Microsoft is making a controversial decision that could upset Windows 11 users. The company is testing adding Microsoft 365 subscription ads to the operating system’s startup.

Ads may be coming to Windows 11

According to information revealed in the Windows 11 beta version, users who haven’t renewed their Microsoft 365 subscription will be presented with a full-screen ad at startup. This ad notifies users that the subscription has expired and prompts them to pay or choose to be reminded later. There is no option to close the ad.

In this full-screen alert, the payment button is highlighted in blue, while the option to remind them later appears only in plain text. This suggests that Microsoft designed this ad to increase subscription renewal rates, not just as a “simple reminder.”

PC users want a fast startup time. However, this new ad wastes users’ time by delaying the computer’s startup. This has been met with negative feedback.

This change is not yet available to all Windows 11 users. It’s been reported that Microsoft may abandon this plan if user feedback is negative.

Such advertising efforts by Microsoft could discourage Windows 10 users from upgrading to Windows 11. This could negatively impact the company’s efforts to reach a broader user base. It’s a matter of curiosity as to what direction the company will take in the future.

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.