In a notable shift following widespread backlash from users, Microsoft has announced that it will incrementally halt its aggressive advertising campaign within Windows 10, aimed at promoting upgrades to Windows 11. This decision comes as a relief to many Windows 10 users who found the intrusive nature of these ads—including full-screen popups—to be quite bothersome.What You Need to Know
- Aggressive Ad Campaign: Microsoft has adopted a persistent campaign to urge Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11, utilizing full-screen multipage popups.
- User Feedback: Continuous complaints from users about this intrusive strategy have prompted Microsoft to act.
- Future Plans: The company indicated that it plans to discontinue these ads beginning with the April 2024 security update, although a concrete timeline for further changes will be provided in the future.
User Reactions
The announcement has been met with relief from the Windows 10 community. Many users have expressed their frustrations regarding Microsoft's tactics, which often felt less like user guidance and more like coercion to upgrade. Microsoft’s new stance seemingly acknowledges this sentiment.The Market Dynamics
The announcement is set against a backdrop of increasing market share for Windows 11, which has climbed to 30%, reducing Windows 10's share down to 65%. Analysts attribute this uptick to several factors:- The aggressive ad campaign being employed by Microsoft.
- The looming end-of-life date for Windows 10, which is scheduled for October 14, 2025.
- The rise of Copilot+ PCs, which offer advanced features that are exclusive to Windows 11 users.
Growth of Windows 11
Despite its recent growth in the market, Windows 11 has faced challenges in gaining traction due to its stringent hardware requirements and issues with features such as the Start menu. Although new AI features and updates in the 24H2 release show promise, they are mostly available only on Copilot+ PCs, which rely on specialized hardware for optimal performance.Implications for Users and the Environment
The end of support for Windows 10 raises concerns regarding potential waste, with some experts predicting a significant increase in discarded computers. This issue poses challenges to Microsoft's sustainability goals and environmental impact. In response, Microsoft is also introducing an Extended Security Update (ESU) program that will enable users to remain on Windows 10 past its end-of-support date, albeit for a high fee. This move is designed to ensure that those who do not wish to upgrade still have access to critical security updates.Reminder of Windows 10’s Inevitability
To prepare users for this transition, Microsoft has established a dedicated webpage that emphasizes Windows 11's features, provides comparisons with Windows 10, and guides users on selecting and purchasing new devices. This effort seems to be aimed at softening the impact of Windows 10’s eventual discontinuation while promoting the adoption of Windows 11.Looking Ahead
Though it is not yet clear if Microsoft will permanently eliminate its aggressive ad strategy in the future, the decision to pause is a strategic move in response to user feedback. The company is expected to reveal more about its plans, including timelines for re-engaging users with ads, in the forthcoming months.Conclusion
The future of Windows 10 users and their transition to Windows 11 is being closely monitored. While the cessation of intrusive ads is a positive step, the underlying tensions regarding support and upgrade necessities will continue to shape user experiences. As Windows 11 evolves, its acceptance will depend on addressing user concerns and optimizing overall system performance. For now, Windows 10 users can breathe a sigh of relief as they navigate the crucial period leading up to the OS’s retirement.
Source
Kevin Okemwa. Microsoft 'temporarily' pumps the brakes on its intrusive Windows 11 ads after receiving constant backlash from Windows 10 users. Windows Central. Microsoft 'temporarily' pumps the brakes on its intrusive Windows 11 ads after receiving constant backlash from Windows 10 users
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