Microsoft Tests Adding Game Ads to Windows 11 Settings Homepage to Lure Users into Trying More New Games

Last night, Microsoft launched Windows 11 Build 26120.470 to users of the Windows Insider Dev Channel, corresponding to the cumulative update number KB5037864.

While this update primarily focuses on fixing known issues, there's a notable new improvement: Microsoft is testing the addition of an Xbox Game Pass recommendation card to the Windows 11 settings homepage, which recommends new games based on user habits.

This feature is only available to users who log in with a Microsoft online account on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. If you log in with a local account, you won't be able to see the game recommendations .

Meanwhile, any Enterprise edition systems, including Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), and Server 2025, will not include this ad-like feature.

When users log in with a Microsoft online account and frequently use their PC for gaming, Microsoft will add a Game Pass recommendation card to the bottom of the settings homepage, recommending new games.

Xbox Game Pass is a game subscription service launched by Microsoft's Xbox team, so essentially, this is similar to the Microsoft 365 OneDrive subscription recommendation added to the settings homepage, both aiming to promote Microsoft's paid subscription services.

Similar to the Microsoft 365 storage subscription card, the Xbox Game Pass recommendation card is likely to be non-dismissible, so users will see this recommendation card and some games when they open the Windows 11 settings in the future.