The Windows 10 Start menu will soon remind you to subscribe to Microsoft 365 via backported Windows 11 upsells

The Windows 10 Start menu will soon remind you to subscribe to Microsoft 365 via backported Windows 11 upsells

What you need to know

  • The latest Windows 10 preview build includes some hidden changes to the Start menu and Settings app.
  • Microsoft looks to be toying with the position of the user tile in Start, and adding Microsoft 365 upsells to it, backported from Windows 11.
  • The company is also toying with an updated Settings app design with more colorful icons and sign-in buttons.

As a seasoned researcher with years of experience observing tech giants like Microsoft, I must admit that I find the latest changes to Windows 10 intriguing. It seems that Redmond is indeed walking back on its earlier promise to neglect Windows 10 in favor of Windows 11.


As a long-time Windows user, I have been eagerly awaiting Microsoft’s renewed commitment to enhancing the features and experiences offered on Windows 10. Having used both Windows 10 and Windows 11, I can say that while the latter has some impressive new features, it lacks the customization options and familiarity of its predecessor for many users like myself. So, I am thrilled to see Microsoft bringing some of those exciting Windows 11 features back to Windows 10, such as Windows Copilot and MSN widgets on the lock screen. This move not only helps bridge the gap between the two operating systems but also caters to the needs of users who prefer the familiarity and customization options offered by Windows 10. I am looking forward to seeing more of these updates in the future and appreciate Microsoft’s efforts to keep improving their products for their loyal customers.

As a long-time Windows user, I’ve grown accustomed to the ebb and flow of updates and changes that come with using Microsoft products. This week’s rollout of a new Windows 10 preview build is no exception, and as someone who closely follows developments in the tech world, I couldn’t help but take notice.

Microsoft appears to be experimenting with repositioning the user icon within the Start menu and modifying the menu that appears when clicked. At present, the user icon in the Start menu is located above the power and settings icons, and clicking it displays a menu that allows you to log out and adjust account settings.

In this new Windows 10 preview, the location of the menu at the highest point in the hamburger menu has been adjusted. When clicked, it displays a menu providing a summary of your Microsoft Account and subscription details. If you don’t currently have a Microsoft 365 subscription, it will inform you about this option. This menu is similar to the one recently introduced in Windows 11.

Microsoft is experimenting with the design of the Start menu, and one of these experimental versions features a hamburger menu that stands out more than the regular Start menu. This is an intriguing adjustment for an operating system that’s set to retire its support within a little over a year.

Besides this change, there are more intriguing modifications in progress as well. For instance, Microsoft is revamping the Windows 10 Settings app by replacing the monochrome icons in the top bar with vibrant ones when you initially open the app. These alterations aim to motivate users to engage with those buttons, which generally advise updating Windows, configuring OneDrive, or signing in using a Microsoft Account.

It seems evident that numerous modifications Microsoft is implementing in Windows 10 aim to persuade users to connect with a Microsoft Account and subscribe to a Microsoft service such as Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox Game Pass, or Copilot Pro. Essentially, these changes are primarily focused on increasing sales, rather than enhancing user experience or interface upgrades.

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2024-08-24 13:09