Windows 11 users can anticipate even more ads in the future as Microsoft is testing OS-level ads which currently appear on the sign-out flyout.
Twitter user Albacore shared images to their feed of the testing operating system for Windows which now seems to feature a new style of advertisement. In the preview builds it can clearly be seen that new prompts appear in the sign-out flyout — the tab you simply open up to sign out or lock your computer — the inclusion of a One Drive prompt is now within the tab with an orange circle to signify a possible action should be taken. Other notices appear too such as reminders to complete your profile or to even sign up for a Microsoft account.
Do we really need to stuff OneDrive promos in the user session flyout? Anything for that sweet sweet KPI 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZsQGmkntDS
— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) November 6, 2022
While for now, this is only in testing it does give a clear indicator that Microsoft is looking to promote its other services throughout the Windows 11 experience in the future. Users have previously complained about the inclusion of advertisements on Windows 11, with random apps appearing as pinned in the start menu and new feature suggestion pop-ups however various settings do allow for these occurrences to be turned off.
Helpful tips or annoying ads?
It’s unlikely that Windows 11 users are going to be pleased to see more advertisements being included on their screens, such as prompts in the sign-out flyout. If these ads are eventually rolled out to all users on Windows 11 most may be hopeful that they can be turned off. Unfortunately there’s a strong possibility that won’t be the case.
Microsoft simply seems to deem these advertisements as helpful notices, acting as reminders for things that the user may need to do or offering suggestions for services that less tech-savvy users may not be aware of, there’s always the defence that a user does not have to take notice of the suggestions and can simply ignore them.
Despite that, having them in such prominent locations is sure to frustrate users and with most Windows users still using Windows 10 rather than switching to 11 these types of changes may only serve as a hindrance in getting the masses to use Windows 11.
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
