It looks like Microsoft is getting more aggressive with Windows 11 promos. A Reddit user (the post has now been removed) posted a photo of his Windows 10 computer with a full-screen Windows 11 ad offering to upgrade to the latest operating system. And in typical Microsoft fashion, the available options are as head-scratching as they get: two buttons, and both mean “I agree.”
The ad tries to promote Windows 11 by claiming that the operating system is “unlocked now,” for users who can get it now (highlighted button) and later (second button). Can schedule installation. The only way to decline the offer is to click the little “Keep Windows 10” link on the white bar at the bottom of the screen (via Geeks).
Needless to say, Windows 10 users are not happy with Microsoft’s attempt to impose their operating system using tricky banners and optical illusions. Many users will likely click the highlighted button first without reading the message (not to mention missing the reject button) just to go to the desktop and do what they need with the computer.
Microsoft is apparently trying to speed up the rollout of Windows 11 by using “dark patterns” and deceptive tricks. The report interestingly coincides with Microsoft discontinuing sales of Windows 10, so more and more users feel they have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 11 (which is wrong). Fortunately, Microsoft has yet to launch automatic upgrades to Windows 11, so your chances of getting a new operating system out of the blue are slim. However, it’s safe to say that Microsoft will only increase the pressure on users in an effort to make Windows 11 more popular. According to the latest report from Statcounter, about 18% of all Windows users have upgraded to Windows 11.
Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent such banners from infecting your computer. Microsoft can get a taste of its own medicine by disabling the TPM to render the computer “incompatible” with Windows 11 (this potentially increases security risks, so just in case go ahead (Proceed when you are 100% sure that turning off TPM won’t break anything on your system). Also, paying attention and reading what your computer is trying to say, no matter how vague the explanations, dramatically reduces the chances of getting an unplanned upgrade.
