Windows 11 introduced significant changes to the user interface. The objective is to offer a “modern” experience.
One of the highlights is the centering of icons at the taskbar and a completely redesigned start menu. Live tiles are gone while the approach is that of Windows 10X, an operating system that has been discontinued. Since the official launch of Windows 11, Microsoft has continued this work with the arrival of new features. Unfortunately their natures are not always unanimous. This is what is happening around the latest idea proposed by Microsoft.
Windows 11, no more ads in the start menu?
The latest Windows 11 Preview comes with a big change. Recommended websites appear in the Start menu.
Windows and start menu – recommended websites appear
In other words, when you click on the Start menu, Windows 11 displays websites in the recommended items section. Is it advertising? According to Microsoft no. The purpose would be to facilitate and speed up access to websites that the user would often visit. Microsoft quickly realized that its idea is not “everyone’s cup of tea”. Is it a lack of trust? Probably because the explanations of the giant suggest advertising for websites
We will recommend popular websites to you by depending on your region Where your browsing history to help you easily return to the websites that interest you.
The giant is, however, considering options that will decide how the recommendations will be offered. For example, it will be possible to block the display of certain websites with a single click. A more advanced setting in Settings will allow you to completely disable the recommendations.
Redmond adds
We’ve been working on adding more valuable content to the Recommended section in the home screen, and we’re excited to introduce a new type of content: websites. For the first phase, we’ll recommend common websites based on your region or browsing history to help you easily return to the websites you care about. This can be controlled by right-clicking on a website and choosing to remove that site individually or stop displaying all recommended websites altogether. Only select Insiders will see this experience, and if you do, please share your feedback.
For the moment, this new feature only concerns a limited number of users of the Windows Insider program. We don’t have any timeline for a “general public” deployment. Note that in its explanation Microsoft speaks of a “first phase” suggesting other phases with other recommended websites.
This file is to be followed closely because if Microsoft decides to offer websites other than those visited, controversy is inevitable. Windows 11 will step up a gear when it comes to serving ads.