Windows 11 Now Officially Adware as Microsoft Embeds Ads in the Start Menu

[D.Draker]

by btarunr Apr 24th, 2024 10:38

Microsoft over late-Tuesday started distributing the KB5036980 optional update to Windows 11 users, which effectively makes the operating system adware (software that displays ads to support its author). The update gets the Windows 11 Start Menu to display ads in the "Recommended" section that suggests apps and games for you to download from the Microsoft Store, subscribe to Copilot Pro, etc. While the update is currently optional, the changes contained in it will be made part of next month's "Patch Tuesday" update.

This wouldn't be the first time Microsoft is advertising software, the OEM versions of Windows 11 can be customized by PC manufacturers to pre-install bloatware, or suggest apps or services for users to buy within the Start or Apps menus. You usually uninstall the pre-installed bloatware, and dismiss recommendations. Today's update is different, in that even the Retail versions of Windows (without the bloatware) start receiving ads. Luckily, these ads are not inescapable, you can disable them. Head over to Settings > Personalization > Start, and uncheck the toggle that reads "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more."

source:

https://www.techpowerup.com/321849/windows-11-now-officially-adware-as-microsoft-embeds-ads-in-the-start-menu

Members' thoughts on this?

[D.Draker]

For those aren't willing to read all. Take note.

"... even the Retail versions of Windows (without the bloatware) start receiving ads."

[vinifera]

so ad's bother you but the fact they can see what you have on your drives does not ?

[66cats]

1 minute ago, vinifera said:

so ad's bother you but the fact they can see what you have on your drives does not ?

Ads are annoying; MS telemetry bothers me as much as some Venusian knowing my detailed medical history. What's curious to me is that you actually care.

[D.Draker]

12 hours ago, vinifera said:

so ad's bother you but the fact they can see what you have on your drives does not ?

Where exactly did I write that?

[Tripredacus]

There was ads in Windows 95 when you installed some version of IE. I found it when I built my Japanese Windows 95 computer. The good thing was that the ads are from back then and did not go online to get them.

Windows 8 also had ads, so does Windows 10 even the Enterprise version.

I can't verify your claim about whether OEMs can do it, as I no longer have access to updated OPD. But I would say that if you don't have access to OPD, then you should not make any claim as to whether an OEM can/will do something to Windows. MS is very restrictive when it comes to what an OEM can do.

[UCyborg]

I don't remember the last time I used Microsoft's start menu on anything past Windows XP.

[Sparkling]

does it affect iot enterprise ltsc? I cant see this update in my device