"Microsoft Explores Using Windows 11 Start Menu for Targeted Advertisements"

Microsoft is testing "recommendations" – ads for apps in the Microsoft Store – in the Windows 11 Start Menu for a small set of US Beta Channel Windows Insiders, frustrating users who expected improvements to its functionality. The feature can be turned off and is part of Microsoft's efforts to gather feedback from Insiders, but the reaction has been largely negative. This move comes as Microsoft aims to block desktop customization tools while facing backlash from the open source community.