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Microsoft is pushing out a Windows 11 software update that advertises "recommended" software in your device's Start menu to encourage you to download more apps on your PC and tablet.
Earlier this month, Microsoft tested out Start menu ads with selected Windows Insiders in its Beta Channel. Now, it's making those ads visible to all Windows 11 users by default.
The update that includes the ads is the KB5036980 update released Tuesday. Microsoft calls the Windows 11 Start menu ads a "recommended section."
"These apps come from a small set of curated developers," Microsoft writes in the post detailing the update. "This will help you to discover some of the great apps that are available."
To disable Windows 11's incoming Start menu ads, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start. Turn off the toggle there next to "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more."
It's also possible to stop Windows from showing other ads in the Start menu, block lock screen suggestions, kick ad notifications to the curb, and disable suggested content by navigating through your device's settings to turn off these features. If you like, you can also overhaul the look of your Start menu on Windows 11 entirely.
KB5036980 also comes with some other Windows 11 features, though. The apps you use the most might also show up in this "recommended" section alongside ads, which might confuse some users. Lock screen widgets are also getting an upgrade, according to Microsoft, which will bring "improved quality" and offer "more visuals" and customization.
The update also fixes a bug with Windows 11's Settings menu, and tweaks the look of the Japanese 106 touch keyboard's view on sign-in so that it appears "as expected," according to the update's details page.
There's already a known bug with this update, however, as Microsoft notes that some users might not be able to change their account's profile picture and receive a 0x80070520 error message after the update is installed. Microsoft says it's working on a fix and promises that a resolution will be rolled out in a future update.