Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11, identified by the code KB5036980, which introduces new features, but also a less pleasant element: ads in the Start menu.
This update, which has been rolling out since this week, includes improvements to system functionality in addition to ads.
Users who prefer not to experience the new look of the Start menu can choose not to install this update from the “Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional updates” section of the Settings menu. Improvements brought by the update include fixing display issues with widgets on the taskbar and lock screen, where they sometimes appeared pixelated or blurry. Also fixed issues with the Japanese 106 keyboard and the Settings app crashing when displaying certain notification messages.
Microsoft will display ads in the Windows 11 start menu
Ads, which are the main novelty of this update, are not yet present, indicating that Microsoft is testing how they are displayed and their impact on users. Ads may not have been enabled at the server level yet, CNet writes.
Advertisements are not new to the Windows operating system, having been present in the Start Menu since Windows 10. However, this update marks a significant change by introducing advertising into a highly visible and frequently used area by users, which could not be well received by all. The ads will be displayed in the Recommended section of the Start Menu, which previously showed the user’s recently used documents and images.
Microsoft explained that the ads will promote apps from the Microsoft Store, selected from a “small set of select developers,” and that when selected, users will be redirected to the Microsoft Store to download that app. It is not yet clear whether users will have the option to disable these ads completely or partially.
Get the desired loan with financial pre-approval in 24 hours.
See comments (1)
