Is this Windows 11 feature a handy tool or a way to shame those who don’t pay for Microsoft services?
The Windows 11 Start menu may soon show if you subscribe to Microsoft services.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel have a new build of Windows 11 to install. An update to Windows 11 Build 26236 is now available through the Canary Channel, and it includes a new feature that may prove controversial. The build starts the rollout of a new account manager within the Start menu that shows the status of your Microsoft subscriptions.
Microsoft shared an image of the new account manager in itsblog post announcing the latest Insider build. The manager shows if you have a subscription to Microsoft 365, Xbox Game Pass, and how much OneDrive cloud storage you have and are using.
The update also includes some general improvements and fixes, as is often the case with Insider builds.
Microsoft notes that some Insiders may not be able to update their PCs due to an issue that can prevent some systems from upgrading from Windows 11 Build 26040 or Build 23620.
Who asked for this?
I’m left wondering who asked for such a feature. Are there people unsure of if they have a Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass subscription that need the ability to check their account status at a glance? And if there are those unsure about their subscription status, is the Start menu the right place to show that information?
The addition comes off as another attempt to push people to pay for Microsoft services. Microsoft has already added or is testing a wide range of ads in Windows 11, including aprompt to sign up for Game Pass in the Settings app, notifications to sign up for OneDrive, andrecommended apps in the Start menu. The tech giant has other ways to monetize Windows as well, such asMSN content being pushed in the Widgets Paneland theWindows lock screen.
Assuming testing goes well, you’ll soon have an indicator of any subscriptions you have right in the Windows 11 Start menu. Hopefully you can turn the feature off, as many people don’t need to see a prompt to sign up for Game Pass every time they open the Start menu.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Windows 11 Build 26236: Changes and improvements
General
Start menu
Windows 11 Build 26236: Fixes
Taskbar
Audio
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
