Windows 10: Microsoft is testing Game Pass ads on the Settings homepage

Look, another advertising test in Windows 11. Microsoft launched a new build to the Windows 11 Insider Dev channel on Friday. Windows 11 build 26120.470 fixes issues for the most part. It is delivered via KB5037864 and rolled out gradually to all test systems, even if get the latest updates as soon as possible is checked.

Microsoft notes that the update "includes a small set of general improvements and fixes" designed to "improve the overall experience for Insiders".

Game Pass recommendation ad


One of the improvements recommends, Microsoft's words, the subscription service Game Pass.



Windows 11 testers who open the homepage of the Settings app may see the new ad slot there. It advertises Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription-based game playing service.

Here is Microsoft's announcement: "We are introducing a new Game Pass recommendation card on the Settings homepage. The Game Pass recommendation card on Settings Homepage will be shown to you if you actively play games on your PC. As a reminder – the Settings homepage will be shown only on the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 and if you’re signed into Windows with your Microsoft account.".

Game Pass is available for $9.99 per month, requires a Microsoft account, and gives subscribers access to hundreds of games while subscribed. There is also Game Pass Ultimate, which is available for $16.99 per month. The core difference is that ultimate gives access to games on PC, console, and the cloud, includes online console multiplayer, and includes EA Play.

Microsoft shows the Game Pass advertisement only if users are signed in to a Microsoft account and using Windows 11 Home or Pro. Whether this is true for managed devices as well is unclear.

Closing Words


When Microsoft launched the new homepage of the Settings app, I described it as half promotion half pointless. Not everyone agreed, which is fine.

Back then, Microsoft added a few promotions on the page already. It promoted Microsoft 365 there and also showed subscription information. I decided to hide the Windows 11 Settings homepage, as it offered no value.

Some users may find the information valuable enough to keep it enabled though. Microsoft continues to test the waters regarding ads on Windows 11.

Some, like application recommendations or profile icon recommendations have launched already. Good news is that you can turn off most ads, including app promotions in Windows 11's start menu.

What about you? Do you use the Settings homepage, if you use Windows 11?

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft is testing Game Pass ads on the Settings homepage appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

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Xbox games pass on pc

Hi Bat,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 2-Year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

These are the games free with the pass.

https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-game-pass-p...

However, the exact difference can be told by experts on the Xbox forum so suggest you to start a question there.

Disclaimer:

This is a non-Microsoft website which would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do
more harm than good sometimes.

 

game wont launch with pc game pass

Hi, Logger3422.

I'm Jen, I'm also a Windows user just like you. I'm not working for Microsoft but I'd be happy to help you figure this out.

I understand you're having trouble launching games. To troubleshoot, I suggest following the steps in the article below. Please refer to the steps for PC.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/game-pass-not-la...

I hope this helps. Feel free to share how it went.

Kind regards.

*****Note: This is a non-Microsoft website that would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do more harm than good sometimes.*****

 

Set up a homepage in Windows 10

Hi Chui,

Thank you for your interest in Windows 10!

Please answer the following questions for more information:

a) Where specifically do you want the menu bar or toolbar?

b) In which browser do you want to set the homepage - Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer?

c) What is the exact issue you are facing? Is it specific to some app or program installed in the system?

If you wish to set homepage in Internet Explorer, I would suggest you to refer to the following article:

Change your home page for Internet Explorer

If, however, you wish to change homepage in Edge, you may refer to the following steps:

• 
  Open Microsoft edge.
  
• 
  Click on More actions (Three dots ...)
  
• 
  Click on settings.
  
• 
  Click on view advanced settings.
  
• 
  Turn on "Show the home button"
  
• 
  Enter the URL of the website which you want to set as your home page.
  
• 
  Close the Windows edge and open it again you will be able to get you desired webpage as your home page.
  

Hope this information is helpful. Do let us know if you need any further assistance, we'll be glad to assist you.