Microsoft has been working hard to wedge users into its ecosystem, and it appears to have taken one step further by making OneDrive backups an opt-out feature. OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud drive service, much like Google Drive and iCloud, offering 5GB of free storage for anyone with a Microsoft Account.
Opt-Out Feature Raises Eyebrows
While Apple and Google offer online backups as opt-in features, Microsoft is irking its users by turning on OneDrive backups by default. This move has left users who intend to complete a clean Windows 11 install surprised by OneDrive desktop icons and drive folders on their newly installed operating system.
Microsoft has also removed official instructions on how to convert a Windows 11 Microsoft Account login into a local account from its guide page. This change means users who didn’t use the local account bypass during installation must now find less-official sources for instructions on converting their login account.
Concerns About Anti-Competitive Practices
In addition, Microsoft Edge's behavior in Windows 11 has raised concerns about anti-competitive practices. The browser prompts users with questions when they try to download Chrome, and even if a different default browser is set, searching from the Start Menu still pulls up results on Edge.
Despite these issues, OneDrive remains an affordable and robust cloud storage option at $1.99 a month, offering features like file versions for added protection. However, pushing it onto users without their consent may not be the best approach to encourage paid subscriptions. Microsoft should focus on making OneDrive a seamless and desirable experience for users, rather than forcing it upon them.
