Windows 10 will cease to receive support next year, yet it’s set to incorporate a feature that numerous users may not appreciate: advertisements in the Start Menu.
The most recent Preview build of Windows 10 (19045.4842) brings a few modifications that could irritate users. In June, Microsoft reopened the Beta channel for Insider Program participants to experiment with new features as they become available. Throughout the past year, Microsoft has been integrating a variety of functionalities into Windows 10, many of which are inspired by Windows 11, such as Widgets on the Lock Screen and a novel Copilot feature.
Advertisements Arriving in the Windows 10 Start Menu
As reported by Windows Central, one notable modification is the repositioning of the profile button, which will now be situated above the power button at the Start Menu’s bottom, instead of at the top of the sidebar. Although this may appear to be a minor adjustment, it’s not merely a superficial change. This shift is part of Microsoft’s evaluation of the Smart Account Manager, a functionality that was previously only accessible in Windows 11, now being piloted on Windows 10 Beta builds.
PhantomOfEarth pointed out that this modification substitutes the profile menu in the Start Menu with a new format that does not offer direct sign-out options. Rather, it now displays a pop-up with your OneDrive storage status, details regarding your Microsoft 365 subscription, and a link to access your Microsoft Account. To find the sign-out option, users must click on a newly included three-dot menu within the pop-up. This update also affects local accounts.
Fundamentally, this change represents yet another initiative by Microsoft to advocate Microsoft 365. What users genuinely require are notifications about impending cloud storage limitations and the advantages of Microsoft Office subscriptions. Is this truly what Windows needs? More advertisements? Users are already facing relentless reminders through the OneDrive app, Microsoft Edge, and the Settings app—so why add it to the Start Menu as well?
The Settings app in Windows 10 is also undergoing a visual refresh, showcasing newer, more vibrant icons. It will offer a revamped design for the Sign-In button that maintains its icon colors regardless of accent color modifications. This update aims to capture user attention and promote greater interaction with these options.
While I comprehend Microsoft’s desire to emphasize features from Windows 11, I personally oppose this approach. Why implement ads in Windows 10 at this point, particularly as it is being phased out next year? Shouldn’t it be permitted to retire quietly? Is it truly necessary to push advertisements for Microsoft 365, especially on devices that might not fulfill Windows 11’s system requirements?
Recently, Microsoft has conveyed some disheartening news: the Control Panel will be eliminated from Windows 11, Windows Recall is expected to return in October, and they have discovered ways to block installations on older hardware. On a more positive note, Microsoft Teams is now a unified application for all users.
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