Microsoft has removed all evidence of plans to add advertising to the Start menu in Windows 11, which surfaced last month and sparked backlash from users.
In April, reports surfaced that Microsoft had changed the name of the toggle for displaying recommendations for tips, shortcuts, and apps to include the word “ads” in Windows 11 Insider build 26200.5001 on the Canary Channel, a channel designed to preview the latest changes to Windows OS on early stages of development. Ads have also appeared in the Start menu. Microsoft’s plans to add the advertising feature permanently have drawn criticism from users, although the company has denied it plans to do so.
Updates from Microsoft
According to XDA Developers, there has been a new twist to this story – Microsoft has removed all evidence that real ads may appear in the Windows 11 Start menu. The company simply changed the name of the switch back to what it was before Insider build 26200.5001 was released. That is, there is no longer any mention of advertising in the Windows 11 Start menu if you use the latest build on the Canary Channel, notes NIX Solutions.
Microsoft’s Response
Let’s add that according to Brandon LeBlanc, senior manager of the Windows Insider Program at Microsoft, the recommendation switch change that happened in April was a “very old text string.” In other words, Microsoft continues to deny plans to add advertising to the Start menu on a permanent basis.
In conclusion, Microsoft has removed all evidence of plans to introduce advertising to the Start menu in Windows 11. Despite previous reports, the company now denies any intention to implement such features, reassuring users of its commitment to their experience. Stay tuned for further updates.