Microsoft’s recent antics in the advertising realm have left many users feeling frustrated and invaded. The latest in a series of intrusive ads has Windows 10 and Windows 11 users questioning the company’s tactics.
The Avowed Advert: A New Low?
Users of both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have been encountering a new type of advert that is hard to ignore. This time, it’s for the game Avowed, specifically pushing the more expensive Premium Edition. The notification, labeled as a “suggestion,” appears in the notification center and urges users to “forge their destiny” with a prominent “Buy Now” button.
The Problem with Premium Editions
The advert is particularly egregious because it promotes the Premium Edition, which is significantly more expensive than the standard version. This edition includes additional content like skins and a digital artbook, but for most users, these extras are not worth the extra cost. It would be more reasonable for Microsoft to link to the standard edition, providing users with a more affordable and relevant option.
A Pattern of Aggressive Advertising
This is not an isolated incident. Microsoft has been increasingly aggressive with its advertising in Windows. For example, users have recently seen ads for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Microsoft Defender, among other promotions. These ads often appear as notifications, suggestions, or even within the Start menu and File Explorer, blurring the line between helpful tips and outright advertising.
Impact on User Experience
The proliferation of ads in Windows is eroding the user experience. These notifications are often intrusive and can be disruptive, especially when they appear in critical areas like the taskbar or Action Center. Users are finding it difficult to focus on their work or enjoy their gaming sessions without being bombarded with “suggestions” to buy games or subscribe to services.
How to Disable These Ads
For those who are tired of these ads, there are steps you can take to disable them:
Notifications Settings
To turn off the ads that appear as notifications:
- Open the Windows 11 Settings app.
- Select System.
- Click on Notifications.
- Scroll down and toggle off “Get tips and suggestions when using Windows” and “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device”.
Additional Settings
For more comprehensive control, you may need to delve deeper into settings:
- Under System in the Settings app, go to Notifications and then select Additional settings.
- Here, you can further customize what types of notifications you receive[1][3].
Local Group Policy
For a more robust solution, using local group policy can help enforce your settings:
- You can add registry keys via Local Group Policy to ensure that your settings are not overridden by Microsoft[3].
The Ethical Question
The real question is whether it is ethical for Microsoft to include such ads in a paid operating system. While recommendations can sometimes be helpful, outright ads for games and services cross a line. These ads should not be enabled by default; users should have the option to explicitly allow them.
User Preferences and Trust
User trust is at stake here. Microsoft’s insistence on pushing these ads undermines the trust that users have in the operating system. It feels like a betrayal, especially when users have paid for the software and expect a certain level of respect for their preferences.
The Future of Windows Advertising
As Microsoft continues to test new advertising strategies, such as integrating “recommended apps” into the Start menu, users are left to wonder where this will all end. The beta version of Windows 11 is already seeing these changes, which could become a standard feature if not met with enough negative feedback[2].
In conclusion, Microsoft’s push for more aggressive advertising in Windows is a step in the wrong direction. It’s time for the company to reconsider its approach and prioritize the user experience over revenue from ads. Users deserve a clean, ad-free environment, especially in a paid operating system.