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 update occurred at a record pace and was initially limited to users in the United States. There were hints that the change might be pulled before landing 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. Advertised apps now have a “promoted” label to distinguish them from user-installed apps. For example, a screenshot shows a promotion for the Opera Browser with a “promoted” label and the description “browse safely.” It is unclear whether the company that owns the product or Microsoft adds the descriptions to the listings.

Other than the new feature, there are no apparent changes. The Recommended section of the Start menu will display some Microsoft Store apps from a select group of developers, allowing users to discover new apps. This update also provides an option to disable the feature in the Windows 11 Start menu.