Microsoft says it’s starting to test ads in the Start menu in Windows 11. The software maker will use the Recommended section of the Start menu, which usually shows file recommendations, to recommend apps from the Microsoft Store.
“This will only be visible to Windows Insiders in the US Beta Channel and will not apply to commercial devices (devices managed by organizations),” it says. In a Microsoft blog post.
App promotions can be disabled in Windows 11’s Settings, but it looks like Microsoft will enable them by default. Microsoft is looking for feedback on the changes, so the company may decide to drop these ads on Windows 11 development builds if there’s enough feedback to show that they won’t be a popular addition.
Now, it’s up to Windows testers to provide feedback on these changes to see if Microsoft will be forced not to include these ads in shipping versions of Windows 11.