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Microsoft shows us discarded Windows 11 Start menu designs – and I’m so glad they were chucked in the bin in favor of the revamp we’re getting
Winsage
May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows us discarded Windows 11 Start menu designs – and I’m so glad they were chucked in the bin in favor of the revamp we’re getting

Microsoft is redesigning the Start menu in Windows 11, moving from a two-panel layout to a single scrollable panel based on extensive user feedback. Over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts participated in studies, expressing a desire for quicker access to applications, customization options, and maintaining the essence of the Start menu. The new design includes tailored recommendations that adapt in real-time, with users having the option to hide them. Microsoft transparently shared discarded design concepts, including a tablet-centric layout, a Windows 10-inspired version, a chaotic interface, and a simplified approach. The final redesign emphasizes simplicity and functionality, consolidating features into one panel and allowing users to customize their experience.
Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got
Winsage
May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.
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