Microsoft has unveiled a new Windows 11 Insider build, specifically Build 26300.8553, featuring a redesigned Start menu that addresses long-standing user grievances. This update, currently available in the Experimental channel, follows the earlier announcement regarding enhancements aimed at personalizing the Start experience.
The previous iteration of the Windows 11 Start menu had garnered significant criticism, often being labeled the least favorable since Windows 8. The discontent stemmed from two primary issues:
- Loss of Customization: Users found themselves stripped of features such as Live Tiles, flexible layouts, full-screen mode, and even basic resizing options.
- Performance Concerns: Many reported sluggishness, particularly on lower-end devices, where the Start menu exhibited noticeable lag during use.
This latest update promises to rectify the customization shortcomings, while performance enhancements are also underway, albeit not fully resolved yet.
Hands-on with the new Windows 11 Start menu
The most striking improvement is the newfound control users have over the Start menu. Microsoft emphasizes that “It is your choice, and it should be easy to make.” This philosophy is evident in the addition of section-level toggles, allowing users to independently manage the visibility of Pinned, Recent, and All sections through a single redesigned Start settings page.
The Start menu now comprises three distinct sections: Pinned apps, Recommended, and All apps. Unlike the previous settings page, which allowed users to disable the Recommended section entirely, the new interface offers the flexibility to turn off all three sections. Notably, the Recommended section has been rebranded as Recent, a clever move considering past user dissatisfaction with unsolicited suggestions from Microsoft.
While I was never fond of the old Recommended section, the new Recent feature piques my interest. It retains similar customization options but appears to provide a more real-time reflection of recently accessed files. Users can tailor the Recent section to display either recently added apps, files, or both, or opt to disable it altogether.
Furthermore, the Start menu settings now allow for the disabling of both Pinned apps and All apps. The visual transformation is striking, particularly when Pinned apps are turned off:
Disabling the Recent section leads to an intriguing outcome: a minimalist Start menu that, while featuring ample white space, addresses user requests for a less obtrusive interface. Microsoft has introduced three size options for the Start menu:
- Automatic: Adapts to the screen size, though often deemed too large.
- Small: A preferred choice for those seeking a more compact menu.
- Medium: A middle ground for users who want a balance.
The All apps section retains its own customization capabilities, allowing users to view apps in either Grid or List format, even when Pinned and Recent are disabled. Personally, I find the Category view appealing with the small size enabled. For users with a limited app repertoire, the option to keep only Pinned apps is a welcome addition.
Interestingly, if one disables both All and Pinned apps while keeping Recent active, the result is an empty Start menu:
Additionally, users can opt to hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu, further enhancing customization options. While the absence of freeform resizing remains a limitation, the predefined size choices offer a significant improvement over previous iterations.
A native Start menu is still in the works
Microsoft is also rolling out the new Low Latency Profile CPU boost through the May 2026 optional update KB5089573. Upon enabling this feature, I noticed a marked improvement in the Start menu’s responsiveness, with faster opening times and smoother animations.
However, this is merely a workaround for a deeper issue. A fully native Start menu is in development, as Microsoft has confirmed plans to rebuild core Windows components using native WinUI 3 frameworks. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to enhance the speed and responsiveness of Windows.
While the latest update does not introduce major new features, it marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach, focusing on user empowerment rather than restrictions. Although challenges remain in terms of performance, this redesign signals a promising direction for the Windows 11 interface, catering to the needs of desktop users once again.
