Microsoft recently released a new optional preview update for Windows 11. The update introduces a feature that will be included in the May 2024 cumulative security update for all Windows 11 devices. The testing and rollout of the changes occurred at a rapid pace, with initial availability limited to users within the United States. There was a hint that the change might be pulled before it reached stable versions of Windows 11, but a slightly modified version of the feature has now been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable.

One of the changes in the update is the addition of a “promoted” label to advertised apps, aimed at distinguishing them from user-installed apps. An example provided is the Opera Browser, which is labeled as promoted and described as “browse safely.” It is unclear who is responsible for adding these descriptions to the app listings – the company that owns the product or Microsoft. Beyond the addition of the promoted label, there do not appear to be any significant further changes.

However, the Recommended section of the Start menu will now display some Microsoft Store apps from a small set of curated developers, aiming to help users discover excellent available apps. This feature can be disabled in the Windows 11 Start menu settings. This update raises questions about the user’s thoughts and experiences – how do they feel about the changes and the new features introduced?