Windows 11 Start menu ads arrive. How to turn them off.

That's annoying.
By Alex Perry  on 
Windows 11 logo on phone screen
Bad move, Microsoft. Credit: Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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."

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

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.

Topics Windows


Recommended For You

YouTube is excited about pause screen ads — and they're coming for your TV first
Close-up shot of the YouTube logo on a screen

Windows 11 update fixes record number 147 flaws. This is why I switched to macOS.
Windows 11 on a laptop and phone

X's new video app is coming to your smart TV
The X app on a smartphone.

The best sex and dating apps for finding a hookup
Three people in bed

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 5
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 5
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 4
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 5
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

WireGuard vs. OpenVPN: What’s the difference?
WireGuard vs. OpenVPN versus image
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!