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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

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Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Now, Microsoft is advertising Copilot through QR codes as well?

Or it could be a bug?

3 min. read

Updated onMarch 8, 2024

updated onMarch 8, 2024

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Lately, Microsoft has been in the news for getting aggressive with its advertising to promote its services and products, whether it’s upgrading to Windows 11 or using the AI assistant Copilot.

According to recent complaints on community forums, Microsoft is now putting up a QR code on your device lock screen with theSave time, learn faster and create dynamically through AI with the free Microsoft Copilot appmessage.

A Reddit user,Not-Unpredictable, reported the QR code coming on the lock screen and stated that:

I opened up my computer to see a lovely QR code plastered across my lock screen. When scanned it takes you to a page talking about Copilot. It’s actually blocked by the little globe icon so I had to partially drag it upwards to actually scan it.

One of the Reddit users responded, calling it a bug, and further said:

This feels like a bug. I know Windows 11 is really scummy by default but just the way it is situated doesn’t really fit the rest of the lock screen advertising UI. My guess is that it is not supposed to show up unless you click on the ad under it in the first picture.

A lot of other people have also pointed it out and called it an error with a UI rather than Microsoft’s new way of advertising.

One of the Reddit users,Reddit891mentioned that upon scanning the QR code, it redirected to app.adjust.com and the website didn’t load properly.

Another one,Froggypwns, was able to scan andfollow the link, and it took him to the Copilot app in the store for the mobile platform and to Microsoft.com when using the Windows computer.

If you check the link, you will seeapp.adjust.commentioned in the link. Adjust is a mobile marketing vendor, so it might not be a bug but an advertising thing.

When a lot of other people argued that Microsoft would not go that far to promote a product and called it a bug.

ThenNot-Unpredictable, the user who originally reported the issue said,

A few other people have pointed out that it is likely a bug with the UI. It’s probably supposed to show that QR code when I click on the little widget right below it on the first image.

He also mentioned that he has reported this issue via Feedback Hub.

Some of the users also suggested turning off theGet fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen feature.

To do that you need to open the Windows Settings app and navigate toPersonalization>Lock screen. LocatePersonalize your lock screen, selectPicture, and remove the checkmark next to theGet fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screenoption.

Now, when you lock your screen, you won’t get any suggestions or tips related to Microsoft products or services.

I tried this method. Earlier, when using Windows Spotlight as a lock screen, I got a suggestion to use Microsoft Word, not the QR code, but only a globe on top of it.

However, when I turned off this option, I got a plain Microsoft Windows 11 wallpaper, which I chose as my lock screen.

Whether it is a bug or another marketing tactic by Microsoft, we hope that the company promptly clarifies the issue for its disgruntled users.

Have you seen the lock screen with the QR code on your Windows computer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More about the topics:microsoft,Microsoft copilot

Srishti Sisodia

Windows Software Expert

Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.

Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.

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Srishti Sisodia

Windows Software Expert

She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Now, Microsoft is advertising Copilot through QR codes as well?#