Windows 11 has faced its share of scrutiny, with some users labeling it a “broken mess.” Nevertheless, Microsoft is pressing ahead with updates to the Start menu, a change that began rolling out to users in November 2025. Depending on your update schedule, you may or may not have experienced this new interface yet.
The revamped Start menu is notably larger, occupying more screen space and accommodating a wider array of applications. It introduces a structured layout that includes a Pinned section for your favorite apps, a Recommended section highlighting Microsoft’s suggestions, and an All section for scrolling through every installed application. Additionally, the new Phone Link integration allows seamless access to your connected smartphone’s content directly from the Start menu.
What there is to like about the Start menu
Microsoft’s intention with the Recommended section is to offer smarter suggestions tailored to Windows 11 users. For those seeking inspiration for new apps and features, this area can be quite beneficial. If it doesn’t resonate with you, the option to disable it provides a welcome sense of customization that users have come to expect from the Start menu. The All section simplifies the process of locating applications, allowing users to scroll through their entire app library effortlessly.
The larger design of the Start menu can be seen as a positive for those who prefer a more expansive layout. The Phone Link feature is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy integrating their smartphone functionalities with their computer. This feature is conveniently located in a sidebar for quick access. The Pinned section continues to serve its purpose, allowing users to keep their preferred applications easily accessible.
Moreover, users have some flexibility in adjusting the Start menu layout. Apps can be organized by category, such as Productivity Tools or Developer Tools, or arranged alphabetically in either grid or list formats. As you navigate through the new menu, you may also discover hidden features within Windows 11 that enhance your experience.
What is wrong with the Start menu
Despite the enhancements, the new Start menu has not been universally embraced. Some users express dissatisfaction with its size, feeling it occupies too much screen real estate. Unfortunately, the dimensions are fixed, limiting customization options. The Recommended section has also drawn criticism for prioritizing Microsoft’s content over user preferences, which detracts from the menu’s primary function of providing quick access to favored applications.
While it is possible to disable the Recommended section, users have reported that Microsoft complicates this process by requiring the deactivation of other features, such as browsing history and recent apps. This has led to concerns regarding the overall personalization of the menu, suggesting that Microsoft may have misjudged user expectations.
General feedback indicates a desire for a simpler, more straightforward Start menu. Many users lament the complexity and abundance of content, preferring the more streamlined appearance of the Windows 7 Start menu. One user on X aptly remarked, “Windows is like a grocery store that keeps moving items that you like to different aisles so you have to search for them,” encapsulating the frustration felt by many in navigating the new interface.
