Summary

  • The Start menu auto-resizes according to screen size—still no manual resizing; Windows decides for you.
  • The Canary build introduces a scrollable app list and responsive Start columns: 8/6/4 (large) vs 6/4/3 (small).
  • Recommendations auto-collapse or can be disabled in Settings — yet manual Start sizing remains absent.

Among the myriad features that Windows 11 has introduced, the Start menu has emerged as a focal point of both functionality and frustration. While it performs its intended role adequately, certain enhancements seem to linger just out of reach. One such enhancement is the ability to manually resize the Start menu—a feature that many users have longed for but has remained elusive.

In a recent update, Microsoft has taken a step towards addressing this concern by introducing a feature that automatically adjusts the Start menu size based on the user’s screen dimensions. However, this is not quite the user-driven resizing one might hope for; instead, Windows will determine the optimal size for you. It appears that the operating system continues to assert its belief that it knows best.

The newest Windows 11 Canary build gets Start menu resizing (sort of)

Within the patch notes for the latest Windows 11 Canary build, version 27965, Microsoft outlines a series of enhancements that insiders can anticipate. The centerpiece of this update is a revamped Start menu, which now features a scrollable list of applications, eliminating the need to navigate to a second page.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of this update is the improved utilization of screen real estate. For users with larger screens, the Start menu will automatically expand to accommodate more apps and files. Specifically, on larger devices, users can expect to see:

  • 8 columns of pinned apps
  • 6 recommendations
  • 4 columns of categories

Conversely, smaller devices will display:

  • 6 columns of pinned apps
  • 4 recommendations
  • 3 columns of categories

Additionally, sections within the Start menu are now responsive, allowing for a more tailored experience based on the number of pinned items. If users have only a few pinned apps, the Pinned section will condense to a single row, allowing other sections to adjust accordingly. For those who prefer a less cluttered interface, toggles in Settings > Personalization > Start allow for the disabling of recommendations, which will collapse if no items are available.

Yes, it appears to be getting a resizable Start menu, but only when Windows determines that you need one. Would you like to make it bigger or smaller? Well, you either have to use a different monitor or just put up with it. And if you’re not afraid of the third-party route, check out Start11 and OpenShell.