During the Build 2015 developer conference at the beginning of this month, Microsoft showcased a new feature for the Windows 10 Start Menu called “Smart Suggestions” or what we like to call “app suggestions.” Basically, it’s a small section that appears just above the File Explorer, Settings, and Power shortcuts. If you haven’t installed an app in a while, a suggested app will appear based on your download and use history. Otherwise, your recently installed app will appear in that area.
Immediate reaction to this “feature” was negative including comments such as “This is terribly distracting. Ads belong in the store, not in Start!” and “It’s Ads. Nothing more. Pass. Hope it can be turned off.” Thankfully, it looks like you can turn off Smart Suggestions, as evident in the unreleased and unleaked Windows 10 build 10114 (watch our exclusive hands-on video of this build here).
In the personalization category of the Settings app, it appears you will have the ability to enable or disable Smart Suggestions (the very first option in the image above). Although currently in build 10114 the option is unavailable. Microsoft has added several Start options for those who prefer to use the full-screen Start, or have the ability to customize what appears on their Start Menu.
Are you open to having Smart Suggestions on your Start Menu or do you feel it is blatant advertising of apps? It seems like Microsoft is trying to tie in the Windows Store somehow, but consumers may frown upon it. Developers, on the other hand, would get a considerable amount of attention if their app was featured on Start Menus across the world. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
