Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel are now exploring a fresh iteration of Windows 11 with Build 26120.961, showcasing a significant overhaul to the Windows Start menu. Central to this update is the introduction of a redesigned user account display, prominently positioned at the center of the Start menu upon clicking the username or profile picture.
Dubbed the “account manager,” this new interface serves as a hub for managing various Microsoft services tied to users’ Microsoft accounts, such as Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Xbox Game Pass memberships, and OneDrive storage. It offers a streamlined view of account benefits and provides straightforward access to account settings and recovery options, enhancing convenience for users navigating their digital ecosystem.
However, this redesign also alters the accessibility of commonly used functions. Previously, actions like “Lock,” “Sign out,” and “Switch user” were immediately available from the user account menu. With the new design, these options have been relocated to a secondary menu accessed via three dots at the top right corner of the screen. This adjustment introduces an additional step for users accustomed to straightforward access to essential functions, potentially impacting user efficiency in daily interactions with their devices.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 through user feedback and testing, the evolution of the Start menu underscores ongoing efforts to balance aesthetic updates with usability enhancements. Windows Insiders’ insights will play a crucial role in shaping how these changes are implemented in future updates, with anticipation building for broader adoption among all Windows 11 users in upcoming releases.