Microsoft is testing new search suggestions in the Microsoft Store for Windows 11, potentially blurring the line between helpful recommendations and paid advertisements. This move follows a growing trend of Microsoft incorporating suggestions and promotional content within Windows 11.
The latest Windows 11 update, KB5036980, introduces ‘recommendations’ for Microsoft Store apps that appear in the Start Menu. While this feature is being widely distributed to users, it is possible to disable these ads with a simple setting. This process is straightforward and can be completed during the initial setup of the OS or at any time afterward. The update is currently optional but is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 PCs over time. Fortunately, users do not need to resort to registry edits to remove these ads.
Just two weeks after rolling out a preview build to Windows Insiders, Microsoft is pushing out an update to Windows 11 that adds advertisements to the Start menu. Build KB5036980, which is now slowly rolling out to the wider Windows 11 user base, includes recommendations in the Start menu, and they sneakily sit beside your real apps. These apps come exclusively from the Microsoft store, and they sit in the Recommended section of the Start menu. This section includes recently used, frequent, and new apps, but one (or more) slots will now be dedicated to an ad.
Despite negative user feedback, Microsoft is implementing Start menu advertisements in Windows 11. The ads appear in the Recommended section, promoting curated apps from the Microsoft Store. While the ads can be disabled, their inclusion highlights Microsoft’s desire for more Windows apps in its store. The update also includes various improvements, such as enhanced Start menu recommendations and better Widgets performance.
Prepare to encounter promotional material in the comfort of your Windows 11 Start menu. Microsoft has initiated the distribution of an update that introduces app suggestions from the Microsoft Store, sneakily referred to as ‘recommendations.’ This move strategically benefits app developers while potentially assisting users in discovering new utilities. However, if these ads become overbearing, you can effortlessly disable them through the Settings menu under Personalization > Start.
