Windows 11 now shows app ads in the Start Menu

Microsoft has adopted a new way to display ads in Windows 11. The new feature appeared in KB5036980, the company’s latest operating system update for versions 22H2 and 23H2.

According to website NeoWinWindows 11 now shows ads in the Start Menu. When you open the shortcut box, you now see a section called “Recommended”. It only includes software that you haven’t installed but may be of interest to you.

By clicking on one of the advertising applications, the user is immediately directed to the download page in the Microsoft store.

“These apps come from a small group of developers. This will help you discover some of the great programs available,” Microsoft says in the official description for the update confirming the feature.

For now, the KB5036980 update remains in Beta; This means that not all users have access to the changes to the Start Menu yet. But the trend is for it to appear throughout the community within the next few weeks at the latest.

How to remove ads from Windows 11 Start Menu

The option to display software advertisements is enabled by default in the operating system. Fortunately, it is possible to turn off this system and no longer receive instructions from the company.

To do this, Open Windows 11 Settings manually or using the Win+I keyboard shortcut. Now go to “Personalization” and then click “Start”.

Finally, disable the “Show suggestions for tips, shortcuts, new apps and more” option. This will remove ads from both other programs and other system recommendations.