Windows 10’s Start menu is becoming a billboard for Microsoft 365

With the end of Windows 10 support right around the corner, Microsoft clearly sees this as an opportunity to play around with the operating system’s appearance — and push its other products.

In particular, the Redmond-based company has started experimenting with advertisements that aren’t just promoting Windows 11 anymore, but also several other features and products.




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These experiments are hidden within a Windows 10 beta version for now (specifically Insider Build 19045.4842), but one X/Twitter user was able to uncover some of what’s going on.

New Start menu, new advertising

In this beta version of Window 10, we’re treated to a slightly different Start menu with a new design approach. On the one hand, Microsoft is trying to make it more convenient to use; on the other, Microsoft wants to make more space for advertisements.

The new Start menu brings the account view to the forefront, at the top left below the list menu, in order to promote Microsoft 365. The account view itself looks the same as before, but now has a banner to purchase a Microsoft 365 license if you currently don’t have one:

New Start menu experiment in Windows 10 Beta/RP (19045.4842) – different positions for the account icon in the navigation pane, as well as some subtle visual changes to the pane. https://t.co/wbrJmevAjd pic.twitter.com/vcdJLyyzZt— phantomofearth