Microsoft is once again testing ads in Windows 11’s Start menu as we rush toward a boring corporate flavored version of the late capitalist future.The frustration and consumer annoyance of these ads is again beep computer (opens in new tab) In future test builds of the product. At this point, insider users are starting to think they’re just testing Microsoft ads, not operating system features.
This new ad insertion KB5023778 Windows 11 non-security (opens in new tab) This release contains changes that will be rolled out in the official patch next month. It’s a non-security update, so it’s an option, at least for now, and of course, it’s not all bad. There are some welcome updates here, including improvements to Microsoft Defender, but that’s what you’d expect in a new patch. No ads.
Of course, Microsoft doesn’t call them ads, preferring to use the term notifications instead. It pops up in the Start menu and shows all the information about Microsoft products like an advertisement.
We began to doubt that this was the case late last year (opens in new tab), and our fears seem to be confirmed. The user is sharing screenshots, promoting her OneDrive from Microsoft for backups, and urging people to complete registration for a Microsoft account.
Recently, I had to turn off OneDrive everywhere it was automatically backed up. I don’t have enough storage anywhere to attempt that job, so I didn’t want to use it in the first place. . I don’t want to hear it in the start menu at all.
Perhaps the worst part is, don’t expect it to stop there – we’ve already seen Windows Insider users finding ads in Explorer. (opens in new tab), Microsoft claims this is just an experiment, but I’m no longer so naive about corporate intentions. If Microsoft can avoid cramming ads into every visible corner of Windows 11, it almost certainly will.
Our lives are bombarded with constant product messaging. Every time you open an app on your phone, you will almost certainly have to see ads.Sony is working on advertising on the front of your car (opens in new tab)and beer companies are about to board our dreams (opens in new tab)Sure Microsoft, put ads in my start bar. put them all over. put them on my face. Do I look like I have money?
