Microsoft wants to encourage you to download applications, even if it means displaying advertisements in the Windows Start menu. According to Windows Centralthe Redmond firm is experimenting with the possibility of placing “app promotions” in the lower area, Our recommendations part.
The Start menu displays recommended apps
In the past, ads appeared in the Windows Start menu at the top, before Microsoft reversed course. Rebelote since “app promotions” are being tested according to a leaker, PhantomOcean3, who shares screenshots of this new area on X.
Looks like the Start menu’s Recommended section will be getting app promotions, similar to suggested apps in Start in Windows 10. This can be toggled off from Settings (Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more). pic.twitter.com/zYYnTKs9qw
— PhantomOcean3 🌳 (@PhantomOfEarth) April 9, 2024
Supporting images, we discover a promotion for the Opera browser near the Gamer Bar application installed on the PhantomOcean3 PC, in the Start menu. This means that if you are not careful, it is possible to click on a program that you think is installed on your system when it is actually an advertisement.
Good news, it seems that these advertisements are optional since you can deactivate them from the Windows settings. Microsoft’s goal is to allow you to find the best apps available for the operating system, but not sure that this new feature, although optional, will be well received by users.
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It remains to be seen whether a global deployment is on the agenda, or whether this trial will result in an abandonment of “app promotions”.