Microsoft released a new optional preview update for Windows 11 this week, which introduces a new feature. The changes included in this update will be deployed to all Windows 11 devices as part of the May 2024 cumulative security update. The testing and rollout of the update occurred at a rapid pace, initially being limited to Windows 11 users in the United States. There was even speculation that the update might be withdrawn before it became available in stable versions of Windows 11.

A slightly modified version of the feature has now been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable. This modification involves adding a “promoted” label to advertised apps in order to distinguish them from user-installed apps. An example provided in the text is a promotion for the Opera Browser, which includes the promoted label and the description “browse safely.” It is unclear whether the company that owns the product or Microsoft adds these descriptions to the listings.

Aside from these changes, there are no other visible alterations. The Recommended section of the Start menu will display some Microsoft Store apps originating from a curated selection of developers. This is intended to help users discover high-quality apps available in the Microsoft Store. Additionally, users have the option to disable this feature in the Windows 11 Start menu.

Do you have any thoughts on these developments?