Microsoft ‘temporarily’ pumps the brakes on its intrusive Windows 11 ads after receiving constant backlash from Windows 10 users

What you need to know

  • Microsoft recently announced its plans to pump the brakes on its aggressive ad strategy in Windows 10, designed to get users to upgrade to Windows 11.
  • It’s unclear if this is a permanent decision since it plans to “share a new timeline in the coming months.”
  • Windows 10’s market share hit an all-time high last month, pushing it to 30%.
  • The significant growth is attributed to Windows 10’s imminent death, Copilot+ PCs, and Microsoft’s aggressive ad strategy.

As a long-time Windows user with a soft spot for tech gadgetry and a keen eye for operating system updates, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions about Microsoft’s recent decisions regarding Windows 10 and 11.


The deadline for support on Windows 10 is approaching within a year and some months, and Microsoft is taking a proactive approach by intensifying their efforts to encourage users to transition to Windows 11. This involves the use of attention-grabbing tactics such as full-screen, multi-page pop-ups.

Users of Windows 10 have criticized the company for its aggressive advertising campaign. In response to this criticism, Microsoft has revealed that it will no longer display ads or pop-ups within the Windows 10 operating system, aiming to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 (according to Windows Latest).

According to Microsoft:

I’ve noticed that we’re making adjustments based on your valuable feedback. Consequently, those invitations won’t kick off with the April 2024 monthly security update anymore. Instead, we’ll be revealing a fresh schedule within the upcoming months.

As a analyst, I must say, it’s refreshing for Windows 10 users like myself who have long been inconvenienced by persistent ads and pop-ups urging an upgrade to Windows 11. Yet, the question remains whether Microsoft will permanently phase out this tactic. There’s speculation that as the end-of-support date for Windows 10, which falls on October 14, 2025, approaches, Microsoft might revert to its advertising strategy.

Windows 11’s market share is gaining some traction

Over the recent span of months, the usage rate of Windows 11 has experienced substantial expansion. This surge is believed to be due to Microsoft’s intense advertising tactics, the approaching end-of-life for Windows 10, and rising excitement about Copilot+ PCs. Last month, the use of Windows 11 peaked at an unprecedented 30%, while the use of Windows 10 dropped to 65%.

As a tech enthusiast who has been following the evolution of Microsoft’s operating systems closely over the past decade, I must admit that my initial excitement about Windows 11 has waned due to a few key factors. Firstly, the stringent system requirements and the controversial redesign of the Start menu have made it difficult for many users, including myself, to upgrade without facing compatibility issues or a less-than-ideal user experience. Secondly, the rollout of new AI features like Live Captions, Windows Studio Effects, and more in the 24H2 release has left me feeling frustrated because these advanced tools are only available for users with Copilot+ PCs due to their reliance on a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU). In my personal opinion, Microsoft could have made these innovative features accessible to a wider audience by ensuring compatibility across various devices and hardware configurations. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that future updates will address some of these concerns and bring back the charm and inclusivity that Windows once had for its users.

If Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, it could result in an unprecedented number of outdated computers being discarded, negatively impacting Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility. For those who wish to prolong their usage of Windows 10 past the expiration of support, Microsoft plans to provide an expensive Extended Security Update (ESU) program. This program will enable users to keep using Windows 10 on their devices while still receiving crucial security updates and additional features.

In the meantime, Microsoft has thoughtfully created a dedicated webpage that gently nudges us towards the impending end of Windows 10. This page showcases the impressive features of Windows 11, offers comparisons with Windows 10, and even provides a comprehensive guide to assist us in finding and purchasing a new laptop. As a fan, I’m excited about this transition!

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2024-08-15 21:13