Microsoft is set to make an important change to the Windows 11 Start Menu. It will soon allow users to search for and install applications from the Microsoft Store, without opening the store app.

A screenshot shared by Giorgio Sardo, Vice President of Microsoft App Store & Apps, illustrates an example of searching for an app. This feature seems to be designed to assist users to discover apps and install them quickly, as opposed to opening the Microsoft Store app and looking up the app. The search result presents a card that displays the app's name, icon, and the description. It also contains a Get button, clicking on which installs the app on the computer. Alternatively, users may click on the "Open in the Microsoft Store" button, to view the app's listing, screenshots, permissions, system requirements, etc.

This search and install experience isn't restricted to the Start Menu, the Windows Search box on the Taskbar will also support the feature. While it sounds like a useful quality-of-life addition, this change does not come without controversy. Many users have previously expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s attempts to promote apps and services through the Start menu, such as OneDrive, Microsoft 365, etc.  Some users feel that such features veer into unwanted advertising territory. This has also raised questions about user privacy and the effectiveness of search results. There is also the risk of installing fake apps/malware that masquerade as legitimate versions of popular services.

Sardo says that the ability to install apps from the Windows 11 Start Menu will be rolling out to users shortly. It is unclear whether users will be able to disable the app search functionality from the Settings app, it may require editing a Group Policy, or making a change in the Registry.

Source: Beta News