Windows 11 users have recently noted a recurring feature in the Start menu that highlights OneDrive, accompanied by an alert icon urging them to back up their data to the cloud. For those without a Microsoft 365 subscription, the prompt suggests a monthly fee of approximately , as the free version of OneDrive offers a modest 5GB of storage—often insufficient for many users.
As illustrated in the accompanying screenshot, the alert beneath the Microsoft account section reads, “Action advised – back up your PC.” This message emphasizes the importance of storing files, applications, settings, and passwords in the cloud. A “Continue” button directs users to the OneDrive-based Windows Backup, which many perceive as an upsell tactic. The urgency of the warning may suggest a pressing need for cloud backup, but it primarily serves to encourage subscriptions to Microsoft’s services.
For those who already utilize alternative backup methods or prefer not to engage in cloud storage, this alert can be disregarded. Interestingly, users may also encounter a “No internet connection” message if their PC is offline, as the Microsoft 365/account section within the Start menu continuously checks for internet connectivity.
Can you turn off “Action advised – back up your PC” alerts in the Windows 11 Start menu?
In recent evaluations, Windows Latest found that alerts like “Action advised – back up your PC” tend to appear and disappear intermittently, with no option for users to permanently dismiss them. Unless the PC is consistently syncing data to OneDrive, the notification is likely to persist.
Attempts to disable these alerts through the Settings menu have proven largely ineffective. While there is a toggle labeled “Show account-related notifications,” it comes with a caveat: “required notifications are still shown.” It appears that the OneDrive backup prompt falls under this “required” category, or there may be a bug preventing the toggle from functioning as intended.
Interestingly, when Windows 11 was installed in an EU region, users did not encounter these persistent alerts. This raises questions about the balance between user experience and corporate marketing strategies. While some may not harbor ill feelings toward Microsoft for these notifications—acknowledging that similar practices are common in the tech industry, including with competitors like Google—there remains a hope that Microsoft will heed user feedback. The desire for customizable options is evident, especially as users in the EU enjoy a different experience compared to those elsewhere, who continue to face the relentless prompts.
Moreover, these notifications, coupled with the web-first design of the Windows 11 Start menu, contribute to performance lags that some users have reported. The intersection of user experience and corporate strategy continues to evolve, leaving many to ponder the balance of necessity and convenience in their digital environments.
