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
Copilot is plugging into Windows 11's File Explorer
Microsoft Copilot logo on a laptop screen


Rabbit R1 update boosts battery life
Rabbit R1 in hand

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

Get serious about productivity on the go with 20% off a Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 on blue and white background

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

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 4
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 3
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Apple Watch feature becomes first digital health tech to receive this FDA approval
Apple Watch

53 of the best Harvard University courses you can take online for free
Hands on laptop
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!