Microsoft recently released a new optional preview update for Windows 11, featuring changes that will be included in the May 2024 cumulative security update for all Windows 11 devices. The testing and rollout of the update took place at a record pace, initially limited to users in the United States. There was some uncertainty about whether the change would be pulled before it reached stable versions of Windows 11.

A slightly modified version of the feature has now been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable, with advertised apps featuring a “promoted” label to distinguish them from user-installed apps. The screenshot shows an example of this with the Opera Browser, labeled as “promoted” with the description “browse safely.” It is unclear who adds descriptions to listings, whether it is the product’s company or Microsoft.

Other than this addition, it seems that nothing else has changed. The Recommended section of the Start menu now displays some Microsoft Store apps from a curated group of developers, aiming to help users discover great apps available. This can be disabled in the Windows 11 Start menu settings.