New features in preview builds suggest that Windows 11 may get more popups and advertisements. The new ads we are seeing are currently being tested for the operating system. However, it is likely that they will eventually appear on production builds.
Microsoft has released the latest preview builds and is currently testing minor and major changes. This includes advertisements and popups in the taskbar. The screenshot below shows Microsoft testing OneDrive and Microsoft accounts within the Start menu. This is a new idea which could be irritating to the Windows community.
These ads can be seen in the session flyout, which is the menu that allows you to access options such as Lock and Sign out), in the Start Menu. When you click on the profile icon, you’ll see OneDrive account recommendations and alerts such as “Back up your file”, “Sign in for a Microsoft Account”, and “Complete Your Profile”.
Microsoft officials claimed that these OneDrive ads were ‘helpful’ badges to help novice computer users. However, these are advertisements. It is even more irritating that the ad appears alongside other important buttons, such as a sign-out option and account settings. They cannot be disabled.
Microsoft released a statement confirming that it is testing changes to the Start menu. This includes a change that users can see badges on their profiles that inform them of certain actions that need to be taken.
These ads could be helpful for beginners in many contexts. Microsoft believes that this might be useful for novice users as we have seen it in the past. As part of Microsoft’s efforts to help novice users, Windows Tips was updated last year with similar popups.
Tech-savvy users will not find these OneDrive promos useful and would rather have all the tips that are available in the operating system. Windows 11 does not have an option to remove all ads from the operating system.
Microsoft is still testing the feature with a small group of users. It could, and likely will, change based upon the feedback and criticisms from the community.
