Microsoft Store introduces a new Recommended for You section, and it's full of ads masked as recommendations

If you feel like there are way too many ads in Windows 11, Microsoft would like to have a word: there are never way too many ads because it looks like Microsoft Store will be getting another batch of them in the new “Recommended for you” section coming to the platform, soon.

Microsoft’s approach is to put the new “Recommended for you” section directly inside the store’s search box, which is currently being tried on Windows 11’s Canary channel. The new feature was spotted by the popular insider @phantomofearth, and it will most likely be introduced to all Windows 11 users in the following weeks.

There's more: a new "Recommended for you" section in search. (Gradually rolling out.) https://t.co/n3L6vJe78Z pic.twitter.com/m7XK5auqcM

— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) July 5, 2024

However, it is not only happening within the Microsoft Store. Ads, such as Xbox Game Pass recommendations and even Copilot AI responses, also appear in other places. It’s quite disappointing, particularly for individuals who believed they would be free from advertisements with their paid subscriptions.

Now, you may be thinking, “Do we need it?” Microsoft appears to be enthusiastic about ensuring its ads get noticed—no matter what. A recommendation card is even included on the Settings app’s home page. Also, this is not just for now; everyone should experience this change after some weeks of inside examination.

But it’s not all bad news. Microsoft added a search box on the Library page of the Store so users could find and update their apps without having to scroll endlessly. It is a combination of both aspects. On one side, we are seeing new features that are truly helpful. On the other hand, more ads might not be liked by everyone.

What do you think about this new section? Are these ads a fair trade-off for the easy access provided by the Microsoft Store, or is it going too far in our ad-filled digital space?