Microsoft Is Testing Ad Placements on the Windows 11 Start Menu
Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) has started testing ads within the Start menu of its operating system. The software giant is now displaying app promotions from the Microsoft Store in the “Recommended” section of the Start menu for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the US.
While these ads are enabled by default, beta testers have the option to disable the ads through the Settings menu. Microsoft also said in a blog post that they will not apply the ads to commercially-managed devices. They may also not apply the ads at all to future Windows 11 releases, depending on the results of the feedback from the beta testers.
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The company also previously tested ads in the Windows 11 File Explorer, but discontinued the feature in beta versions after it received unfavorable user feedback. Before that, the company also put ads on the Windows 10 lock screen and the Start menu.
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