These minor tweaks are designed to gradually accustom Windows 10 users to the inevitable switch to Windows 11.
It's no secret that Windows 10 won't be undergoing any major changes over the next few weeks. For several months now, Microsoft has been logically favoring the latest version of its operating system, Windows 11, and the Redmond firm has already been on record for a while now about the end of the Windows 10 follow-up: in just over a year's time, in October 2025. Surprisingly, however, some new features from Windows 11 are making their way into Windows 10. Earlier this year, for example, an update added Copilot artificial intelligence to the taskbar. Today, it's the new Account Manager that finds its way into the Windows 10 Start menu.
© WindowsLatest
It's not actually a single new design for the Start menu, and Microsoft today appears to be testing several possible directions before a widespread rollout to all Windows 10 users, as WindowsLatest shows us. Thus, on a first version, the account manager is placed in the quick access panel and enables toggling between a local account and a Microsoft account. It is also possible to access options such as " change account settings ", " lock " and " log out". Finally, it is able to highlight information relating to its Microsoft 365 and OneDrive accounts.
On a second iteration of the new Windows 10 Start menu, the Microsoft account is pinned to the top of the shortcut column. Thus placed to the left of the list of installed applications, it authorizes quick access to all account management options (settings, locking, logging out) and displays a new way of highlighting usage data for Microsoft 365 and OneDrive accounts. Changes like these aren't intended to upset Windows 10 user habits, but rather for regulars sneaking in the switchover to Windows 11.
© WindowsLatest
A few days ago, we explained that despite Microsoft's best efforts, Windows 10 continues to hold a clear lead over Windows 11 when it comes to adoption statistics (around one-third/two-thirds in favor of the old system). The adoption rate of Windows 11 is higher among home users, due to the slightly faster renewal of machines, than among business users. For Microsoft, the main challenge is to convince businesses that Windows 10 support is in its final months.
