Microsoft recently unveiled a new optional preview update for Windows 11, featuring a new feature. The changes introduced in this update will be included in the May 2024 cumulative security update for all Windows 11 devices.

The testing and rollout of these changes were completed at an unprecedented speed, initially limited to Windows 11 users in the United States. There was speculation that the change might be withdrawn before it was integrated into stable versions of Windows 11.

A modified version of the feature has been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable. It includes a “promoted” label for advertised apps, distinguishing them from user-installed apps.

One screenshot displayed a promoted message for the Opera Browser with the tagline “browse safely”. It is unclear whether the app owner or Microsoft adds these descriptions.

Apart from these changes, no significant alterations have been observed. The Recommended section of the Start menu will display select Microsoft Store apps from a curated list of developers, enabling users to discover new apps.

This update also provides an option to disable the feature in the Windows 11 Start menu.