Windows 11 logo on phone screen

Sometimes it feels like everything is getting a little bit worse every day. This latest Windows 11 update is a good example of that.

In the patch notes for Windows 11 update KB5036980, Microsoft noted that the start menu in Windows 11 will now display recommended apps from the Windows app store. In other words, they put ads in the start menu.

“The Recommended section of the Start menu will show some Microsoft Store apps. These apps come from a small set of curated developers,” the patch notes said. “This will help you to discover some of the great apps that are available.”

How to turn off recommended apps in the Windows 11 start menu

In case you’re wondering, yes, you can turn this off. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Click on Personalization

  3. Click on Start

  4. Find the toggle that says “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more”

  5. Turn the toggle off

It’s good that Microsoft gives you the option to straight up disable those ads. Take advantage of it while you can.

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