Windows 11 Now Officially Adware as Microsoft Embeds Ads in the Start Menu

[btarunr]

Microsoft over late-Tuesday started distributing the KB5036980 optional update to Windows 11 users, which effectively makes the operating system adware (software that displays ads to support its author). The update gets the Windows 11 Start Menu to display ads in the "Recommended" section that suggests apps and games for you to download from the Microsoft Store, subscribe to Copilot Pro, etc. While the update is currently optional, the changes contained in it will be made part of next month's "Patch Tuesday" update.

This wouldn't be the first time Microsoft is advertising software, the OEM versions of Windows 11 can be customized by PC manufacturers to pre-install bloatware, or suggest apps or services for users to buy within the Start or Apps menus. You usually uninstall the pre-installed bloatware, and dismiss recommendations. Today's update is different, in that even the Retail versions of Windows (without the bloatware) start receiving ads. Luckily, these ads are not inescapable, you can disable them. Head over to Settings > Personalization > Start, and uncheck the toggle that reads "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more."



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[tomo82]

Sooo I guess Win10 is my last MS OS then. Bye M$, not gonna miss ya.

 

[zmeul]

It's official - Windows OS is no longer the product, we are the product.

 

[Chomiq]

Hate to be the one to say it but it's not like they haven't done it before:

And yet it's still there in Search window.

 

[Onasi]

Yeah, not like it’s a new behavior from MS. Seeing how it’s easily turned off without any ritual dances I don’t see an issue. Fairly certain you can throttle it even further via Group Policies.

 

[jojolapin102]

I'm glad I switched entirely to Linux this year. Paying an OS more than 100$ and getting ads, no thanks.

 

[The Norwegian Drone Pilot]

I do use 'AdGuard' on my Windows 11 OS (and my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5) that kills off ads system wide, so this change will not affect me in any shape of form. Because I don't use 'AdGuard' just to kill off some few ads in Windows alone, but to kill ads everywhere.

So, come at me Microsoft .

 

[theouto]

Come on game devs! Start using the linux anti cheat compatibility layers! I want to get out of here!

 

[SL2]

Hate to be the one to say it but it's not like they haven't done it before:

Exactly. As much as I hate this thing, I'm not really interested in seeing all the drama it causes with people kicking in open doors.

 

[kilo]

Not having a banner showing its an ad seems illegal. I kind of thought the web search was already ads, but this takes it much further.

 

[Nathaaab]

Looks like it's time to switch to IoT Enterprise LTSC.

 

[wurschti]

I use some tools to cleanup all the $hit M$ leaves after installation.

Easy:

O&O ShutUp10++ - O&O Software GmbH

O&O ShutUp10++: Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11 Download Version 1.9.1444, File size 2074KB. Released on: 02/12/2025 O&O ShutUp10++ means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 and Windows 11 you wish to use, … Continue reading →

www.oo-software.com

A bit harder, but still easy:

Winaero Tweaker

Winaero Tweaker is a free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust

winaero.com

GitHub - ChrisTitusTech/winutil: Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates

Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates - ChrisTitusTech/winutil

github.com

GitHub - StevenBlack/hosts: Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories.

Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories. - StevenBlack/hosts

github.com

Also this: https://winaero.com/stop-windows-10-spying-on-you-using-just-windows-firewall/
and this:

This will make your experience better, not Win 7 better, but much better than stock.

 

[Camm]

I use some tools to cleanup all the $hit M$ leaves after installation.

Easy:

O&O ShutUp10++ - O&O Software GmbH

O&O ShutUp10++: Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11 Download Version 1.9.1444, File size 2074KB. Released on: 02/12/2025 O&O ShutUp10++ means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 and Windows 11 you wish to use, … Continue reading →

www.oo-software.com

A bit harder, but still easy:

Winaero Tweaker

Winaero Tweaker is a free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust

winaero.com

GitHub - ChrisTitusTech/winutil: Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates

Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates - ChrisTitusTech/winutil

github.com

GitHub - StevenBlack/hosts: Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories.

Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories. - StevenBlack/hosts

github.com

Also this: https://winaero.com/stop-windows-10-spying-on-you-using-just-windows-firewall/
and this:

This will make your experience better, not Win 7 better, but much better than stock.

Having specialised in SOE Architecture thru most of the 7-10 era, I'm a little bit picky as I feel like many of those tools obliterate too much.

Now, I'm also lazy and don't want to have to keep up to date GPO edits and Powershell, so I've found I'm happy with Optimizer GitHub - hellzerg/optimizer: The finest Windows Optimizer with tasteful disables and removes. Combined with AdGuard and it mostly gets rid of the bloat, adfilled experience of Win 11 IMO.

