Microsoft has enabled Start menu ads in the optional KB5036980 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.

Microsoft has released the optional March 2023 non-security preview update for Windows 11 that comes with a search box that matches the current color scheme and, unfortunately, with Start menu ads ...

Quirks aside, these Start menu Companions could serve as the Live Tile reincarnation we've all been waiting for, providing glimpses into third-party apps in a new (yet arguably less slick) way.