Remember the good old days when you bought software and it just worked? No hidden costs, no surprise ads popping up everywhere? Yeah, me too. But lately, Microsoft’s updates to Windows 11 have me feeling like I’m constantly being sold something, even though I already paid for the operating system.
This whole thing really came to a head recently with two updates that felt particularly egregious. First, those “recommended” apps started appearing in the Start menu. You know, those conveniently placed tiles promoting apps from the Microsoft Store? Yeah, Microsoft’s finally decided to call a spade a spade and admit these are essentially ads. What’s even more frustrating is that this “feature” was rushed from beta testing to full release in a matter of weeks. It’s like they weren’t even trying to hide their intentions.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, they hit us with the redesigned Weather app. Now, I’m not opposed to change, but this update felt less like an improvement and more like an excuse to cram in more ads. Useful information about dew points and humidity has been pushed aside to make room for, you guessed it, even more promotional content. I mean, come on! I just want to know if I need an umbrella, not be bombarded with ads for the latest app I apparently can’t live without.
Look, I get it, developers need to make money, and advertising is one way to do it. But when we’re already paying a premium for an operating system, being bombarded with ads in basic functionality like the weather app feels downright insulting. It creates a sense that we’re not really valued as customers, but rather as walking wallets ripe for the picking.
The good news is that there are ways to disable these unwanted intrusions. You can turn off those “recommendations” in the Start menu settings, and there are third-party tools available to help you regain control of your digital space and banish ads from your OS. Some folks are even turning to alternative weather apps, like the open-source FluentWeather and Lively Weather, which offer a clean, ad-free experience.
Ultimately, it all comes down to respect. As users, we deserve a clean, functional operating system that prioritizes our needs over pushing unwanted content. Microsoft, if you’re listening (and let’s face it, you probably are), it’s time to start treating your paying customers with the respect we deserve. Focus on building a truly exceptional user experience, and the revenue will follow – without resorting to tactics that leave us feeling frustrated and exploited.
