Windows 11 users are experiencing a blend of enhancements and new challenges as Microsoft continues to refine its operating system. One notable improvement is the significant streamlining of the ‘second-chance out-of-box experience’ (SCOOBE), a feature designed to encourage users to configure settings they may have overlooked during initial setup. This adjustment, highlighted by Neowin, aims to make the user experience smoother and less intrusive.
However, this positive change comes with a caveat. A new pop-up has emerged in the Start menu, urging users to consider taking out a OneDrive subscription. The message, labeled ‘Action advised – back up your PC,’ prompts users to back up their files and settings to the cloud. Clicking on the ‘Continue’ button directs users to the Windows Backup app, which is closely tied to OneDrive. Given the limited free storage offered by Microsoft’s cloud service, many users may find themselves needing to purchase a subscription to fully utilize this feature.
Analysis: SCOOBE Dooby don’t
This new addition to the Start menu, while framed as a helpful reminder, primarily serves as a marketing tool for Microsoft’s subscription services. Although it could benefit those who have yet to establish a backup solution, it risks annoying users who have already opted for alternative backup methods. For these individuals, the persistent prompts can feel more like an unwelcome intrusion than a helpful suggestion.
As noted by Windows Latest, these notifications are designed to appear periodically, much like the SCOOBE prompts. Unlike the SCOOBE, which users can disable through the settings menu, the Windows Backup notification is classified as a ‘required’ prompt, leaving users with no option to turn it off. This raises concerns about the necessity of compulsory notifications, as many users may prefer a more customizable experience devoid of persistent reminders.
Interestingly, a test installation of Windows 11 in the EU region did not display this alert, suggesting that regional data regulations may influence the rollout of such features. This could indicate a potential advantage for users in regions with stricter data privacy laws, allowing them to navigate their operating system without the added pressure of mandatory prompts.
