Microsoft Adds Ad Controls to Windows 11, Users Express Concerns

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20 Sep 2024

New Controls for Ads in Windows 11

Microsoft's ongoing integration of advertisements into Windows 11 has been a point of contention for many users, who have expressed their frustrations over the persistent presence of ads within the operating system. Despite this, a glimmer of hope has emerged with the introduction of new features in the latest beta and canary builds.

In these recent updates, users will find new options nestled within the Settings app that aim to provide a modicum of control over the advertising experience. While this development is certainly a step in the right direction, it is crucial to temper expectations, as the extent of user control remains somewhat constrained. Unfortunately, the complete elimination of ads is still not an option.

The latest builds, which have been made available to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Canary channels, introduce a revamped section in Privacy & security called Recommendations & offers. This new section grants access to various settings related to the ads that permeate the operating system.

Among the updates, some options have merely undergone rewording, while others have been distinctly categorized. For instance, the former option titled “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID” has been expanded into two separate choices: Advertising ID and Personalized offers.

These changes were first highlighted by Windows Latest, and they are expected to be rolled out to all users with the upcoming release of Windows 11 24H2 later this year.

Additionally, new descriptions have been added to the ad-related settings, revealing a touch of less favorable news. Users will find toggles to enable or disable settings such as Show notifications in Settings and Recommendations and offers in Settings, both of which are heavily ad-oriented. However, the description for the first setting includes a caveat: “Required notifications will be shown even if this setting is off.” This indicates that Microsoft retains the authority to determine what constitutes a necessary notification, leaving users with limited recourse.

How to sharpen photos in Windows 11?

To sharpen photos in Windows 11, you can use the built-in Photos app or third-party applications like Adobe Photoshop. In the Photos app, open the photo, click 'Edit & Create', then 'Edit', and go to the 'Adjustments' section to increase 'Sharpness'. For advanced editing, open the image in Adobe Photoshop, go to 'Filter' > 'Sharpen', and choose from options like 'Unsharp Mask' or 'Smart Sharpen' for precise control.

How to connect Sony WF-1000XM4 to laptop Windows 11?

To connect the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds to a Windows 11 laptop, first ensure the earbuds are in pairing mode by holding the touch sensor on both earbuds for about 7 seconds. On the laptop, go to 'Settings' > 'Bluetooth & devices', and turn on Bluetooth if it’s not already on. Click 'Add device' and select 'Bluetooth'. Choose 'Sony WF-1000XM4' from the list of available devices to complete the pairing process.
Update: 20 Sep 2024
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