The Start menu in Windows 11 is receiving an update that includes ads, much to the annoyance of some users. Microsoft is introducing Start menu ads with the latest Windows 11 update, set to be available to all users this week. These ads will appear in the recommended section and Microsoft is presenting them as a way to discover “great” Microsoft Store apps. However, for users who prefer a clean Start menu without ads, there is a simple solution to disable them.
These personalized ads are part of Microsoft’s Windows KB5036980 update, which has been in preview for the past two weeks. According to a report by The Verge, Microsoft began testing ads earlier this month. On its support page, Microsoft confirmed the addition of ads and explained, “The Recommended section of the Start menu will show some Microsoft Store apps. These apps come from a small set of curated developers. This will help you to discover some of the great apps that are available.”
Some users have already started seeing these ads. Currently, the recommended section displays recently used files and apps, but based on screenshots, the ads will start appearing in this area. There are no clear visual indicators to distinguish promoted apps from installed ones, except for a brief description of the promoted app.
Thankfully, Microsoft is offering an easy way to disable these ads. While some users may find value in curated ads from select developers, others may prefer a cleaner Start menu. To disable the ads, users can follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Find the Settings app and click on it.
3. Click on Personalisation.
4. In the Personalisation menu, find Start and click on it.
5. Look for the option titled “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more,” which is the fourth option from the top.
6. Turn off the toggle for this option.
7. The ads should now be disabled.
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Microsoft is rolling out Start menu ads with the new Windows 11 update, which is expected to reach all users this week. These ads will be shown as part of the recommended section and are pitched as a discoverability feature to learn about “great” Microsoft Store apps. Some users may find these ads annoying and prefer to disable them to keep their Start menu clean. The personalised ads are part of Microsoft’s Windows KB5036980 update and are curated by select developers to help users discover useful apps. While some users may find value in these ads, Microsoft has provided an easy method to disable them for those who do not wish to see them.
The Recommended section of the Start menu will now display Microsoft Store apps from a small set of curated developers to help users discover new apps. Currently, the recommended section shows recently used files and apps, but it will soon start featuring ads. Promoted apps do not have any visual cues to distinguish them from installed apps, except for a small description of the app. Users can disable these ads by following simple steps in the Settings app under Personalisation and Start. By turning off the option for Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more, users can return their Start menu to its clean appearance.
Overall, while some users may appreciate the curated nature of these ads, others may find them intrusive and prefer to have a clutter-free Start menu. Microsoft’s decision to include ads in the Start menu has garnered mixed reactions from users, with some appreciating the opportunity to discover new apps and others expressing annoyance at the intrusion of ads in a previously ad-free space. Ultimately, the choice to disable these ads lies with the user, as Microsoft has provided a straightforward method to do so for those who wish to keep their Start menu clean and free of unsolicited advertisements.
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