 

[Daven]

Linux’s best chance is Microsoft’s money grab.

 

[Onasi]

Linux’s best chance is Microsoft’s money grab.

I am getting a sense of deja vu from all the previous times Linux had a “best chance” to supplant Windows.
I am willing to bet significant sums of money that this time will go exactly like all those previous ones.

 

[phints]

This is bad but easily disabled with: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer DisableSearchBoxSuggestions 1

Until Linux does what they should have for 25 years and use a universal packaging system like every other OS I have zero interest in their desktop "experience". Already run it on my router and tv box.

 

[Chaitanya]

So even after paying full $200 for OS we still get ads shoved down throats. F of M$.

I use some tools to cleanup all the $hit M$ leaves after installation.

Easy:

O&O ShutUp10++ - O&O Software GmbH

O&O ShutUp10++: Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11 Download Version 1.9.1444, File size 2074KB. Released on: 02/12/2025 O&O ShutUp10++ means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 and Windows 11 you wish to use, … Continue reading →

www.oo-software.com

A bit harder, but still easy:

Winaero Tweaker

Winaero Tweaker is a free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust

winaero.com

GitHub - ChrisTitusTech/winutil: Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates

Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates - ChrisTitusTech/winutil

github.com

GitHub - StevenBlack/hosts: Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories.

Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories. - StevenBlack/hosts

github.com

Also this: https://winaero.com/stop-windows-10-spying-on-you-using-just-windows-firewall/
and this:

This will make your experience better, not Win 7 better, but much better than stock.

There is also this video:

Edit: Black Viper used to maintain list of services to disable on older version of Windows and seems like the site is gone now with no Win 11 list.

 

[roberto888]

I'd understand showing ads on a not activated copy of Windows, as you can have that for free, and the ads would support Microsoft. But having ads on a piece of software you'd pay ~$100 for is ridiculos.

 

[Space Lynx]

I use some tools to cleanup all the $hit M$ leaves after installation.

Easy:

O&O ShutUp10++ - O&O Software GmbH

O&O ShutUp10++: Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11 Download Version 1.9.1444, File size 2074KB. Released on: 02/12/2025 O&O ShutUp10++ means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 and Windows 11 you wish to use, … Continue reading →

www.oo-software.com

A bit harder, but still easy:

Winaero Tweaker

Winaero Tweaker is a free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust

winaero.com

GitHub - ChrisTitusTech/winutil: Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates

Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility - Install Programs, Tweaks, Fixes, and Updates - ChrisTitusTech/winutil

github.com

GitHub - StevenBlack/hosts: Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories.

Consolidating and extending hosts files from several well-curated sources. Optionally pick extensions for porn, social media, and other categories. - StevenBlack/hosts

github.com

Also this: https://winaero.com/stop-windows-10-spying-on-you-using-just-windows-firewall/
and this:

This will make your experience better, not Win 7 better, but much better than stock.

yeah I was about to say I am fully up to date and I see no ads or pop ups anywhere, then I remembered I use shutupten

 

[Vayra86]

I'm glad I switched entirely to Linux this year. Paying an OS more than 100$ and getting ads, no thanks.

You don't really pay $100 for Windows I hope.

If the price is over 5 bucks, I'm looking elsewhere, anyway.

But yeah, the Linux option is rapidly gaining traction here too

I am getting a sense of deja vu from all the previous times Linux had a “best chance” to supplant Windows.
I am willing to bet significant sums of money that this time will go exactly like all those previous ones.

Yup... I'll probably jump onto 12 at some point. 11 looks skippable

 

[Camm]

Linux’s best chance is Microsoft’s money grab.

I am getting a sense of deja vu from all the previous times Linux had a “best chance” to supplant Windows.
I am willing to bet significant sums of money that this time will go exactly like all those previous ones.

Yup. Linux Desktop is still a dumpster fire, just now you can play most SP games on it.

Still, I do think at some point in the future that immutable distros, especially those that offer an 'appliance' like experience have a chance at maybe gaining adoption by general users since they aim to abstract most of distro and have a high degree of reliability.

 

[Onasi]

Yup... I'll probably jump onto 12 at some point. 11 looks skippable

11 is… fine. It’s just 10 with a new coat of paint and a couple of sorta neat features that could have easily been implemented on 10, but weren’t because Microsoft. Windows hasn’t had a significant update to its internals since… gosh, honestly, since Vista. Pretty much everything after just built up on that.

 

[Guwapo77]

I mean, there is MacOS. LoL just kidding...not trying to get the Tiki Torch march initiated.

 

[mb194dc]

Hilariously awful, Linux or Enterprise IoT for me.

 

[AVATARAT]

Installing programs, skins... when you can just open gpedit.msc and to turn on few things