The release of Windows 11 is imminent, and Microsoft isn't passing up an opportunity to make some extra money by promoting its services with advertisements. While the ads have been spotted before in the Start Menu of the preview builds, the latest test build for Windows 11 has now included notices for a Microsoft 365 trial and more in the Settings menu.
Can Users Disable the Ads in the Latest Test Build of Windows 11?
According to the story by Gizmodo, as Microsoft looks to increase its revenue and enhance customer satisfaction with its services, it has left some people questioning whether they can disable the ads.
Microsoft is slowly but surely treating Windows 11 more and more like a billboard bus, finding ways to stick advertisements for its services to any nook or cranny of its operating system.
This latest test build for Windows 11 includes notices for Microsoft 365 trials, OneDrive, and more scattered around the Settings menu. Beta testers and leakers spotted several notices, such as "Try Microsoft 365" and "Sign in to your Microsoft account," which appear as soon as users access the Settings page.
Microsoft's Rebranding of the Older Office Monicker
These advertisements are also seen in the Start menu, which asks users to "Use Microsoft 365 for free". Of course, users have to provide their credit card information to access the trial for the Office apps suite.
Users can see screenshots of the ads as uploaded on Twitter by Albacore. These screenshots came from the latest Insider Preview build 23451.
Microsoft has yet to comment on these ads, leaving users uneasy about how far the company can go with the ads for its own services. Recent Windows 11 updates have focused on introducing AI features to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with a refreshed Microsoft Office suite and rebranding of the older Office monicker.
Microsoft's Push to Windows 11 Brings Increased Ads - Rightfully Causing Concern for Users
Microsoft encourages users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, as the company will no longer provide security updates or new features to the earlier OS. The problem is that Microsoft is making the transition to Windows 11 much harder by adding numerous ads along the OS.
Users have a right to be cautious and concerned, as Microsoft is clearly looking to boost its own sales while not providing any significant benefit to users. It is also unclear if users can disable the ads like they can in the Start menu, though Windows 11 has yet to offer an option.
Read Also: Microsoft Partners with Another Company, AMD, to Boost its AI Tech to Rival NVIDIA
The Impact of Microsoft's Advertising Strategy on Windows 11
Overall, Microsoft's attempt to sell Windows 11 with advertisements has been poorly received by users, and many are encouraging the company to focus more on the user experience rather than its own financial gain.
Regardless of how Microsoft chooses to proceed, one thing is certain: Windows 11 looks less appealing with each passing day. Only time will tell whether or not Microsoft's aggressive ads will sabotage its own success.
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