Seattle, Washington – Microsoft has recently begun rolling out ads within the Start menu on Windows 11 for all users, marking a significant shift in the operating system’s interface. These ads, labeled as “recommendations,” were initially tested with a select group of Windows Insiders before being made available to the wider user base through the latest update, KB5036980.
According to Microsoft, the Recommended section in the Start menu will showcase apps from a curated selection of developers from the Microsoft Store. The intention behind these ads is to help users discover new applications while also benefiting the developers seeking to expand their reach on the Windows platform.
Despite only initiating testing for these ads a mere two weeks ago, Microsoft has swiftly integrated them into the public release of Windows 11. This rapid progression highlights the company’s commitment to showcasing these ads as an integral part of the user experience, despite potential reservations from users.
Fortunately, users have the option to disable these ads, or “recommendations,” through the settings menu. By accessing the latest update, users can navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start and disable the toggle for “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.” Although the KB5036980 update is currently optional, Microsoft plans to push this feature to all Windows 11 devices in the near future.
This decision to introduce ads within the Windows 11 Start menu mirrors previous initiatives by Microsoft to incorporate promotional content in various elements of the operating system, such as the lock screen and Start menu in Windows 10. Additionally, Microsoft had previously experimented with ads within File Explorer on Windows 11, a test that was ultimately discontinued due to undisclosed reasons.
As Microsoft continues to explore new avenues for generating revenue and promoting applications, the reception to these ads within the Windows 11 interface will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the operating system’s user experience. With users given the ability to opt-out of these recommendations, the extent of their impact on user engagement and satisfaction remains to be seen.