Microsoft has rolled out a new test version of Windows 11 for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, featuring Build 26120.961. One of the standout changes in this update is a revamped Windows Start menu, specifically focusing on the user account display. Now, when users click on their username or profile picture, a centralized “account manager” interface appears, highlighting various Microsoft services like Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and OneDrive cloud storage. This redesign aims to streamline access to account benefits and settings, offering a clearer overview of user options and recovery methods for Microsoft accounts.
However, this update comes with a noticeable shift in user experience. Previously accessible options such as “Lock,” “Sign out,” and “Switch user” are no longer readily available from the main menu. Instead, users now need to navigate to the three dots located at the top right corner of the user account menu to find these familiar actions. This change means an extra click for tasks that were once directly accessible, raising concerns among users accustomed to quicker access for everyday actions compared to more specialized account management features.
The redesign reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate user account management more seamlessly into the Windows 11 experience, emphasizing ease of use and visual clarity. As Windows Insiders test this update, feedback on the practicality and user-friendliness of the new Start menu design will likely influence future iterations before a broader rollout to all Windows 11 users, possibly coinciding with the upcoming autumn update (24H2).
