Update April 24th: The beta version (see below) has now become an optional update. KB5036980 is now available for Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 as a voluntarily installable update via the Windows Update function. Alternatively, you can download the update directly from the Microsoft update catalog here. But whether you should do that is a completely different question. Because KB5036980 activates, among other things, advertising in the start menu. What this is all about, read below.
Microsoft should then install KB5036980 on all Windows 11 computers on Patchday in May 2024. Update end, start of original message:
The latest update with build number 22635.3500 from the Windows Beta Channel offers not only some improvements but also more advertising and will therefore probably only meet with limited approval from users. Neowin also reports this.
Advertising displaces basic functions
The built-in advertising even displaces basic functions. Microsoft has integrated a new banner on the settings page that urges users to switch to an online account instead of a local Windows account. Furthermore, a new section called “Recommendations” has been placed in the start menu, which leads to advertisements for programs and Windows services that users can purchase in the store.
What is particularly drastic, however, is the step in the start menu that removes the usual actions such as “lock”, “log out” or “change user” and instead refers to the so-called “Account Manager”. Here you can find information about your current subscriptions for services such as Microsoft 365, OneDrive or Xbox Game Pass.
Saving tip: Windows 11 Pro at PC-Welt for 69.99 euros instead of 259 euros
To log out or change users, you now have to open a submenu hidden behind a button with three dots. The Lock button has a new home – it’s now in the power menu, next to the Shutdown, Restart, and Hibernate options.
Microsoft describes the introduction of the new account manager as follows:
“This update introduces the new Account Manager in the Start Menu. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, the new design gives you a quick overview of your account benefits and makes it easy to manage account settings.”
Gamepass referral card
Users may also be less impressed by the new Gamepass recommendation card, which is displayed on the “Home” tab in the Windows 11 settings menu. The “Discover Your Next Favorite Game” card does exactly what you probably already suspect: it tries to get you to sign up for an Xbox Game Pass subscription, complete with a button to do so.
Update also offers advantages
But the update also brings a few real improvements: For example, if you hover over your name in the start menu, after the update you will see a small overview of your subscriptions, if any, and how much storage space you still have in the cloud. A small but still practical little update.
Microsoft has also added a previously announced feature that allows you to switch back and forth between different widgets dashboards. If you have a Google account and want to share something with that account, that will also be added.
