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Upcoming Microsoft 365 Ads Set To Appear In Windows 10 Start Menu

Image Source: Anton Watman / Shutterstock

Windows 10 will stop receiving support next year, but it’s about to include a feature that many users might not welcome: advertisements in the Start Menu.

The latest Preview build of Windows 10 (19045.4842) introduces a few changes that could annoy users. In June, Microsoft reopened the Beta channel for Insider Program members to test new features as they roll out. Over the past year, Microsoft has been adding various functionalities to Windows 10, many inspired by Windows 11, such as Widgets on the Lock Screen and a new Copilot feature.

Ads Coming to the Windows 10 Start Menu

As reported by Windows Central, one significant change is the relocation of the profile button, which will now be positioned above the power button at the Start Menu’s bottom, rather than at the top of the sidebar. While this may seem like a minor tweak, it’s not just a cosmetic change. This shift is part of Microsoft’s testing of the Smart Account Manager, a feature that was previously only available in Windows 11, now being trialed on Windows 10 Beta builds.

PhantomOfEarth highlighted that this alteration replaces the profile menu in the Start Menu with a new format that does not provide direct sign-out options. Instead, it now shows a pop-up with your OneDrive storage availability, details about your Microsoft 365 subscription, and a link to access your Microsoft Account. To locate the sign-out option, users must click on a newly added three-dot menu within the pop-up. This update also affects local accounts.

Essentially, this change is another effort by Microsoft to promote Microsoft 365. What users really need are notifications regarding upcoming cloud storage limits and the benefits of Microsoft Office subscriptions. Is this really what Windows requires? More advertisements? Users already deal with persistent 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 getting a visual makeover, featuring newer, more vibrant icons. It will present a fresh design for the Sign-In button that retains its icon colors regardless of accent color changes. This update aims to attract user attention and encourage more interactions with these options.

While I understand Microsoft’s intention to highlight features from Windows 11, I personally disagree with this strategy. Why introduce ads in Windows 10 now, especially as it is phasing out next year? Shouldn’t it be allowed to retire quietly? Is it really necessary to push advertisements for Microsoft 365, particularly on devices that may not meet Windows 11’s system requirements?

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Recently, Microsoft has shared some disappointing news: the Control Panel will be removed from Windows 11, Windows Recall is slated to return in October, and they have found methods to block installations on older hardware. On a brighter note, Microsoft Teams is now a unified app for all users.

Image Source: Anton Watman / Shutterstock

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