Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11, much to the chagrin of many users. The operating system was touted as an innovative step forward, but some are now wondering if the company is actively trying to make things worse. Now, reports are circulating that Microsoft will be introducing ads to the Windows 11 Start menu.
The ads will reportedly appear on “tiles” in the Windows 11 Start menu, similar to how they were presented in Windows 10. However, they’ll be much more intrusive this time around. For instance, the ads will be able to expand to take over an entire Start menu screen. Microsoft has stated that these ads will be “contextually relevant” to what users are looking for, but many are skeptical that the ads won’t just be a distraction.
It’s easy to see why Microsoft is so intent on including ads in Windows 11. The company’s revenue has been declining in recent years as more people opt for cheaper alternatives to Windows, such as Chromebooks and Android devices. By getting users to look at ads while they use the operating system, Microsoft stands to make a great deal of money.
Unfortunately, this means users will be the ones who suffer. Microsoft already made some unpopular changes to Windows 11, such as redesigning the taskbar and removing the beloved Start menu. Now, users will have to contend with intrusive ads that will be baked into the operating system.
Perhaps worst of all, there doesn’t seem to be any hope for users to avoid these ads. While Microsoft will allow users to “hide” tiles from the Start menu, it’s unclear if it will also allow them to turn off ads entirely. In any case, it seems like Microsoft is determined to ensure that Windows 11 is one of its least popular operating systems yet.
