A programmer from Arch Linux wrote a utility for users of the Windows 11 operating system. Its main purpose is to remove all advertising in the OS. The program even removes those materials that are not affected by standard methods, and their volume increases with each OS update. The software does not take up much disk space and is currently available for download and free use.
“Clean” Windows 11
The author of the project with the nickname Maddy called her utility Oh Fuck Go Back (OFGB), it takes up only 220 kilobytes of disk space. The name of the program hints at rolling back changes in the Windows 11 system and returning to a “cleaner” version of the OS without excessive advertising and annoying spam. The author of the program decided to make the interface of her product as simple and understandable as possible for users. It took into account the differences between Windows and Linux users and did not add additional features – only basic functions. You just need to select the type of advertising you want to remove, and the rest of the actions are performed automatically. This approach makes using the utility as convenient and efficient as possible, regardless of the user’s experience with computers and operating systems.
Today the OFGB utility exists in alpha version 0.3. It already includes a spam removal feature in the Windows Start menu and Explorer, key elements of the user interface. OFGB also permanently rids us of annoying ads in Settings, where Microsoft has been introducing ads for years. Windows 11 can even show it on the lock screen. Which the program also copes with successfully. OFGB is an example of an effective and free tool for consumers who prefer a clean user experience without intrusive advertising.
At the time of its release, OFGB offered users nine ad removal options. The instructions indicate that after using the utility, it is advisable to restart the computer for high-quality results. The program clearly demonstrates the volume and variety of intrusive banners and advertising tabs in the operating system, even if you pay a license for using Windows. It is obvious that Microsoft is trying to extract maximum profit from its product, including through the OS and updates after the technical support period has expired. In parallel, Microsoft receives payments from advertisers. And the company’s clients must endure tons of spam and unwanted advertising for their own money.
The author of the program managed not only to create a high-quality product, but also to clearly demonstrate to Microsoft the current problem of OS commercialization. According to some experts, turning the Windows 11 operating system into an advertising platform could be carried out under the direction or with the consent of Bill Gates. It is believed that the creator of Microsoft still influences strategic decisions at the company, including measures to monetize Windows 11.
There is a certain irony in the fact that the application is available for download on the GitHub platform. After all, six years ago it was Microsoft acquired GitHub. At the end of April 2024, for example, Microsoft implemented advertising even in the Start menu, which caused a sharp reaction from users, as well as dissatisfaction in reviews and comments on the news.
Minimizing risks
The OFGB utility takes responsibility for editing the Windows registry, reducing the risk of damage to a minimum. Editing the registry by an inexperienced user is a rather complicated and dangerous procedure. Errors can lead not only to incorrect operation of the system, but even to its inoperability.
OFGB immediately began to enjoy popularity due to its maximum benefits and the absence of obvious disadvantages. The utility was discussed both on platforms such as Reddit and on social networks. Thanks to these factors, the number of OFGB users grew to thousands within a few days, and this figure continues to increase.
Key to Discussing the Advertising Problem in Windows
The creator of OFGB, under the nickname Maddy, also gave the first mini-interview about the success of her product. She emphasized the importance of the utility in the context of discussing the problem of advertising in paid software. According to Maddy, one of the most significant achievements of OFGB is that people actually thought about it. Users, not without reason, believe that advertising in Windows OS is becoming more and more noticeable, contrary to their expectations of getting a quality product for their money without annoying banners and tabs.
Maddy believes the utility encourages people to consider using alternative software such as Linux. Linux distributions usually have fewer advertisements, although they are also present there. For example, a couple of years ago reported about the presence of spam in Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions.
Maddy was annoyed by advertisements that appeared in various places on the operating system. “When I came across Sean Brink’s .reg file, I found a solution to the problem. “I then decided that it could be accessible to more people if there was a graphical interface so that less tech-savvy users could easily set registry keys without needing any special knowledge.” said by OFGB. She also noted that she had long ceased to be a Windows user due to the increase in telemetry, advertising and the lack of easily customizable settings.
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