Microsoft has added ads promoting its own apps and services to an early version of a new Windows 11 update, according to a recent blog post. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel using Insider Preview Build 23435 and an offline local account will now receive prompts when clicking on their account profile picture or name in the Start Menu, encouraging them to log into a Microsoft account.
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Microsoft shared four different prompts users may receive, including encouraging them to use Microsoft 365 for free and access files from anywhere with 5GB of cloud storage. The company stated that this implementation of ads is a concept to get feedback from users in the Dev Channel.
Microsoft has experimented with ads in Windows 11 previously, with banners advertising OneDrive and other products appearing in File Explorer. Additionally, the company has made it more difficult for people to use its Windows operating system with a local account. For example, a new Windows 11 installation now requires users to log into a Microsoft account during the setup process, with Microsoft preventing the process from moving forward without an internet connection. Microsoft’s shift toward encouraging users to sign up for subscription-based products like Microsoft 365 and OneDrive may be the reason behind these changes.
The update has received mixed reactions from users, with some calling it a distraction and others seeing it as a way to discover new features. However, others have expressed concern about the trend of ads appearing in operating systems and how it could affect user privacy. Some users have also criticized Microsoft for making it harder to use a local account, calling it a way to force users to sign up for Microsoft’s subscription services.
Despite the criticism, Microsoft has continued to promote its subscription-based products, including Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, through various means. The company has also made significant changes to Windows 11, including a new design and layout, to improve the user experience. While the addition of ads may not be popular among some users, it remains to be seen whether it will be a significant issue in the final release of Windows 11.
