Microsoft’s Efforts to Transform Windows into an Advertising Platform

Microsoft Turns Windows into an Advertising Platform: Will Users React?

Microsoft continues its efforts to turn the Windows operating system, which has a definite superiority on personal computers, into one of the world’s largest advertising platforms. The company had previously received widespread backlash for displaying full-screen ads to persuade users to use Edge browser or other Microsoft services. Then ads were placed in the Start menu, and now a new Game Pass ad has been added to the Settings app. Yes, now even the settings window where we adjust screen settings or uninstall applications displays ads. Microsoft will soon start marketing these ad spaces to companies, thus making it possible to turn Windows into the world’s largest advertising platform. In the next step, it would not be surprising if users are offered a subscription fee to opt out of seeing ads. For now, the ads that beta users can see are expected to be available to all Windows 11 users with the update in July.

Will Users React? It would not be surprising for users to react to Microsoft’s move. Home users or professionals pay a purchase fee to use the operating system. For example, when you buy a new laptop and it comes with Windows pre-installed, the operating system’s price is included in the total price of the device, and you pay for it. Therefore, even when purchasing a product, Microsoft showing ads as if you are still getting a free service can provoke a reaction among users. Microsoft seems to be aware of this situation and is currently trying to familiarize people with ads without drawing attention by hiding the ads within windows like settings. However, after Microsoft tastes the revenue from ads, the possibility of Windows’ future turning into a YouTube-like ad bombardment raises concerns.

• Everyone is concerned about Windows operating system being filled with ads and not disrupting the user experience.
• Microsoft’s advertising strategies could undermine users’ trust in Windows.