The Latest Windows 11 Update Brings Advertising to the Start Menu: Here’s How to Turn It Off
If you’re like me, you might have been surprised to find out that Microsoft has introduced advertising to the Windows 11 Start menu with the latest KB5036980 update. The good news is that you can easily turn off these ads and regain control over your Start menu.
The Update and Its Components
The KB5036980 update includes several changes, but the most noticeable one is the addition of advertisements in the Start menu. These ads are labeled as “curated” Microsoft Store apps, and they take up space on your screen without providing any real value. However, there are some other improvements to the widgets in the taskbar and on the lock screen, as well as the addition of animated icons.
Turning Off Advertising in the Start Menu
If you’re not a fan of these ads and want to turn them off, it’s easy to do so. To disable advertising in the Start menu, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.
2. Select the option to toggle off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
3. This will turn off any extra content and curated app suggestions, and your Start menu will function more like an app shelf than an application drawer.
The Trade-Offs
While turning off advertising in the Start menu is a simple process, there are some trade-offs to consider. Without the recommendations, your Start menu will become more like an app shelf, and you’ll need to curate apps you want to be pinned there. If you don’t do this, the Start menu will become useless beyond the search bar.
Additionally, if you want to reclaim the space taken up by the ads, you’ll need to use a third-party app like ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack, or Start11. These apps can help you customize your Start menu and remove unwanted elements.
The Future of Windows 11
It’s worth noting that Microsoft seems intent on incorporating more advertising into Windows 11. This move has been met with criticism from some users, who feel that the operating system should focus on providing a seamless user experience rather than serving ads.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Windows 11, there are several other operating systems available, such as Linux or macOS. However, if you’re invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and prefer to stick with Windows, it may be worth exploring third-party Start menu apps to regain control over your Start menu.
In conclusion, the latest Windows 11 update has brought advertising to the Start menu, but there is a simple way to turn it off. While this update includes some improvements to widgets and animations, it’s worth considering the trade-offs of disabling advertising and exploring alternative operating systems if you’re not a fan of these changes.