GoKawiilMicrosoft inserts Harry Potter movie ad into Bing Wallpaper app
Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app, which normally rotates nature and landscape photos, recently displayed a promotional image for a Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts 11-film collection instead. Users on Reddit, Thurrott.com and Microsoft Learn forums expressed surprise and frustration, with some mistaking the ad for adware and others objecting due to JK Rowling's political controversies.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The incident shows Microsoft continuing to blur the line between utility apps and advertising space, even in tools users installed expecting scenic imagery rather than promotions. It also highlights ongoing user distrust around Bing Wallpaper following a 2024 report that it quietly installed additional software and cookie-decryption code, raising questions about transparency and opt-out options.
- Bing Wallpaper app briefly replaced nature photos with a Harry Potter film collection ad.
- Users reacted negatively, some mistaking it for adware and questioning how to opt out.
- The app previously faced scrutiny in 2024 for installing extra software without clear disclosure.
Wallpaper Engine (Steam PC software) — If Bing Wallpaper's surprise movie ads pushed you over the edge, Wallpaper Engine is a popular ad-free alternative that lets you set animated or static wallpapers from a huge community workshop. You pick exactly what appears on your desktop each day, no Microsoft promos included.
See Wallpaper Engine (Steam PC software) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Windows users are getting Harry Potter ads as their Bing Wallpaper, and they aren't happy”
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