Are there icons of applications you’ve never installed in your computer’s Start menu? Welcome to ads Windows 11. After several weeks of testing on development versions of the operating system, Microsoft began rolling out what it calls “recommendations” to all users.

The innovation comes with the KB5036980 update, which at the time of writing this article is optional but will be distributed as a traditional update in the coming weeks. The release notes may help us understand what the Redmond company is aiming for with this move.

How do Windows 11 Start menu “suggestions” work?

Some information will be shown in the Recommended section of the Windows 11 Start menu, according to Microsoft Apps from Microsoft Store. The company explains that the applications will come from a small number of selected developers. What is the purpose of all this? In principle, we, the users, discover new applications.

The Recommended section usually shows recently installed applications as well as recently opened documents. What’s new is that now sponsored apps will also appear. In the example we see in the image, the user finds the 1Password icon even if the application is not installed.

This way, when this function is activated, we will find recommended applications in the Start menu. Now, if you think they don’t need help discover new apps or you can easily disable suggestions if you want more control over this part of your system.

To do this, go to: Adjustment > Personalization > Beginning and turn off the “Show suggestions for tips, app demos, and more” switch. It should be noted that this is not the first time that Microsoft, for example, has shown ads in its operating system. It is found in various parts.

Pictures | Microsoft

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