In recent days, Microsoft has been facing heavy criticism online after announcing its latest AI features for Windows 11, especially the introduction of what it calls an “agentic Operating System” powered by Windows Copilot. While Microsoft projected these updates as the future of personal computing, users across India and worldwide have raised important questions about privacy, data security, and the real purpose of these AI tools.
What Exactly Did Microsoft Announce?
During Microsoft Ignite 2025, the company introduced a range of new AI-powered features:
1. Windows 365 Copilot
A cloud-based AI assistant that integrates with Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
2. Secure AI & Agentic OS
Microsoft described Windows as evolving into an Agentic OS, a system capable of understanding natural language, taking real-time decisions, and even performing tasks automatically.
3. Windows Recall Feature (again in spotlight)
Although Recall was delayed earlier due to security concerns, Microsoft showcased an updated version for Copilot+ PCs, calling it a “memory” for your device that stores snapshots of activities to help users find past content.
This is where the major controversy began. When Pavan Davuluri posted this update on X, many netizens and techies responded harshly, as shown in the below tweet.
Tweet by Pavan Davuluri, President (W+D) at Microsoft
Its evolving into a product that's driving people to Mac and Linux.
— Rei Tsukino ☕️Coffee Cat☕️ (@ReiTVT) November 10, 2025
Why Are Users Criticising Microsoft’s AI Announcements
1. Privacy Concerns About Windows Recall
The biggest criticism is regarding Windows Recall, which many users fear may record sensitive information like:
- Banking details
- Private chats and emails
- Screenshots of browsing history
- Personal documents and passwords
Even though Microsoft claims that these snapshots stay on the device, users still feel that the risk of misuse is very high.
2. Fear of “Too Much Control” by Microsoft
The idea of an agentic OS that can make independent decisions made many users uncomfortable. People worry that:
- Windows may perform actions without permission
- AI may misinterpret commands
- Personal data may be used for training Microsoft’s models
The comment sections across social media, especially on X (Twitter), were filled with users calling the update “mind-blowing in a scary way.”
3. Mismatch Between Microsoft’s Vision and User Needs
A large number of users were expecting:
- Performance improvements
- Stability updates
- Fewer bugs
Instead, they got AI-heavy features, which many believe are pushed mainly to compete with OpenAI and other Big Tech companies.
How Has Microsoft Responded?
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Windows leaders stated that:
- The AI features aim to increase productivity, not harm privacy.
- Recall has stronger security controls now.
- Users will have more options to control what’s stored.
However, many users still feel Microsoft is pushing AI too aggressively, without addressing everyday problems faced by Windows users.
Are Other Companies Facing Similar Issues
Yes, but not to this extent. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic also release advanced AI features, but the backlash tends to be lower because:
- Their AI tools are optional
- They don’t directly control the computer’s OS
- Privacy concerns are somewhat less severe
Microsoft’s situation is different because Windows is used on more than 1 billion devices worldwide, making any change instantly impactful.
Praveen Veerapogu Inshights
As we continue exploring the world of AI tools and modern web browsers, it’s important for all of us to stay mindful about the information we share online. Artificial Intelligence learns primarily from the data we provide, so users should always avoid uploading or typing anything highly personal, sensitive, or private unless absolutely necessary.
At the same time, companies like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI (ChatGPT), and other AI-driven platforms have a major responsibility. Since they interact directly with millions of people every day, they must ensure:
- Strict confidentiality of user data
- Complete transparency about how data is stored, processed, and shared
- No misuse of user-generated input
- Zero selling of user information to third parties
Many AI tools also request permissions for the microphone, camera, and location, which naturally creates concerns among users. Some people even fear that AI systems might be listening or capturing data in the background. To build trust, AI companies should regularly engage with users through open forums, Q&A sessions, and conferences to clearly address questions and feedback.
With new features like AI-powered screen sharing becoming popular for troubleshooting, users must also stay conscious of what they share on screen. Only trusted and non-sensitive content should be displayed.
- Overall, building a safe and transparent AI future requires effort from both sides—
- Companies must protect user data responsibly
- Users must stay aware of what they share online
With the right balance, we can use AI confidently and positively, without compromising our privacy or security. Apart from AI companies, even the major Operating System providers like Microsoft, Google, and Apple (iOS) should actively respond when users report bugs or issues. Any third-party apps or bloatware should be added only with the user’s permission, and even then, they should remain temporary and fully under the user’s control. Users must have the choice to keep or remove them based on their own needs and consent.
