Microsoft Contemplates Placing Ads on Windows 11 Start Menu
Microsoft is currently exploring the possibility of incorporating advertisements into the Start menu of its latest operating system, Windows 11. According to sources, the tech giant is planning to display advertisements for various applications available to users in the Microsoft Store under the menu’s recommended section. This move may not come as a surprise to those who extensively used Windows 10, as the previous operating system also included Start menu ads for downloadable applications.
The company has decided to begin testing its advertising venture, but initially, the ads will only be visible to individuals in the United States who are Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, meaning they are part of the early testing community for Windows updates. Non-beta testers or users of devices managed by organizations will not encounter these ads.
If you find these advertisements intrusive, worry not, as a simple solution is available. By going to the Personalization section under Settings on your Windows 11 device, you can disable these ads altogether. All you need to do is toggle off the option that reads, “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more” in the Start section. However, it is important to note that Microsoft may or may not make these ads a permanent feature, given its propensity for experimenting with advertising strategies.
It is worth mentioning that Microsoft adopted a similar approach last year when it introduced experimental promotional spots for its own services, such as OneDrive. These promotional ads were displayed in the menu that appeared when users clicked on their profile photo.
Implications, Opinions, and Expectations
Microsoft’s decision to potentially include ads on the Windows 11 Start menu has sparked a variety of opinions and expectations within the tech community and among end-users. While some view this as a normal progression in monetizing software and deem it acceptable as long as users have the option to opt out, others argue that additional advertisements could diminish the overall user experience.
Experts speculate that this advertising experiment could serve as a useful revenue stream for Microsoft, as ads delivered directly to users can be highly targeted, potentially resulting in increased engagement and conversions for promoted applications.
However, many users express concerns about the intrusion of ads into an interface traditionally associated with work and productivity. Whether Microsoft fully implements this advertising strategy will ultimately depend on user feedback and the success of the initial tests.
Although these advertisements reflect Microsoft’s attempt to diversify its revenue streams, it remains to be seen whether they will become a more prominent feature of the Windows 11 experience.
