Windows 11 now includes ads in the Start menu, but you can turn it off

After a brief testing period, Microsoft has begun rolling out the KB5036980 update to Windows 11 users. Among other things, this update introduces advertisements to the Start menu.

Once installed, the OS will start promoting apps from the Microsoft Store, developed by a curated group of developers. The company hopes this will help Windows 11 users discover more useful apps, and developers will pay more attention to the store.

The ads can be removed in the settings. To do this, open Personalization, select the Start tab, and turn off the toggle for «Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more».

Previously, Microsoft also tested ads in the Windows 11 File Explorer, but this was an experimental feature that never made it to release.