Bad news, Windows 11 users: ads are coming to the Start menu, but there’s something you can do about it
Microsoft recently unveiled its highly anticipated latest operating system, Windows 11, and with it came some disappointing news. Ads will now be a part of the redesigned Start menu, as confirmed by Microsoft itself. This announcement has left many users feeling frustrated and concerned about the intrusion of ads into their computing experience. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact of these ads and regain control over your Start menu.
First and foremost, it is important to understand why Microsoft has decided to introduce ads into the Start menu. Like many technology companies, Microsoft relies on advertising revenue to support the development and maintenance of its products. As Windows 11 is offered as a free upgrade, it is not surprising that Microsoft is exploring new avenues to generate revenue. However, the decision to incorporate ads into a core part of the operating system has understandably attracted criticism.
The ads in the Start menu will be displayed as suggested apps, which means that they will appear as recommendations for apps or services that Microsoft believes will be useful to users based on their browsing and usage patterns. While some may argue that these suggestions can be helpful, others view them as intrusive and distracting. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to regain control over your Start menu.
The first option you can consider is disabling personalized ads. By doing this, Microsoft will no longer use your browsing and usage data to determine which apps to recommend. To disable personalized ads, go to the Start menu and select “Settings.” From there, click on “Privacy & security,” then navigate to the “General” tab. Look for the section labeled “Ads,” and toggle off the option that says “Show me personalized ads from Microsoft.”
Another step you can take is to remove the suggested apps altogether. This will require a bit more effort but allows you to have a clean Start menu free from any unwanted recommendations. To remove suggested apps, right-click on the Start menu and select “Taskbar settings.” Scroll down until you find the “Personalize your taskbar” section and click on “Start.” Look for the toggle switch labeled “Show suggestions occasionally in Start,” and turn it off.
If you want to go a step further and completely customize your Start menu, you can consider using third-party Start menu replacement applications. These applications offer greater flexibility in organizing and personalizing your menu, allowing you to have more control over what appears on it.
While the introduction of ads into the Start menu is disappointing, it is essential to remember that Microsoft has provided users with options to mitigate their impact. By disabling personalized ads or removing suggested apps, you can regain control over how your Start menu looks and functions. Moreover, utilizing third-party replacements for the Start menu allows you to create a completely personalized experience tailored to your needs.
As we navigate the world of technology, it is essential to be aware of the trade-off between free services and the presence of ads. While Windows 11 may come with ads in its Start menu, the ability to customize and optimize our computing experience is still within our reach. By taking advantage of the options provided to us, we can strike a balance that allows us to enjoy the benefits of Microsoft’s latest operating system while minimizing the intrusion of ads.
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