File Explorer later got ads, and Edge nags started appearing in the Start Menu ... device as a result of trying them. If none ...

Windows 11 Start menu includes a Recommended section (just below the Pinned apps) showing new apps, recently added files, most used items, etc. If you find it useful, you can keep it that way.

There are two native options to hide or show the Phone Link sidebar on the Start menu in Windows 11. There is a Start menu personalization setting for the Phone Link sidebar to show/hide badges ...