Microsoft says Windows 11 File Explorer ads were ‘not intended to be published externally’

Image: Microsoft

A new type of ad appears to be being tested by Microsoft. Users were prompted to check out the Microsoft Editor after seeing an ad in the latest test build of Windows 11. Microsoft says it was a mistake that the ads appeared for some Windows 11 users.

Brandon LeBlanc, senior program manager for Windows, said in a statement that the banner was turned off because it was not intended to be published outside.

While the ads weren't intended to be tested outside, it's clear Microsoft is capable of running them inside Windows 11, and the company's brief statement doesn't rule out ads appearing in the File Explorer in the future.

Microsoft has placed ads inside File Explorer before. A large banner ad was added to the Windows 10 File Explorer in order to promote subscription options for its cloud storage service. While the ads can be easily dismissed, they are still a frustrating experience in an operating system that has traditionally been ad-free.

Microsoft has been experimenting with ads for a decade. There are lots of annoying pop-up ads in the Windows 10 Start menu and lock screen, and it already places ads on the lock screen. Lots of Windows 8's built-in apps had ads in them.

Microsoft isn't the only one advertising its own services. We've seen full-screen ads for Apple TV Plus if you own an Apple TV, and Apple has offers for Apple Music, Apple Fitness, and iCloud if you buy a new iPhone. You will be hounded with pop-up ads until you buy a subscription to YouTube.