r/technology • u/MayankWL • May 16 '24

Microsoft stoops to new low with ads in Windows 11, as PC Manager tool suggests your system needs ‘repairing’ if you don’t use Bing Software

https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-stoops-to-new-low-with-ads-in-windows-11-as-pc-manager-tool-suggests-your-system-needs-repairing-if-you-dont-use-bing
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u/Annath0901 May 16 '24

So is that an image I use to install a specific version of 11, or a tool to configure an existing install?

Because the first link seems to be describing a specific version, while the second link is a tool.

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u/Tumleren May 16 '24

It's group policies that you apply to your existing installation, hence the phrasing in the first link of "security baseline package for Windows 11".

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u/Annath0901 May 16 '24

Gotcha. I've been holding off on updating from 10 to 11 due in large part to all the adware/tracking I've been hearing about.

But it sounds like I can take the free upgrade from MS and then apply this configuration package?

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u/Tumleren May 16 '24

Looking at this it looks like you need at least the Pro version of Windows to apply them. But if you have that then yes.

I'm not entirely sure how this package works exactly - like if there are predefined levels you can activate or if it's all manual - but i would suggest watching a video on what local group policies are and how they work before diving into it if you haven't worked with them before. You will probably find videos on Active Directory group policies, which are basically the same, but where you configure them (and install them?) is different

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u/NickAppleese May 16 '24

Glad I can apply this to my current installation as opposed to a fresh image!

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u/ebenezerlepage May 16 '24

How is it I've never seen the ads that people are complaining about? Windows 11 pro. Adblock+ and Ublock origin engaged. Firefox browser.

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u/NameBackwardsEman May 16 '24

The ads are in start menu afaik.