A new test version of Windows 11 is now available for Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel with Build 26120.961, bringing with it a significant change to the Windows Start menu.
The most noticeable change is the redesigned Microsoft user account display, which has been moved to the center of the Start menu. Once you click on your username or profile picture, you will have quick access to your various Microsoft accounts, such as Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and OneDrive cloud storage. Additionally, a recovery method for your Microsoft account is now more prominently displayed.
With this redesign, Microsoft is taking the opportunity to showcase their own products and services. The new design aims to provide users with a quick overview of their account benefits and make it easier to manage account settings.
However, one downside of this redesign is that the “Lock,” “Sign out,” and “Switch user” options are no longer immediately available in the user account menu. Instead, users will now have to click on the three dots at the top right of the menu to access these options. This means that common actions like signing out or switching users will now require an extra mouse click.
It is unclear when this change will be rolled out to all Windows 11 users, but it is possible that the next major autumn update (24H2) could include this redesign.
Overall, this new Windows 11 Start menu design offers a more centralized and visually appealing way to manage Microsoft accounts, but it may require users to adjust to the new location of common actions. Stay tuned for updates on when this redesign will be available to all Windows 11 users.
Hans-Christian Dirscherl, an experienced IT writer, has been covering a wide range of IT topics for over 25 years. From news to reviews and buying guides, he has provided valuable insights into the world of technology.
