Windows 11 Start Menu: Improved Microsoft 365 Account Manager Experience
Similar to how Android and iPhone devices encourage the use of Google and Apple accounts, respectively, Windows 11 has also intensified its integration of Microsoft account functionalities. Recently, Microsoft introduced a new design for the Start menu, incorporating the Microsoft account manager, which has faced backlash from users for a few key reasons.
Primarily, this redesign conceals essential options like “Sign out” within a new three-dot menu, requiring two additional clicks to access. While this might not bother everyone, many users are frustrated with Microsoft’s design choices. If you haven’t yet updated to the latest version, here’s a glimpse of the new Microsoft account manager:
The screenshot above displays the updated Microsoft account manager in the Start menu, which emphasizes account-related information such as your active and expired subscriptions.
In my case, my expired status for the Copilot Pro subscription is displayed, along with an active Microsoft 365 personal plan and details of my OneDrive cloud storage usage.
For comparison, here’s how the Start menu appeared before the September 2024 Patch Tuesday update. The old design was simple and user-friendly, with options like “Sign out” and “lock” readily accessible.
The integration of the Microsoft account has significantly transformed the user experience, with opinions on the changes varying greatly. By clicking the three dots, users can switch between logged-in accounts, sign out, or return to the lock screen.
Our tests revealed that Windows Latest has detected a slightly improved iteration of the Microsoft Account Manager, which positions the “sign out” button outside the three dots menu, enhancing accessibility.
Additionally, the Lock function is now featured in the power menu, although the familiar Windows + L keyboard shortcut for locking your device remains available.
It’s important to note that reverting these changes is not an option; the Microsoft account manager cannot be removed or switched back to the older design.
The account manager in the Start menu is permanent and is designed to be interactive. It may prompt you to update your recovery email or password and configure your recovery options if you haven’t done so already.
Expansion of Windows 11’s Microsoft Account Manager
According to references in preview builds, Microsoft is planning to extend the same account manager experience to Windows 10, which is an unexpected development.
Even though Windows 10 is meant to be phased out, it will still incorporate the Windows 11-like Microsoft account manager within the Start menu, regardless of user preference.
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