Windows 11 Search to Show Microsoft Store Apps by Default — Users Push Back Against Feature Bloat

Microsoft is once again updating the way Windows 11 handles search — and not everyone is thrilled. The company plans to integrate Microsoft Store apps directly into the native search experience, which will display suggested apps alongside traditional search results. This controversial change has already stirred debate among early testers and tech enthusiasts, raising concerns about user control, bloat, and the increasing commercial tilt of what was once a utility-focused system feature.

Here’s a breakdown of what this change means for users and why it’s already facing backlash:

Windows 11’s Search Update: Summary in 30 Key Points

Microsoft is rolling out a change to Windows 11’s search bar.
Apps from the Microsoft Store will now appear as part of your search results.
This integration will be available in both the taskbar search and the Start menu.
The feature was announced by Giorgio Sardo, VP of the Microsoft Store.
When a relevant app is detected, a “Get” button will appear next to it.
Clicking “Get” initiates an immediate download of the app.
A smaller “Open in Microsoft Store” link is also available.
The change is meant to improve accessibility to Microsoft Store apps.
However, many users see it as intrusive and unnecessary.
Critics argue it prioritizes Microsoft’s ecosystem over user intent.
The announcement sparked swift backlash on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The most common reaction: “Another feature to disable.”
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed whether this feature can be toggled off.
The integration is part of a broader overhaul of Windows 11’s search experience.
Microsoft promises “natural language search” for Copilot+ PCs using AI.
These AI-enhanced searches won’t be available on standard Windows 11 systems.
A rumored standalone File Search app may also be in the works.
Microsoft Store performance improvements have recently gone live.
These backend upgrades received less attention than the UI changes.
Users suspect this new feature is another push for app monetization.
It remains unclear whether enterprise environments can disable it via policy.
Windows Insiders will be the first to test the new functionality this month.
The announcement was included in a blog post about upcoming test features.
The same post also discussed redesigned Start menus and AI tools.
The push seems timed ahead of Windows 11’s next major feature release.
Many users argue that search should prioritize local results, not store suggestions.
Some believe the change borders on adware built into the OS.
There is concern this move sets a precedent for more commercial content.
Microsoft is under increasing pressure to differentiate Copilot+ features.
The update highlights a growing tension between usability and monetization.

What Undercode Say:

The direction Microsoft is taking with Windows 11’s search is not simply a usability update — it’s a signal. While the company frames this as an enhancement to help users find and install apps faster, it clearly doubles as a soft advertisement layer embedded in a core OS function. This isn’t just feature creep; it’s a strategic blend of integration and monetization that raises deeper concerns about the trajectory of modern operating systems.

Search has traditionally been a functional, user-centric tool designed to deliver local results or settings quickly. With this new integration, Microsoft flips that role on its head. It turns search into a potential storefront. The immediate benefit for Microsoft is obvious: more app installs, more user engagement with the Microsoft Store, and potentially, more developer partnerships. But for users, particularly power users and system administrators, it erodes control and clutters the user interface.

Analytically, this update mirrors a broader trend seen across tech giants — the fusion of core system utilities with commercial content. It’s similar to what Google did with its unified search results or what Amazon does with Alexa. The OS is no longer neutral ground. Every interface, from the search bar to notifications, is now an opportunity for upsell or engagement.

Worse, there’s still no clear indication whether users can turn off the app suggestions entirely. This ambiguity only fuels the skepticism. If Microsoft wants this change to be accepted, transparency and control are essential. Without a toggle, the feature will feel forced. For enterprise users and privacy-focused individuals, the inability to disable app surfacing could be a deal-breaker.

From a UX perspective, this also introduces friction. Users searching for a local setting, like “keyboard layout,” may now see third-party apps pop up — which detracts from speed and relevance. While Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI search promises a smarter, more natural experience, it’s reserved for newer hardware. This creates a fragmented ecosystem where older systems are burdened with ad-like features, while newer ones get smarter assistance.

In summary, Microsoft needs to make this optional — not just for goodwill, but for system integrity. Search should serve the user, not Microsoft’s marketplace.

Fact Checker Results

✅ Claim: Windows 11 will integrate Microsoft Store apps into search results — True, confirmed by Microsoft’s VP of the App Store.
✅ Claim: There’s backlash and no confirmed way to disable it — True, community reactions show concern, and no disable option is listed yet.
✅ Claim: The update is tied to a broader Copilot+ and Start Menu overhaul — True, part of a larger feature rollout announced by Microsoft.

Prediction

Microsoft will proceed with the integration of Microsoft Store apps into Windows 11 search, but due to user pressure, a toggle or group policy option will likely be introduced within three to six months of its wider release. If not, third-party tools or registry hacks will emerge to disable it — echoing the trajectory of previous controversial features like Cortana and Ads in File Explorer. Over time, expect deeper Copilot+ integration to further split the user experience between standard and AI-enhanced versions of Windows, creating a two-tier ecosystem within the same OS.