- Microsoft is facing new backlash because its Bing Wallpaper app began displaying an intrusive Harry Potter-themed promotion.
- Users expressed frustration, with one saying they noticed an ad in place of their wallpaper for the first time after years of use, and another calling it "atrocious UX" and "ad over [an] entire screen".
- Microsoft has not yet responded to a request for comment, and the situation is seen as problematic given the company's promises to improve Windows 11 partly by decluttering the OS.
- The wallpaper appears to be a tie-in to promote the new Harry Potter series, slated to premiere in December, but users are unhappy.
- A Reddit user complained about the ad, saying they sent feedback and disabled it, and another user criticized the promotion due to Harry Potter author JK Rowling and her controversial views on transgender people.
- A user asked whether there will be more advertisements and if they must uninstall Bing Wallpaper to prevent them, or if there is an opt-out option.
Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app is under fire for displaying a Harry Potter-themed advertisement, which users have criticized as 'atrocious UX.' The promotion appears to be a tie-in for the upcoming Harry Potter series, set to premiere in December.127
Users expressed their frustration on various platforms, with one stating, “I have been using Bing Wallpaper happily for years. Today, for the first time, I noticed a hecking ad in place of my wallpaper,” highlighting the unexpected intrusion. Another user lamented, “Why this level of nickel and diming. This is atrocious UX, it’s ad over [an] entire screen. For a moment I thought I installed some adware malware.”
The backlash intensified as users questioned the appropriateness of promoting content related to JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, due to her controversial views on transgender issues. One user remarked, “Why is my Bing wallpaper advertising a transphobic author's films on my desktop?”
Despite the growing discontent, Microsoft has yet to respond to requests for comment. This incident raises concerns about the company's commitment to decluttering Windows 11, as it has promised to enhance user experience.56
As users ponder whether to uninstall the app to avoid further ads, the situation reflects a significant misstep for Microsoft in maintaining user trust and satisfaction.
“One user said they used Bing Wallpaper for years before seeing an ad for the first time, while another asked if uninstalling is the only way to opt out. The promotion ties to the Harry Potter series premiering in December, and some users criticized it over JK Rowling's transgender views.”
