As Windows 11 gradually becomes a canvas for advertisements, users of Windows 10 have observed the unfolding situation with a mix of apprehension and disbelief. The latest reports indicate that the Start menu in Windows 10 will soon be adorned with ads, echoing the discontent many have expressed regarding Windows 11’s similar approach.
Windows 11’s Start menu ads come to Windows 10
According to Neowin, this unwelcome development was uncovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth on X, a figure recognized for their keen eye in identifying hidden features across various Beta, Dev, and Canary builds. Unfortunately, this time, the revelation brings news that Windows 10 users will not be spared from the encroaching advertisements.
Initially, the changes may seem subtle. However, a recent screenshot reveals that clicking on the profile image within the Start menu will no longer present the familiar options for managing accounts or signing out. Instead, users will be greeted by a newly minted “Account Manager” section, designed to streamline the management of Microsoft 365 products. The previous options have been relegated to a secondary menu nestled within this new interface.
For those unfamiliar with the current landscape of Windows 11, it has been a topic of discussion due to the introduction of Start menu ads and even promotional content for Game Pass appearing in the Settings panel. This shift towards a more ad-centric experience has left many users feeling uneasy about the future of their operating systems.
Yet, amidst these changes, there is a glimmer of hope. A growing community of developers is stepping up to create ad-blocking applications aimed at countering Microsoft’s increasing reliance on advertisements. For users concerned about the evolving landscape of Windows, these tools may provide a much-needed respite from the barrage of promotional content.
