Subj : Microsoft risks annoying more Windows 11 users with new full-scre To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Jul 29 2024 13:30:05 Microsoft risks annoying more Windows 11 users with new full-screen advert for OneDrive Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:26:19 +0000 Description: Microsoft's new full-screen pop-up, resembling an ad, pushes Windows 11 users to back up with OneDrive. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Microsoft has reportedly added a new full-screen pop-up thats effectively an advert (or as the company puts it, a recommendation) urging Windows 11 users to back up their PC with OneDrive , its cloud storage service. Weve seen a similar full-screen nag panel that pushed Windows 11 users to switch to Edge , Microsofts default browser for Windows devices, and Microsoft 365 in the recent past. Windows Latest observed that this new full-screen promo appeared following a Windows update, after restarting the PC to complete the update. As mentioned, the pop-up attempts to get you to use OneDrive, and looks like the out-of-box-experience for Windows 11 (the process when you first set up the OS on a PC). So, its quite jarring in that respect. Windows Latest provided a screenshot of the pop-up, which is entitled Lets back up your files, and it talks about having peace of mind knowing that your files and folders are backed up in the cloud, in the event that something happens to your PC. This is followed by a list of reasons that opting in for OneDrive will be beneficial for Windows 11 users, which runs as follows: Protect a lifetime of memories: Your files and photos will stay secured with OneDrive cloud storage. Easily collaborate with friends and family: Share files and seamlessly edit together so youre all on the same page. All your information, when and where you need it: Your documents, desktop, and pictures folders will back up to OneDrive, so theyre available everywhere. File changes automatically update: Files automatically sync in the background, so you always have the latest version on your PC. At the bottom of the notification screen, there are two options: Next which takes you through to OneDrive setup, and Skip for now to opt out (at least temporarily). If you press Next , youll be taken to the Windows Backup app and the syncing of your files to your Microsoft Accounts OneDrive storage locker will start automatically. If youre not aware, OneDrive is a subscription-based cloud storage service, though you do get 5GB for free. That wont go very far for the vast majority of users, though, so theyll be looking at paying to increase the basic amount of storage. If you dont want to go through this process, you can click Skip for now to continue to your desktop. As the option suggests, this probably wont dismiss the notification permanently and you can expect it to reappear at some point in the future. Windows Latest reports that if you skip this pop-up, you may also get another notification (in the notifications center, on the right side of the desktop) that warns you about your PC not being fully backed up. (Image credit: IB Photography via Shutterstock) Evaluating your options Suppose the notification does persuade you to use OneDrive (and you probably decide to subscribe and buy some more storage space). In fairness, if this is the case, OneDrive is actually a pretty solid cloud storage service - you can check out our full review for more details . OneDrive along with Windows Backup enables you to sync files pretty smoothly and seamlessly, and to restore your old devices settings and contents to a new Windows device or a clean Windows installation. If youre not going to take up Microsofts offer, and you dont want to see this OneDrive notification again, well - youre probably out of luck. Odds are you will see the pop-up in the future - though we can but hope Microsoft changes its tune. As Windows Latest noted, its not possible to dispense with these pop-ups if you live outside of the EU. Its easy enough to guess that moves like this are only going to add to the growing frustration with Microsofts persistent advertising in Windows 11. Sadly, that isnt likely to make much difference to the software giants tactics in the foreseeable future - not unless people start turning away from Windows in meaningful numbers. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... Windows 11 users, watch out - youre in for an upgrade you cant ignore thanks to mandatory adverts Microsoft is messing with Windows 11s Start menu and jamming in more adverts and Im sick of it Shock move by Microsoft: company actually makes Windows 11 better with taskbar improvements ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-risks-annoying-more-wind ows-11-users-with-new-full-screen-advert-for-onedrive --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .