It seems Microsoft is testing advertising Microsoft 365 to Windows 11 users in the taskbar when they unlock/log in to their devices. Windows Central reports that some Windows 11 users are seeing the pop-up in the Settings app that says “Get even more out of Windows” with an invitation for them to sign up for a free trial Microsoft 365.
Those users report the message appears every time they enter the Settings app on the latest Insider Builds. It seems the only way to make the message disappear – although not permanently, is to dismiss it or click on it. Of course, clicking the message sends the user to the Microsoft 365 sign up page.
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that offers access to various productivity and collaboration apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams and more. It also provides device management and security services for businesses and enterprises. Microsoft 365 has different plans and prices for home, business and enterprise users.
Microsoft watcher, Albacore, published screenshots of the new Settings app homepage with the ad included:
Updates were made to the Microsoft Account portion of the upcoming Settings Homepage, here's how it looks now + a preview of end of product support notices that can appear in the Account page pic.twitter.com/DwYEKqOb9n
— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) May 5, 2023
While Microsoft 365 can be a useful service for many people, not everyone may want or need it. Some users may prefer to use alternative apps or services, or they may already have a Microsoft 365 subscription. For them, the pop-up message can be annoying and intrusive, especially if it keeps showing up every time they use their device.
Microsoft’s Advertising in Windows 11
This advertising is happening only for some Windows users. It is unclear why but it could be Microsoft has selected random users to test the pop-up. Whether the company decided to persist with it or not remains to be seen.
Microsoft has been increasingly building sneaky ads into various parts of the Windows experience. Whether it is putting ads in File Explorer or in Office Online, Microsoft was forced to remove ads it placed on Windows apps in 2019.
Last December, I reported on Microsoft putting ads in the Start menu on Windows 11. Those promotions included pointing users towards OneDrive or urging them to sign up for a Microsoft Account.
Tip of the day: File History is a Windows back up feature that saves each version of files in the Documents, Pictures, Videos, Desktop, and Offline OneDrive folders. Though its name implies a primary focus on version control, you can actually use it as a fully-fledged backup tool for your important documents.
Last Updated on May 25, 2023 10:52 am CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
