Microsoft adds Copilot Pro ads to Windows 11 Settings app

Last year, Microsoft launched an optional subscription service called Copilot Pro. This tool works with its built-in AI tool Copilot and it costs $20 per month. Copilot Pro focuses on “prioritizing the use of GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo during peak hours”. It also provides users with a faster content creation and AI image generation experience. The Copilot Pro subscription offers extra perks and improvements, such as access to GPT-4 Turbo, Office integration, custom GPTs, improved image generation, and more.

In addition to priority access to GPT-4, Copilot Pro offers two additional features:

• Designer enhancements: Users can use Speed ​​Up 100 times per day to prioritize image generation requests and get faster results.
• Microsoft 365 integration: Subscribers can use Copilot to help create, edit and communicate in apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.

Currently, Microsoft is testing Copilot Pro ads internally in Windows 11 Dev and Beta. These ads are currently hidden on the homepage and account pages of the Settings app and need to be activated using third-party tools. It is expected that all Windows 11 users will see these ads in the Settings app in the future.

Copilot Pro Ads in Windows 11 Settings App

According to reports, the ads will open by default every time you launch the Settings app. The ad provides a brief description of what Copilot Pro is and lets you click a big button to subscribe or learn more about the subscription and its perks. The Copilot Pro ad is not the first thing of questionable practicality to appear on the Settings app. Microsoft already uses the Settings app to promote the Microsoft 365 subscription and OneDrive. The rollout of the Copilot Pro ad may be limited since Copilot Pro is only available to users in the United States.

In addition to the first CoPilot Pro ad which appears on the home page of the Settings app, a new column called “Microsoft Copilot Pro” contains an introduction to the subscription service. It also contains a “Get Copilot Pro” button. The second ad is located on the “Account” page, titled “Super Boost Your Creativity and Productivity” and comes with a preview image. The rest of the content is the same as the homepage ad.

At the moment, not all Windows 11 users can see these ads in the Settings app. However, we believe that all users should see these ads in the future. The appearance of Copilot Pro ads seems to indicate that future Windows versions may include more such ads.

Copilot Pro Subscription

Microsoft Copilot Pro is a subscription service that provides users with an AI companion across various Microsoft 365 apps. Priced at $20 per month, it offers an AI-powered chat with Microsoft Copilot, enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance, and priority access to the latest AI models from OpenAI, such as GPT-4 Turbo. Copilot Pro is designed to function as a “single AI experience that runs across your understanding of your context on the web, on your PC, across your apps, and soon on your phone.” It can be used in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 apps.

The subscription is aimed at power users, such as researchers, programmers, and content creators, who may rely on AI for work projects. In addition to the AI features, Copilot Pro also offers enhanced AI image creation using Designer and the ability to build custom Copilot GPTs focused on select topics. The service is available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 Personal or Home subscriptions, and it is not available as a standalone product. The regular Copilot is available to anyone with a Microsoft account, while Copilot Pro is reserved for those with active Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Pros and cons of Copilot Pro ads in the Windows 11 Settings app

Pros

1. Increased Awareness: Copilot Pro ads can increase awareness among users about the features and benefits of the Pro version, which may lead to more users opting for the paid version.

2. Upselling Opportunity: It provides an opportunity for Microsoft to upsell users from the free version to the Pro version by highlighting additional features and functionalities.

3. Revenue Generation: Incorporating ads for Copilot Pro in the Settings app can generate additional revenue for Microsoft, which can be reinvested into improving the product or developing new features.

4. Customization Options: Users may find the ads useful if they are tailored to their preferences and needs, offering insights into advanced settings and options available in the Pro version.

Cons

1. User Experience: Ads in the Settings app may disrupt the user experience. This could make it feel intrusive or cluttered, especially if users are already engaged in adjusting system settings or configurations.

2. Distraction: Ads can distract users from their primary tasks within the Settings app. This could lead to frustration and potentially cause users to avoid exploring the app altogether.

3. Perception of Bloatware: Users may perceive the inclusion of ads in system settings as bloatware. This could negatively impact their perception of the Windows 11 platform and Microsoft’s commitment to user experience.

4. Privacy Concerns: Users may have privacy concerns related to data collection and tracking associated with personalized ads. This could lead to distrust and apprehension regarding the use of Copilot Pro.

5. Intrusiveness: Ads for Copilot Pro may be perceived as intrusive. This is particularly true if they cannot be easily dismissed. This will be also true if the ads dominate the interface thereby diminishing the usability of the Settings app.

6. Preference for Free Version: Users may resent the presence of ads for the Pro version if they are content with the features offered in the free version. This could lead to a negative reception of the advertising strategy.

Final Words

In conclusion, the introduction of Copilot Pro ads in the Windows 11 Settings app marks a strategic move by Microsoft. The company will use the ads to promote its subscription-based AI service to a broader user base. These ads present opportunities for increased awareness, upselling, and revenue generation. However, they also pose challenges related to user experience, privacy concerns, and the perception of bloatware. The effectiveness of these ads will depend on their integration into the Settings app. It will also depend on the degree to which they enhance rather than disrupt the user experience. Moving forward, Microsoft must carefully balance its monetization efforts with user preferences and expectations. This is to ensure a positive reception among Windows 11 users.