Windows 11 Enterprise and Education Editions May Introduce Settings “Home” Featuring Microsoft Account Advertisements

Microsoft has introduced the Home section in Windows 11 23H2, which provides quick access to commonly used settings and promotional content. While this feature was initially reserved for consumer editions, it seems that the commercial versions may soon receive a similar update.

The Settings application features a “Home” page that showcases various aspects of Windows 11. It displays the device name, its connection status, and the last update check. Essential settings are easily accessible, including power, display, and sound configurations, along with Bluetooth options.

Users can further customize their experience by adjusting backgrounds and themes, and by switching between light and dark modes. The page also displays cloud storage usage, offers backup options, and provides prompts for security measures like adding a recovery email. Additionally, users can find information on Microsoft 365 and Xbox Game Pass promotions.

This new feature is set to roll out to a wider range of Windows 11 editions, including Enterprise and Education versions.

As highlighted by Phantom on X, the current cards mainly focus on settings recommendations and personalization options. However, this may evolve when the Home page becomes available to commercial users.

Microsoft is also planning to integrate Microsoft account features into the upcoming Home page for Enterprise and Education editions, as indicated by references in preview builds. Nevertheless, these developments may alter as Microsoft continues to refine its offerings.

If you are logging in with a local account, you might encounter an advertisement prompting you to sign up for a Microsoft account.

Contrasting the Previous and Current Home Sections

In the images below, observe how the MSA promotional card is prominently positioned within the Home section.

The standard page, in contrast, lacks this card and allocates more space for genuinely useful features.

For consumer users, it has become commonplace to encounter MSA promotions scattered across Settings, the Start menu, and various other areas. Even after signing in with a Microsoft account, advertisements for OneDrive and Copilot are often displayed.

On a commercial computer, consider the scenario of a student who operates without the need for a Microsoft account. They can efficiently utilize a local account, especially in a lab environment shared by multiple users across different sessions. In such contexts, MSA promotions may seem irrelevant.

Similarly, a work computer may require a work or school account rather than an MSA account, making OneDrive or Copilot promotions less meaningful. However, there’s optimism as this feature has been identified in a Beta build.

Microsoft might recognize the need to enhance relevance and would likely remove unnecessary clutter, particularly from the Settings app’s home page.

While the company already imposes its browser on users with no option for removal, it should consider reducing the frequency of aggressive upsell advertisements in Settings and elsewhere.

On a positive note, these ads have not been observed in Windows 11 LTSC.

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