Microsoft is currently exploring a new avenue for promoting its Copilot features within the Windows 11 ecosystem. The tech giant is testing the integration of Copilot-related advertisements in the ‘Recommended’ section of the Start menu. This section, while set to become optional in the next update, will remain enabled by default for users. Those who have the Recommended feed activated, or are using an earlier version of Windows 11 that includes this feature, may soon encounter these Copilot ads, pending the outcome of the testing phase.
Understanding the Copilot Ads
These advertisements are designed to do more than simply encourage users to engage with the Copilot app. As highlighted by tech enthusiast Phantom on X, Microsoft is intent on embedding Copilot into the Start menu experience. Depending on the specific ad displayed, users may be directed to either the consumer-oriented Copilot app or the more business-focused Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The variety of Copilot ads includes messages such as “Write a first draft with Copilot” and “Ask Copilot,” which invite users to explore the capabilities of the app. Other variants aim to assist with productivity, featuring prompts like “Have any work-related questions? Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Need to write a first draft? Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
In addition to these, Windows Latest has uncovered several intriguing ad variants during their testing. For instance, one ad encourages users to “Create an image,” which prompts Copilot to assist with image editing or creation using GPT-4o. Another ad, titled “Teach me a few ways that Copilot can help me with my productivity,” opens up Microsoft 365 Copilot for a deeper dive into its features.
It is important to note that if users do not have a subscription to Microsoft 365, they may be prompted to consider a paid plan when redirected to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app via these ads. This is because the full functionality of Microsoft 365 Copilot is best experienced with an active subscription, which provides access to essential applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, and more.
Interestingly, Microsoft has opted not to categorize these Copilot prompts as traditional ads. Instead, they are framed as “tips” or “suggestions” to enhance user experience.
Managing Copilot Ads
For those who prefer a cleaner Start menu devoid of Copilot-related nudges, there is a straightforward method to disable these ads:
- Open Settings > Start settings or right-click anywhere on the Start menu to access Settings.
- Locate the toggle labeled “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.”
- Turn off the toggle.
- This action will effectively remove Copilot-related ads from your Start menu.
As of now, Microsoft has yet to activate the Copilot nudges in the Start menu, but the possibility of a future rollout remains on the horizon as testing continues. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with ads masquerading as recommendations or tips within Windows 11 in the comments section below.
Microsoft is testing Copilot ads in Windows 11 Start menu to push Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft is currently exploring a new avenue for promoting its Copilot features within the Windows 11 ecosystem. The tech giant is testing the integration of Copilot-related advertisements in the ‘Recommended’ section of the Start menu. This section, while set to become optional in the next update, will remain enabled by default for users. Those who have the Recommended feed activated, or are using an earlier version of Windows 11 that includes this feature, may soon encounter these Copilot ads, pending the outcome of the testing phase.
Understanding the Copilot Ads
These advertisements are designed to do more than simply encourage users to engage with the Copilot app. As highlighted by tech enthusiast Phantom on X, Microsoft is intent on embedding Copilot into the Start menu experience. Depending on the specific ad displayed, users may be directed to either the consumer-oriented Copilot app or the more business-focused Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The variety of Copilot ads includes messages such as “Write a first draft with Copilot” and “Ask Copilot,” which invite users to explore the capabilities of the app. Other variants aim to assist with productivity, featuring prompts like “Have any work-related questions? Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot” and “Need to write a first draft? Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
In addition to these, Windows Latest has uncovered several intriguing ad variants during their testing. For instance, one ad encourages users to “Create an image,” which prompts Copilot to assist with image editing or creation using GPT-4o. Another ad, titled “Teach me a few ways that Copilot can help me with my productivity,” opens up Microsoft 365 Copilot for a deeper dive into its features.
It is important to note that if users do not have a subscription to Microsoft 365, they may be prompted to consider a paid plan when redirected to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app via these ads. This is because the full functionality of Microsoft 365 Copilot is best experienced with an active subscription, which provides access to essential applications like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive, and more.
Interestingly, Microsoft has opted not to categorize these Copilot prompts as traditional ads. Instead, they are framed as “tips” or “suggestions” to enhance user experience.
Managing Copilot Ads
For those who prefer a cleaner Start menu devoid of Copilot-related nudges, there is a straightforward method to disable these ads:
As of now, Microsoft has yet to activate the Copilot nudges in the Start menu, but the possibility of a future rollout remains on the horizon as testing continues. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with ads masquerading as recommendations or tips within Windows 11 in the comments section below.