Seeing Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu? Here’s How to Disable It

Microsoft seems to be in a hurry to push ads in the Start menu on Windows 11. It has rolled out an April 2024 optional update (KB5036980) for Windows 11 that brings “some of the great apps that are available” on Microsoft Store from “a small set of curated developers“. It’s basicallyStart Menu adswhich will show up under the Recommended section.

The update applies to Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, but it’s anoptional update. If you choose to skip the update for now, you will automatically get the update in May. While the decision to show ads in the Start Menu has not gone down well with users, there is an easy way to disable promotional ads in the Start Menu. Here is how to do it.

Disable Start Menu Ads on Windows 11

So this is how you can remove ads from the Start Menu on Windows 11. The Start menu is a prominent UI element of Windows, and it should be aslightweight and debloatedas possible. Microsoft’s decision to push ads in the Start Menu is quite controversial and I think, the Redmond giant should not have touched it for monetization.

Anyway, that is all from us. If theShow Desktop button is missingfrom your Taskbar on Windows 11, follow our guide to bring it back. And if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

Arjun Sha

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

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