The latest batch of updates for May 2024 is now making its way to users through Patch Tuesday, bringing along a mix of fixes and security enhancements. While this release addresses some significant issues, there are also some less welcome additions, notably in the form of new advertisements appearing directly within the Start menu.
Microsoft initiated the public rollout towards the end of April 2024, starting with the release of the most recent non-security update. However, the May update has now become mandatory for all Windows 11 users.
Despite facing backlash from users during its brief testing phase—where Microsoft introduced these Start menu ads in Windows Insider builds—the company has opted to proceed, pushing “app recommendations” to all users who install KB5037771 on PCs running Windows 11 version 22H2 or 23H2.
Thankfully, disabling Start menu ads in Windows 11 is relatively straightforward. Users can navigate to the Settings app, then proceed to Personalization > Start menu, and simply toggle off the “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more” option. Alternatively, for those seeking a more comprehensive solution to the ad issue in Windows 11, third-party applications like OFGB provide an alternative, ironically developed by a Linux user.
Further improvements may be on the horizon for Windows 11. Enthusiasts exploring the latest Windows 11 preview build from the Canary Channel of the Windows Insider program have stumbled upon what are referred to as “Start menu companions”—live tile-like widgets positioned alongside pinned items. While Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement, users can catch a glimpse of this potential feature here.
