Windows 10 Gets New Microsoft 365 Account Manager in Start Menu
Windows 10 remains the dominant version of Microsoft’s operating system, with around 61% of users still on the platform, according to the latest Statcounter data. While Microsoft is clearly pushing users toward Windows 11, it continues to update and support Windows 10, especially as official support for the older version winds down.
One of the most recent updates to Windows 10 revolves around the Start menu, which has long been a focal point for Microsoft’s integration of its ads and product promotions. In a bid to continue driving its suite of services, Microsoft has added a new feature to the Start menu: the Microsoft 365 account manager. This icon, which appears in the Start menu’s sidebar, allows users to easily manage their Microsoft 365 accounts.
Clicking on the Microsoft 365 account manager brings up options to quickly switch between multiple Microsoft 365 accounts, access local Windows accounts, and manage account settings. Users can also access OneDrive, lock their PC, or sign out. This update closely mirrors features seen in Windows 11, with the goal of providing a seamless experience across the operating system’s versions.
However, the addition isn’t entirely without controversy. For one, there is no way to remove the Microsoft 365 account manager from the Start menu, and users will continue to see persistent reminders urging them to subscribe to a paid Microsoft 365 plan. As with many other recent updates, Microsoft’s strategy seems to be about further integrating its services into the heart of the Windows user experience, nudging users to subscribe or upgrade along the way.
