Microsoft pauses Copilot QR code ad on Microsoft Windows 11 lock screen, calls it a test

Microsoft pauses Copilot QR code advert on Microsoft Windows 11 lock display screen, calls it a take a look at.

Windows 11 lock screen

In an announcement to Microsoft Windows Latest, Microsoft confirmed it’s pausing the QR code advertisements experiment on the Microsoft Windows 11 lock display screen to advertise its services, similar to Copilot.

Like Microsoft Windows 10, the lock display screen on Microsoft Windows 11 has advertisements or “suggested” objects, which can be utilized to suggest Microsoft products or Bing trending outcomes. The firm not too long ago experimented with a full-fledged QR code advert on the lock display screen, which might be scanned to obtain Copilot cell apps.

In our exams, after we turned on a Microsoft Windows 11 PC, we noticed a QR code on the lock display screen. Scanning this code took us to a web page about Copilot. The QR code works by sending you to the Copilot app within the app retailer in your cellphone or to Microsoft’s web site in the event you’re using a PC.

Some customers on Reddit additionally seen the identical advert on their lock screens.

Windows lock screen with Copilot ad
Microsoft Windows lock display screen with Copilot QR code advert | Image Courtesy: Reddit

This QR code advert was rolled out to a small group of customers on Microsoft Windows 11, and it appeared randomly on the lock display screen. When customers scanned the code, they have been redirected to the Microsoft Copilot web site to obtain the cell apps.

Microsoft Copilot adMicrosoft Copilot ad
Microsoft Copilot web page opened by way of QR advert | Image Courtesy: Microsoft WindowsLatest.com

This probably aggravated some customers, so Microsoft has now canned the advert.

In an announcement to Microsoft Windows Latest, the corporate clarified that the notification on the lock display screen was a easy approach to educate customers, however it has been paused.

“The notification was simply a way to educate users and has since been paused. We value our customer experiences and are always learning to determine what is most valuable and to whom,” a Microsoft spokesperson instructed Microsoft Windows Latest over e mail.

You can flip off these advertisements or prompt objects

Microsoft has a historical past of testing advertisements or suggestions in latest locations to counsel or promote not too long ago launched apps.

While advertisements might be annoying, Microsoft provides full management over what seems in your lock display screen.

If you do not need these prompt objects to seem on the lock display screen, you possibly can choose the “Picture” or “Slideshow” possibility and switch off the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen” possibility. You’ll discover these controls underneath the “Personalize your lock screen” part in Settings > Personalization > Lock display screen.

Turn off ads in lock screen of Windows 11Turn off ads in lock screen of Windows 11
Make positive the ideas and ideas toggle is turned off underneath the “Personalize your lock screen” part | Image Courtesy: Microsoft WindowsLatest.com

However, Microsoft Windows 11 doesn’t help you disable advertisements or prompt objects when the Microsoft Windows Spotlight characteristic is enabled.

That’s not the primary time Microsoft has been criticized for exhibiting advertisements within the OS. Last 12 months, customers noticed a pop-up that tried to persuade them to maintain using OneDrive once they have been attempting to exit the app.

Like the Copilot advert, that survey dialog field was additionally pulled after outrage locally.


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