Ads Are Coming To Windows 11 Start Menu

Ads Are Coming To Windows 11 Start Menu

Image: @PhantomOfEarth (X/Twitter)

Ads are annoying, and they are mostly unwelcomed. Whether you like it or not – Windows 11’s Start Menu will soon have ads inserted under the Recommended section, which currently is designed to suggest files or apps to open. This was spotted by @PhantomOfEarth on X (Twitter), and Microsoft later confirmed the feature is under beta testing.

Before you head up this page and click the ‘Angry’ reaction upon reading this (although power to you), this isn’t the first time Microsoft has actually placed ads into Start Menu. Windows 10, currently the most popular operating system in the world, also comes with ads out of the box – you may remember seeing tiles like Candy Crush sitting in one corner when you click the Start button, and they can be disabled in Settings.

Image: Microsoft

This feature is currently under beta testing for non-commercial users within the United States, although it’s safe to say the full rollout will be applied to all devices globally should the company greenlit this “feature”. Like Windows 10’s implementation, Microsoft assures that users can disable this by turning off the “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more” toggle via Settings > Personalization.

There’s a reason that users are increasingly scrutinizing Microsoft’s monetization efforts, however. Technically, all Windows 11 copies are paid for when a user purchases a pre-built system or a laptop – and having the company essentially bombarding users with ads for extra revenue simply doesn’t sit well with its users. The perception is made worse as the company is getting increasingly aggressive with its advertising efforts, some of which are considered intrusive.

On that note, Discord is also trying a similar concept as well.

Pokdepinion: At least there’s the option to turn it off – but still.