Microsoft recently started showing ads in the Start menu of Windows 11. While some users frowned upon this, others argued that it was a way to monetize the operating system.
So what are these ads in Windows 11, and how do users react to them?
The ads appear as recommendations for apps from the Microsoft Store in the “Recommended” section of the Start menu. These ads are designed to be tailored to users’ interests.
However, some users argue that these ads are unwanted and attention-grabbing. They say they detract from the Start menu’s simple and useful interface and negatively impact the user experience.
Microsoft emphasizes that these ads are optional and that users can easily disable them.
How to disable ads in Windows 11?
To do this, you can follow the steps below:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Turn off “Show suggestions for tips, shortcuts, new apps and more”.
- Turn off this option, and you won’t see any ads in the Start menu.
When is the Start menu ad update coming?
KB5036980 is currently available as an optional update in Windows Update. Microsoft has announced that this update, which is listed as an April release, will begin rolling out to everyone over the next few weeks.
Some users reported that the update was automatically installed on Wednesday, April 24. This does not necessarily mean the update is automatically rolling out to all users.
Installation check:
You can check if you have installed update KB5036980 by opening Windows Update and checking the “Update history”. If KB5036980 appears in the update list, you have installed the update.
If you want to install it yourself, you can check if the update is available by going to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Microsoft’s addition of ads to the Start menu in Windows 11 has caused mixed reactions among users. Some argue that the ads are unwanted and attention-grabbing, and others argue that they are a way to monetize the operating system and that users can disable them.
Featured image credit: Алекс Арцибашев / Unsplash
