Microsoft's Ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu: What We Know So Far
- Mar 31, 2023
- 498
The latest test build of Windows 11 is introducing ads to its start menu as part of a non-security update. This has been met with some criticism from users, who feel that Microsoft should not be forcing advertisements on them in this manner. It is also worth noting that this update is optional at present and may not be rolled out with the final version of Windows 11 next month. In any case, let’s take a look at what we know about these ads so far.
First off, it looks like Microsoft will be using the start menu for advertising purposes without giving users much choice in the matter. The KB5023778 non-security patch includes changes that could potentially roll out when Windows 11 launches officially next month, and along with other beneficial updates, such as improvements to Microsoft Defender, comes ads too. Although some people argue that these are necessary to keep free services running financially, others believe they are intrusive and unnecessary.
It seems unlikely that users will have full control over what kind of advertisements they see once this patch goes live – although it hasn't been confirmed yet by Microsoft whether or not there will be an opt-out option for those who don't want to see them at all times while using their computer software. Furthermore, it isn't clear exactly how many adverts would appear nor where they would show up within the start menu itself; both are important factors that will affect user experience significantly if implemented into Windows 11 officially next month.
In conclusion then, while there are still unanswered questions surrounding this new development from Microsoft regarding windows eleven's start menu being used as an advertisement platform – one thing is certain; there has already been a great deal of debate among consumers over whether or not these kinds of invasive marketing tactics should ever become commonplace within our operating systems going forward into 2023 and beyond!