A Windows-powered streaming device could be surprise hit

Competition is always a good thing in any industry. The more competitors, the more innovation drives device development, and the more benefits consumers reap in return. It’s one reason why I’ll never shirk any newcomers to new tech genres.

My colleague Sanuj Bhatia agrees. In a recent, rather controversial piece, he argues that where Google TV stumbles and falls in the TV streaming hardware space, Amazon continues to plod along, and Apple offers impressive hardware with its own set of shortcomings, there’s one big tech player that isn’t operating: Microsoft.

Wait, a Windows-based streaming device in 2026? Well, yes, this is exactly what Sanuj believes will solve many of his streaming woes. But we wanted to know just how many of our readers agree with this point of view.

We ran a poll alongside his article to gauge the hype surrounding a Microsoft Windows streaming solution, and the results paint a surprisingly divided picture.

All three options received a fairly even piece of the pie, but nearly two in every five readers (39%) would look right past a Microsoft streaming product, given that they’re “fine with the existing streaming devices.”

It isn’t too surprising that this option took home top honors. Microsoft might be a juggernaut with the living room experience of the Xbox program and legacy Windows Media Center editions behind it, but it would be a relative newcomer to the streaming space in its current form. Picking a Windows-based stick over an Apple or Google product would be a risk. And then there are the other potential alternatives.

“I would opt for a full Linux-based system before Windows for media boxes,” writes commenter davedes1983.

It’s also clear that Microsoft has a reputation problem in 2026. Many commenters highlight their trust issues with the firm, especially given the company’s various failed hardware and software exploits. Reader dongoldsmith922 writes:

I’ve been stung by Microsoft hardware too many times in the past. I will never buy another Microsoft device again ever since I got dropped by my Windows phone.

Commenter SDKevin agrees:

Don’t encourage them. MS will come out with some sort of Windows based streaming device. I’ll buy version 1. There will be a version 2. I’m in, I’ll buy it and then they will just drop it leaving everyone that bought into it with worthless hardware to replace.

That said, not everyone holds a grudge. 32% of respondents voted “maybe,” with the option to change their minds if we ever get such a device.

Despite the comments, a Windows streaming product isn’t completely despised by our readers, though. A 28.9% portion of respondents welcome the idea, noting that it “sounds like a great idea.”

You could therefore argue that just over 60% of respondents have something of a neutral to positive outlook on a Microsoft-made streamer. Perhaps Redmond should consider tossing its name in the hat? Well, as I mentioned, more competition means a better overall experience, whether you think a Microsoft streamer is a great idea or not.