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Microsoft introduced a small privacy-focused change to the Windows 11 Start menu. Users can now hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu, giving them more control over the personal information visible when the menu opens.
The change may not matter to most Windows 11 users, but it could help people who frequently share screens, record tutorials, or create videos. Hiding these personal details means users no longer need to blur them manually during editing.
By default, Windows 11 displays the account name and profile picture at the bottom of the Start menu. The new setting lets users remove this information from the Start menu.
Once enabled, Windows 11 displays a generic Microsoft Account profile picture instead of the user's name and personal profile image.
However, the setting does not remove the account details from the computer. Clicking the generic profile picture still opens the account panel, where the user's name and profile picture remain visible.
The update forms part of Microsoft's recent efforts to offer more customization options for the Windows 11 Start menu. The company also introduced changes that give users greater control over sections such as Recommended and recently used content.
Also Read: How to Fix Wi-Fi Problems in Windows 11: Easy Troubleshooting Steps
Windows 11 users who received the option can enable it through the Settings app. Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and look for Hide your name and profile picture on Start.
Turn on the toggle and open the Start menu again. The account name and personal profile picture should no longer appear there.
The feature arrived with the KB5120998 update, which Microsoft began rolling out to users in August 2026. However, Microsoft is rolling it out gradually, so the setting may not appear on every Windows 11 PC immediately.
If the option does not appear on a system, it does not necessarily indicate a problem with the PC. Microsoft may not yet enable the feature on that particular device.
