Microsoft now lets you play a game during Windows 11 installs

Microsoft has introduced a new twist to the Windows 11 installation and update process, transforming it from a mundane task into an enjoyable experience.

Users are now encouraged to take a break and indulge in a surfing game while waiting for their systems to update, as first spotted by The Verge while installing Windows 11 on a Surface Laptop Studio 2.

This surfing game is the one integrated into the Microsoft Edge web browser, accessible either through the edge://surf URL or in the absence of an internet connection.

Initially launched in May 2020 when bundled with the Microsoft Edge web browser, the Surf game is a modern rendition of the classic SkiFree game, part of Microsoft's Entertainment Pack 3 for Windows 3.0, released in October 1991.

"Want to play a game while you wait? Check out the fan-favorite surf game! Type edge://surf in Microsoft Edge to play again later," users are prompted during Windows installation.

The company's decision to add this game to the Windows install process aims to engage users during potentially lengthy installation procedures.

Should Windows updates take longer than expected, or when users initiate system restorations via Windows Backup, they are also prompted to enjoy a surfing round.

Beyond merely easing potential frustration, this addition taps into users' nostalgia, particularly those familiar with the game from earlier Microsoft products.

By providing an engaging diversion during the installation process, Microsoft seeks to transform what might be a tedious task into a moment of relaxation.

At this time, it is unclear if the surfing game is only coming to Microsoft Surface or all Windows 11 devices. Also, these Surf game prompts did not appear during BleepingComputer's tests of Windows 11 installs on a PC.

---

Update October 04, 16:52 EDT: Aaron Grady, VP for Windows Marketing, told BleepingComputer that the new Edge Surf prompts will appear on all Windows 11 systems when first setting up the device or when restoring from a backup.

Users who choose to restore from a previous backup will see this out-of-box experience, which is applicable to all Windows 11 devices, including Surface. Microsoft has been listening to customer feedback and making changes to the experience of waiting in OOBE: Edge Surf is part of the setup experience that allows Windows Updates to be installed before first use of the device, so that users can benefit from latest features and security updates from the very first day on their new Windows 11 device. – Aaron Grady, VP, Windows Marketing