If you don't like the ad then we have bad news for you. It's just that the ads will invade somewhere else where they shouldn't be. Microsoft releases an update for Windows 11 that integrates ads directly into the Start menu.

Windows 11: You will now have to put up with ads in the Start menu.

About two weeks ago, Microsoft began testing a Recommended section in the Start menu for Windows Insiders. This Recommendations section is designed to show users apps that the Windows Store suggests. Microsoft seems to have sped up this functionality. And now it's available to everyone this week as part of today's KB5036980 update.

According to the release notes, the recommended section will offer app recommendations “that come from a small group of selected developers.” The tech giant adds that these ads are intended to help users “discover some of the great apps out there.”

In addition to ads, Microsoft says you may also see frequently used apps in the recommended section. This will be the case for frequently used applications that are not yet pinned to the Start menu or taskbar.

Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to turn this feature off. This can be done by going to Settings > Personalization > Get Started. There you will see the option to “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more,” which you can disable.

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However, this update also adds a larger set of animated icons and improves the tool icons on the taskbar. This is so that it does not appear spread or dotted anymore. In addition, the widgets on the lock screen are now more reliable.

In other words, advertising issues aside, it's an interesting update.