Microsoft Tests Copilot Advertisements in Windows 11 Start Menu to Promote Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft Tests Copilot Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu

Microsoft is currently experimenting with a notable feature that integrates Copilot-related advertisements into the ‘Recommended’ section of the Start menu in Windows 11. This move aims to promote user engagement with the Copilot app and its business counterpart, Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Default Settings and User Experience

In an upcoming update, the Recommended section of the Start menu will become optional, yet it will remain enabled by default. Users who have either the Recommended feed enabled or are utilizing earlier versions of Windows 11 will begin to see Copilot promotions unless they opt out of this feature.

Types of Copilot Ads

The advertisements displayed will be more than mere prompts to utilize the Copilot app. As highlighted by our colleague Phantom, Microsoft is keen on placing Copilot recommendations prominently within the Start menu. These ads will link to either the consumer-focused Copilot app or the Microsoft 365 Copilot tailored for professional use.

Among the various types of Copilot ads, some will encourage users to engage directly with Copilot, suggesting actions like “Write a first draft with Copilot” or simply “Ask Copilot.”

Additional Variants and Features

The tests conducted by Windows Latest have uncovered various other Copilot advertisement variants, including offerings like “Help me write” or “Create an image.” These prompts are designed to facilitate user interactions with advanced tools powered by GPT-4o. Another ad encourages users to explore how Copilot can enhance productivity, redirecting them to the more extensive features of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

It’s crucial for users to note that accessing Microsoft 365 Copilot typically requires a subscription. If users without a subscription encounter these ads, they may be prompted to consider a paid plan—essential for unlocking the full potential of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Adjusting Your Settings

Interestingly, Microsoft has opted not to label these prompts as ads, categorizing them instead as “tips”or “suggestions.”For users wishing to avoid these recommendations in the Start menu, the following steps can deactivate the feature:

Navigate to Settings > Start settings, or right-click on the Start menu to access Settings.
Look for the toggle labeled Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.
Toggle the setting off.
This action will effectively remove any Copilot-related advertisements from the Start menu.

Looking Ahead

As of now, Microsoft has not rolled out these Copilot nudges across all systems; they remain in the testing phase. However, a broader rollout could happen in the near future, contingent on user feedback and trial results.

Have you encountered similar ads posing as tips in Windows 11? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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