Representative image, Windows 11. Image credit: Microsoft
Microsoft has announced that it will begin testing a new feature that will allow it to display ads directly within its Windows 11 operating system.
To be specific, Microsoft will start serving ads in the Windows 11 Start menu, under the recommended section of the menu. Normally this space is used for file recommendations and replaces a quick search. However, after the update, the location will now show suggested apps from the Microsoft Store.
To be clear, these ads will initially only be visible to Windows Insiders in the beta channel located in the United States and will not be rolled out to the general public or other commercial devices managed by organizations, as Microsoft has stated in a recent blog post. . However, depending on how the test goes, Microsoft could roll out the feature to Windows globally.
Although users have the option to disable these app promotions in the Settings section of Windows 11, Microsoft should enable them by default. However, the company is actively seeking feedback on these changes, indicating that it may reconsider including ads in future versions of Windows 11 if feedback suggests they are unpopular.
This is not the first time that Microsoft has considered incorporating advertisements into its operating system. Last year, the company experimented with ads in Windows 11’s File Explorer before discontinuing the trial in beta versions.
Microsoft has been experimenting with ads in Windows for more than a decade, including promotional spots on the Windows 10 lock screen and Start menu.
It is now essential that Windows testers provide feedback on these changes. Their input will influence Microsoft’s decision whether or not to include ads in the final version of Windows 11.
(With contribution from agencies)