Microsoft recently released a new optional preview update for Windows 11, bringing in a new feature. The changes introduced in this update are set to be included in the May 2024 cumulative security update for all Windows 11 devices.

This testing and rollout process was remarkably swift and was initially limited to users in the United States. Concerns were raised about the possibility of the change being pulled before it was implemented in stable versions of Windows 11, but a modified version of the feature has now been included in the optional update for Windows 11 Stable.

The updated feature involves advertised apps being labeled as “promoted” to distinguish them from user-installed apps. An example shown is a promotion for the Opera Browser with the labeled description “browse safely.”

It is unclear whether the company that owns the product or Microsoft adds these descriptions to the listings. Aside from the new feature, no noticeable changes have been observed.

The Start menu’s Recommended section will now display some Microsoft Store apps, which are sourced from a select group of curated developers. This aims to help users discover high-quality apps that are available.

This feature can be disabled in the Windows 11 Start menu settings. In light of Microsoft’s recent update, what are your thoughts on these changes?