Microsoft recently released a new optional preview update for Windows 11. This 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 update happened at a record pace, initially being limited to Windows 11 users in the United States. There were hints that the change might be pulled before it landed in stable versions of Windows 11.

A slightly modified version of the feature has now landed in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable. Advertised apps now have a “promoted” label to help distinguish them from user-installed apps. A screenshot shows a promotion for the Opera Browser with the promoted label and the description “browse safely.” It is unclear who adds descriptions to listings, whether it’s the company that owns the product or Microsoft.

Aside from these changes, there do not appear to be any other notable differences. The “Recommended” section of the Start menu will now show some Microsoft Store apps from a small set of curated developers, aiming to help users discover new and high-quality apps. It is possible to disable this feature in the Windows 11 Start menu.