In a bid to enhance its subscription revenue, Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that has sparked some discontent among users. The company is leveraging its popular Microsoft 365 service by integrating persistent pop-ups within the Start menu, urging users to back up their data to the cloud.
Windows 11 reportedly gets a Microsoft 365 pop-up in the Start menu
According to reports from Windows Latest, the pop-up appears with a message that reads:
Action advised – back up your PC
We want to ensure that you always have access to your files, apps, settings, and passwords by backing them up in the cloud.
Continue
By clicking the “Continue” button, users are directed to Windows Backup, which utilizes OneDrive for storage. This integration seems to be part of Microsoft’s strategy to promote its Microsoft 365 subscriptions, encouraging users to opt for additional storage space.
However, users have expressed frustration over the inability to disable these pop-ups. Despite attempts to turn off notifications, including a toggle labeled “Show account-related notifications,” the pop-ups persist. Windows Latest noted that this toggle does not affect what Microsoft categorizes as “required notifications,” which likely includes these prompts.
While OneDrive offers a seamless backup solution for many, there are alternatives for those seeking different options. Users have shared various methods for effective data storage and backup:
- I replaced my Google Drive backups with Syncthing, BackBlaze, and TrueNAS Cloud Sync, and it’s so much cheaper.
- 5 best cloud storage services for storing long-term backups.
- How I use my NAS as a secure backup server for both of my PCs.
- I use Wake-on-LAN and a NAS to back up my PC even when I’m away from home.
As Microsoft continues to navigate the balance between user experience and revenue generation, the integration of such features may prompt users to reconsider their backup strategies, whether through Microsoft’s offerings or alternative solutions.
