Enough with the Marketing Gimmicks: IT Pros Demand a Windows 12 Built for Work, Not Ads
November 19, 2025
(Image Credit: charnsitr/Shutterstock)
A fiery debate ignited at SpiceWorld 2025, spilling over into the Spiceworks community (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/50/), has laid bare a stark truth: IT professionals are fed up with Windows feeling more like a marketing platform than a reliable workhorse. The resounding cry? Give us back control, stability, and a Windows built for professionals, not consumers.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Microsoft listening? The community’s wishlist for Windows 12 isn’t just about feature requests; it’s a call for a fundamental shift in philosophy. IT admins are demanding a return to a time when Windows was a tool, not a billboard, and they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is – if Microsoft delivers.
Five Burning Issues Keeping IT Admins Up at Night:
1. Control Hijacked: The Battle for Administrative Autonomy
The top grievance? Forced updates, intrusive data collection, and bloatware masquerading as essential features. IT pros want the reins back, demanding the ability to manage their systems without Microsoft’s constant interference.
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J-Nonya (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/4/) puts it bluntly: “We pay good money for this platform. Let us control it – offline setup included!”
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Brian745345 (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/9/) echoes the sentiment: “Local accounts, no bloatware, no pre-installed apps. Keep it clean.”
2. The ‘Pro’ Name is Just a Label: Where’s the Substance?
The current ‘Pro’ version feels like a watered-down consumer edition with a premium price tag. IT professionals crave a truly professional experience, free from unnecessary games, apps, and distractions.
- SamGates1 (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/24/) sarcastically asks, “How are we supposed to use the ‘Pro’ version in an office when it’s cluttered with games fit for children?”
3. Stop Moving the Cheese: Consistency is Key
Constant interface changes and setting relocations are productivity killers. IT admins plead for stability and predictability, allowing them to focus on their work without relearning the system every update.
- Lockout (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/18/) laments, “Stop renaming and rearranging things. Keep it simple and usable without inducing migraines.”
4. Hardware Hurdles and eWaste Concerns:
The TPM requirement for Windows 11 left a bitter taste. The community fears further arbitrary hardware restrictions, leading to unnecessary eWaste and deployment headaches.
- CAG16 (https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/8/) warns, “Microsoft needs to be mindful of the eWaste they generate with strict hardware requirements.”
5. The Elusive Dream: A Stable, Manageable OS
Ultimately, IT pros yearn for a Windows 12 that prioritizes stability, control, and professional needs. But will Microsoft listen, or will the battle for a true ‘Pro’ experience continue?
And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t just about features; it’s about trust. Can Microsoft rebuild trust with IT professionals by delivering a Windows that respects their needs and expertise?
What’s your take? If you could force Microsoft to change one thing about Windows 12, what would it be? Join the conversation in the Spiceworks Community: https://community.spiceworks.com/t/what-do-we-want-from-windows-12/1245931/8/
Written by Shelby Green, a seasoned tech writer with 8 years of experience helping companies in cybersecurity, SaaS, supply chain, and tech skill development tell their stories.