11. It took me a few minutes to find out how to get the Start Menu back as it was and it was okay. The only thing I don’t like is that I can’t modify the size of Start Menu pinned icons or change the size of the area they go in. But it’s not a big deal. Performance has been fine. Then again I have a pretty good performance gaming system I put together and upgraded recently. No decrease at all going to 11. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/59 "2021-12-07T09:33:00Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Performance has been fine. Then again I have a pretty good performance gaming system I put together and upgraded recently. No decrease at all going to 11. Intel or AMD? ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2021, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515/60 "2021-12-07T10:02:07Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Performance has been fine. … No decrease at all going to 11. So… it may not be better than Win 10, but at least it’s not worse. High praise indeed! 😄 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11/953515.md?page=4)