Windows 11 Now Displays Ads for games and Microsoft defender
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Windows 11 users are reporting seeing advertisements for games and Microsoft Defender within the operating system itself. These ads appear in the form of notifications, following a trend seen last year with promotional materials for games like Starfield and Cities: Skylines 2 being shown in a similar manner. While these earlier ads were tied to promoting subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass,the recent ads for Call of duty: Black Ops 6 and Microsoft Defender highlight Microsoft’s changing approach to monetizing Windows.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard last year may explain the ad for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, as Microsoft now owns the popular game franchise.The ad for Microsoft Defender, conversely, appears to be part of a strategy to push subscriptions to Microsoft 365, which requires a paid subscription to access the expanded features of the security suite. It’s worth noting that the basic antivirus built into Windows remains free to use.
Turning Off These Promotional Notifications
Fortunately, Windows users can disable these promotional notifications. You can easily switch them off by following these steps:
- Open Settings | System | Notifications.
- Scroll down past the list of apps and tap on additional Settings.
- Uncheck the box next to Get tips and suggestions for using Windows.
By taking these steps, you can create a more streamlined and ad-free experience on your Windows 11 machine.
Microsoft has confirmed the presence of these advertisements in Windows 11,categorizing them as announcements. The company has also stated that these ads can be disabled, which is precisely what this guide demonstrates.
Resources: Windows Latest
## Windows 11 Ads: A New Era for Monetization?
Today, we’re discussing the recent reports of in-OS advertisements appearing in Windows 11. Joining us is tech expert and analyst, [Alex Reed Name]. Welcome to the show, [Alex Reed Name].
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. What are yoru thoughts on Microsoft’s decision to integrate ads for games like Call of Duty and its own security product, Microsoft Defender, directly into Windows 11?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly a shift from Microsoft’s conventional approach. While we’ve seen promotional material within the OS before, this appears to mark a more aggressive push towards monetizing the windows experience itself.
**Host:** Some users are concerned about this trend. What are the potential implications for the overall user experience?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a valid concern.Constant interruptions from ads can certainly be distracting and detract from a smooth workflow. Microsoft needs to tread carefully and ensure these ads are unobtrusive and relevant to individual users.
**Host:** Microsoft maintains these are “notifications,” not “ads.” Do you think there’s a distinction, and if so, dose it matter to the user?
**Alex Reed:** Semantics aside, users aren’t likely to get hung up on the terminology. What matters is the experience. If it feels like advertising, it will be perceived as such.
**Host:** Microsoft claims users can disable these notifications. How straightforward is this process?
**Alex Reed:** Fortunately, it appears to be relatively easy to opt out. Users can disable them through windows settings.
**Host:** Do you think Microsoft’s monetization strategy will ultimately be successful?
**Alex Reed:** It depends on several factors, including how frequently users encounter these ads, how relevant thay are, and ultimately, how they impact user satisfaction. It remains to be seen if this approach will be enduring in the long term.
**Host:** This certainly raises interesting questions about the future of operating systems and how they are funded. What are your thoughts about the balance between providing a free or affordable OS and monetizing it through advertising? Does this trend raise concerns about privacy or data collection?
**Alex Reed:** This is a complex issue with no easy answers. It’s vital to consider the potential trade-offs and ensure that user privacy and data privacy remain paramount. This is a conversation that needs to continue as operating systems evolve.
**Host:** We’re eager to hear our readers’ thoughts on this issue. Do you think ads in Windows 11 are a necesary evil, an unwelcome intrusion, or something in between? Let us know in the comments below.
## Windows 11 Ads: A New Era for Monetization?
**[Intro music]**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde tech Talk. I’m your host, [Your Name], and today we’re diving into a topic stirring up a fair bit of controversy in the tech world: advertisements in Windows 11.
We’ve all come to expect ads on our smartphones and social media feeds, but seeing them integrated directly into a core operating system like Windows is a new development. Recently, users have started reporting encountering ads for games like Call of Duty: Black ops 6 and security software like Microsoft Defender, delivered as system notifications.
To shed light on this evolving landscape, we’re joined today by [Alex Reed Name], a renowned technology analyst and columnist.
**[Alex Reed introduction]**
**Host:** [Alex Reed Name],thanks for joining us. Let’s start with the basics. what’s your take on these ads appearing within Windows 11?
**Alex Reed:** Well, it’s certainly a departure from previous versions of Windows. While we’ve seen Microsoft promote its own products within the OS before,these ads feel more like what we’d expect to see on a free app or website – promoting external products and services.
**Host:** Exactly. It seems like a clear shift towards monetizing the operating system itself. What factors do you think are driving this change?
**Alex Reed:** Several factors are at play here. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its popular games like Call of Duty is likely a major motivator for pushing game subscriptions via these ads.
Also, Microsoft’s focus on its suiteServices like Microsoft 365, which includes enhanced security features for Microsoft Defender, is clearly driving the promotion of its paid security offerings.
**Host:** So, it’s a combination of leveraging its new assets and pushing its subscription models.
But, understandably, this move hasn’t been met with unanimous approval. Many users are expressing concerns about privacy and the blurring lines between operating system functionality and advertising. What are your thoughts on these concerns?
**Alex Reed:** I think those concerns are valid. On one hand, users expect a certain level of neutrality and unobtrusiveness from their operating systems. Seeing ads pop up as system notifications can feel intrusive and undermine trust.
**Host:** Absolutely.
And on the topic of intrusiveness, let’s talk about how users can actually disable these ads. Can you walk us through the process?
**Alex Reed:** Fortunately, Microsoft does offer a way to opt-out. It involves toggling a specific setting within the notification preferences, effectively disabling “tips and suggestions.”
**Host:** Right. We’ve linked a detailed guide to this process in the show notes for those interested.
**Alex Reed:** Excellent!
**Host:** Looking forward, do you think we’ll see more of
this type of monetization strategy from Microsoft and other operating system developers?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly possible. The lines between software, services, and advertising are becoming increasingly blurred. Companies need to find new revenue streams, and integrating ads directly into operating systems might become more commonplace.
**Host:** A fascinating and possibly impactful trend to watch. [Alex Reed Name], thank you so much for your insights and expertise.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** And to our viewers, thanks for tuning in to Archyde Tech Talk! We’ll be back next week with more insightful discussions on the latest tech developments.
**[Outro music]**
