Microsoft released a new optional preview update for Windows 11 this week, introducing a new feature. The changes included in this update will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices as part of the May 2024 cumulative security update.

The testing and rollout of these changes occurred at a record pace, initially limited to Windows 11 users in the United States. Subsequently, a slightly modified version of the feature has been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable.

Notably, advertised apps now have a “promoted” label to distinguish them from user-installed apps. The screenshot provided as an example shows a promotion for the Opera Browser, featuring the promoted label and the description “browse safely”.

It remains unclear who adds descriptions to these listings, whether it is the product’s owner or Microsoft. Aside from the new promoted label, it appears that little else has changed.

The Recommended section of the Start menu will now display some Microsoft Store apps, which come from a small set of curated developers. This aims to assist users in discovering great apps that are available.

If you have experienced this update, how has it affected your Windows 11 user experience?