How Microsoft plans to monetize Windows 11: More ads in the Settings app?

Windows 11 Settings panel displays ads in preview builds, confirms Microsoft leaks source. German tech site Deskmodder reports. According to German tech website, Windows 11 Settings panel is displaying ads in recent preview builds.

Windows 11 to Show More Ads in the Settings App, Sparking User Backlash

Recently, it was revealed that Windows 11 Build 25357 is set to inundate users with notifications, but that’s not the only troublesome feature of the new operating system. Microsoft is planning to include numerous ads within the Settings app, as discovered by tech enthusiasts.

This move is likely to draw widespread criticism and generate another wave of complaints. Microsoft has been attempting to boost its product advertising, and this appears to be another attempt to do so with Windows 11.

Windows 11: More Ads to be Displayed in Settings App

An investigation by Twitter user Albacore on a recent Insider build has revealed that Microsoft is planning to introduce ads for Microsoft 365 products on the Settings home page in the near future. A banner will appear at the top of the Settings home tab, urging users who are not subscribed to the platform to try Microsoft 365.

One version of the Windows 11 Settings app Home tab features an advertisement for Microsoft 365 products at the top. Followed by a OneDrive storage status section and security tips for users. However, another version lists the storage information first and the Microsoft 365 login request.

The latest update to the Insider build Settings tab includes a small prompt in the Account tab regarding products that have reached the end of support, such as Office 2013. Microsoft has a history of incorporating ads into its operating system, and this is just the latest example.

Microsoft’s aggressive approach to advertising its 365 platforms continues with the inclusion of more ads in Windows 11’s Settings app. This move has caused concern among users who are already unhappy with the company’s intrusive advertising tactics.

The Negative Effects of Badgering

People have been voicing opposition to the inclusion of advertisements in Windows 11 for some time. As this concept is taking hold in recent test builds of the operating system. Microsoft refers to these ads as “badges.” Similar to those seen in the Windows 11 Start menu.

Although Microsoft considers them to be useful user suggestions, they are still considered advertisements to many. Of particular concern is the effort to push local account users to sign up for a Microsoft account and bind them to installing the operating system. People have asked Microsoft to reconsider its advertising strategy in Windows 11.

Also taking into account the negative impact it could have on the user experience. It remains to be seen whether the latest advertising experimentation moves will be included in the final version of Windows 11.

The badge in the Start menu has already been deployed on a limited basis in the final version of the operating system. Deskmodder suggests that users may have the option to turn off the ads. But some leaked screenshots reveal a significant portion of the Start page dedicated to them.

Although a request in the Account section may be justified, the excess of ads on the home page is concerning. Testers should continue to provide feedback on this persistent Microsoft advertising angle in Windows 11.

Conclusion

The inclusion of ads in the Windows 11 Settings app has caused concern among users, who have been voicing their opposition to the move. Microsoft’s aggressive approach to advertising its 365 platforms, including its “badges” feature, has drawn criticism and generated another wave of complaints.

Although Microsoft considers the badges to be useful user suggestions, they are still considered advertisements by many. And the excess of ads on the home page is concerning. It remains to be seen whether the latest advertising experimentation will be included in the final version of Windows 11. But testers should continue to provide feedback on this persistent advertising angle.