Windows 11 has often found itself the subject of light-hearted jabs, with its ambitious AI integrations, a slew of bugs, and initially daunting system requirements. Yet, amidst the criticism, a recent update to the Start menu has emerged as a refreshing enhancement, offering users a more efficient way to access their essential files and applications.
Enhanced Customization and Accessibility
This latest update is straightforward yet impactful. Users enrolled in the Windows 11 Insider Program on specific builds can now enjoy a scrollable list of applications, along with the flexibility to categorize them according to personal preferences. This feature mirrors the recommended and recently used functionalities previously available, streamlining access to frequently utilized apps.
Two aspects of this update stand out. Firstly, the ability to customize app categorization has been simplified. Previously, users had to navigate through Start menu settings to adjust how apps and files were displayed, limited to showing either the most used apps or recommended files. Now, switching between Category, Grid, or List views can be done directly from the Start menu, enhancing user experience.
The second noteworthy improvement is the expanded scrolling capability. In earlier versions, accessing additional recommendations often required opening new folders, which could be counterproductive. The new design minimizes unnecessary clicks, allowing users to reach their desired software more swiftly. Given the limited space on the taskbar for pinned applications, this enhancement alleviates the clutter of icons and promotes a more organized workspace.
While the update may seem to save only a few clicks at a time, the cumulative effect over a long workday can significantly enhance productivity. For those eager to experience this new functionality, joining the Windows Insider Program is the first step, enabling users to select their preferred update channel. Although some users, like myself, may find themselves in the Dev channel without immediate access to the latest features, others, such as our colleague Jacob in the Beta channel, have already benefited from this update.
In my personal experience with Windows 11, the Start menu has often felt like an intermediary, adding a layer of delay between me and the applications I need. The introduction of a built-in scroll function, combined with intelligent groupings, promises to make the Start menu feel more responsive and less cumbersome. Now, the challenge lies in gaining access to these improvements.
