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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft wants you to be aware of all of your subscriptions in a single glance

The new update is part of the Canary 26236.

3 min. read

Published onJune 13, 2024

published onJune 13, 2024

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Have you ever felt like your computer was judging you? If you’re a Windows 11 user, that feeling might not be too far off. Recently, the Redmond-based tech giant rolled out a new feature inWindows 11 Build 26236concerning Microsoft account management to Insiders in the Canary Channel, and it’s stirring up quite a conversation.

This new feature adds an account manager to the Start menu, showing if you’re subscribed to Microsoft services like Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. But here’s the kicker: it feels a bit like Microsoft is shaming those who haven’t opened their wallets for these subscriptions.

It’s good to be organized and well aware of every subscription at a glance, but does this information need to be front and center every time users hit the Start menu?

It’s like walking into a store and having the cashier shout out what you haven’t bought yet. Microsoft claims that account management in Windows 11 helps users quickly see their subscription statuses and manage account settings, but who asked for this?

It’s not just about the subscriptions, either. The update includes general improvements and fixes, which is always good news. However, some users might be unable to upgrade due to an issue preventing systems from updating from certain previous builds. So, if you’re stuck on an older version, you might miss out on this controversial new feature.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the potential for this to be another way for Microsoft to push its services. We’ve seen ads in Windows 11, from Game Pass prompts in the Settings app to OneDrive notifications. This new Start menu feature feels like it’s part of the same trend. Is Microsoft too pushy with its services?

If you prefer a cleaner, more ad-free experience, you might hope there’s a way to turn this feature off. After all, not everyone needs a constant reminder to sign up for Game Pass whenever they’re looking for an app in the Start menu.

Ultimately, whether this feature is a helpful tool or a subtle nudge (or shove) towards spending more money with Microsoft will depend on how it’s received by users. As this update is still in the Canary Channel, there’s a chance feedback could shape its future. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that user choice remains a priority.

In other news, the build also introducedGenerative AI for Windows 11 apps, and although it’s hidden now, this feature might end up being as controversial as Windows Recall.

So, what do you think? Is this a good addition or an unwelcome intrusion?

You can read the full blog posthere.

More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Update

Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

He’s always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft’s products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that’s always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!

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Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft wants you to be aware of all of your subscriptions in a single glance#