6 New Features That Will Be Available in the Latest Windows 11 Update, You Can Turn Your Android Phone into a Webcam

Meanwhile, Microsoft seems to be starting to place advertisements on their operating system (OS), namely Windows 11. This is known through leaks of the Insider version of Windows 11.

In this latest Insider version of Windows 11, users encounter ads disguised as 'recommendations' in the Start menu.

Quoting 9to5Google, Sunday (14/04/2024), this ad on Windows 11 appears next to the application they just installed.

In the Start menu, Microsoft currently only shows “Pinned” apps above a series of “Recommendations.”

Typically, these “Recommendations” include any files or applications that have been recently used, as well as those that have just been installed, and a number of tips for new Windows 11 features.

Now, the Redmond-based company includes recommendations from the Microsoft Store that 'feel' like advertising.

Even though app makers don't pay the company, Microsoft still gets a share of the apps distributed through its Store.

“Based on recent improvements like grouping recently installed apps and showing your frequently used apps, we're now testing recommendations to help you find great apps from the Microsoft Store below in 'Recommendations' in the Start menu,” Microsoft told The Verge.

Currently, these ads only appear to Windows Insiders Beta in the US and will not apply to commercial devices (Windows devices managed by organizations).

When it appears globally, users can turn off these 'ads' by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and turning off the “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more” button.

“As a reminder, we regularly try out new experiences and concepts that may never be released with Windows Insiders to get feedback,” Microsoft said.