Katarzyna Petru
Some changes in the operating system can go unnoticed. Others are like a weight lifted off your shoulders – and that's exactly how users of Windows 11 feel today. Microsoft in the latest version of the system has finally dealt with one of the most annoying features: SCOOBE, or Second-chance out-of-box experience.
SCOOBE: the screen that everyone wanted to close as quickly as possible
If you've ever installed Windows 11 or simply set up a new account, you’re surely familiar with that moment: you log in and… instead of the desktop, you get a bunch of Microsoft “suggestions.” Location, personalisation, integration with the cloud, suggestions for Edge and OneDrive – all broken down into several screens, with no option to quickly skip through them.
For many, it was not only a waste of time but also a demonstration of how little the operating system trusts the user. Instead of allowing you to get straight to work, it forced you to click through things you didn’t need.
What’s changing?
In the new version of Windows 11 Dev, SCOOBE has undergone a complete overhaul. Instead of a cascade of screens, we get one clear page with a list of all proposed features. But that’s not all – Microsoft has added two buttons that can wrap up the entire process in less than 5 seconds:
“Accept all” – for those who don’t want to delve into the details,
“Keep current settings” – for users who simply want to move on without changing anything.
This is a significant simplification that shortens configuration time and eliminates frustration from mandatory clicking through.
Great news for offline users and local accounts
The happiest users will be those who install Windows without internet access or use local user accounts. For them, SCOOBE has been particularly bothersome, as it often led to dead ends or forced a network connection. Now this feature is becoming optional. Moreover, it can be completely turned off from the system notifications settings. No tricks or gimmicks involved.
The new version of SCOOBE is currently being rolled out to testers as part of the Windows Insider program. Feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub – and it seems that user voices have been the driving force behind this change. This is not just a cosmetic fix. It’s a signal that Microsoft is starting to listen to its community, instead of forcing its ideas on users. For millions of Windows users, this means one thing: fewer obstacles, more control, and a quicker startup.
Source: ppe.pl
