jump lists Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Microsoft says it accidentally broke Windows 10 Start menu, taskbar recent files feature

On April 22, Windows Latest reported that the jump list feature for live tiles in the Start menu was missing, a situation confirmed by Microsoft. This issue arose after updates released post-February 25, disrupting users' access to recently opened files or photos. The problem was linked to Microsoft's integration of a new Microsoft account control experience into the Start menu, which began with the Windows 10 KB5052077 optional update. Microsoft stated that this was not an intentional change and was under investigation. Following the April 2025 Update, the issue became more widespread. However, Microsoft has since rolled back the changes to the Start menu UI, restoring the recent section for affected users, and tests indicated that the jump list functionality has been reinstated across most devices.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Windows 10 might be on its deathbed, but Microsoft seemingly can’t resist messing with the OS in latest update, breaking part of the Start menu

Windows 10's April update has disrupted the functionality of jump lists in the Start menu, causing frustration among users who relied on this feature. Reports indicate that the jump lists, which provide shortcuts for applications, have stopped working after the update. This issue has been noted on various Windows 10 devices, with many complaints on platforms like Microsoft’s Answers.com and Reddit. While some users remain unaffected by the glitch, the prevailing solution to restore functionality involves uninstalling the update, which compromises access to security patches. There is speculation that the changes may be linked to elements introduced from Windows 11, although this remains unconfirmed. As Windows 10's support nears its end, users are faced with the decision to upgrade to Windows 11 or pay for an extension of support.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Windows 10 bug strikes again and your Start menu might be the victim

The April update (KB5055518) for Windows 10 has caused issues with the Start menu, specifically the jump lists feature, which has stopped functioning for some users. This problem affects only a portion of Windows 10 devices, with some users able to retain functionality. Workarounds have been explored, but the most effective solution appears to be uninstalling the recent update, which restores the jump lists. There is concern among users about the increasing number of bugs with Windows 10 updates as Microsoft's focus shifts to Windows 11. The cause of the jump lists' disappearance remains unclear, with speculation leaning towards it being a glitch.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Windows 10’s April update stealthily removed this Start menu feature

Microsoft's April update for Windows 10, designated as KB5055518, has removed the jump lists feature, which allowed users to access recent files associated with applications. This change has caused frustration among users, and the reason for the removal is unclear, with no official statement from Microsoft. Users can restore the jump lists by uninstalling the update, but this would also eliminate important security enhancements included in it.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Microsoft just broke another essential Start menu feature on Windows 10, and we aren’t even surprised

Microsoft's Windows 10 update KB5055518 has disrupted the Jump Lists feature in the Start menu, which allows users to access recently opened files by right-clicking app icons. Users report that Jump Lists were functioning properly before the update, and the feature remains enabled in system settings. However, the "Recent" header in Jump Lists is missing. While Jump Lists still work for pinned applications on the taskbar, the disruption in the Start menu is significant. This change follows a pattern of Microsoft removing features from Windows 10, potentially to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially as support for Windows 10 is nearing its end.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft is finally giving the Start menu the overhaul we’ve all been waiting for

The Start menu in the latest preview builds of Windows 11 is being redesigned to enhance user experience by addressing customization and functionality issues. The updates in builds 26200.5518 and 26120.3671 introduce a wider layout with a single scrollable view, removing the need for clicks to access the All apps section. Applications will be displayed directly beneath pinned items and recommendations, reducing clutter. Users can disable the Recommended section for a minimalist interface and adjust settings to hide recently added apps, most used apps, and various recommendations. Additionally, users can automatically display all pinned apps without expanding the view. This feature is currently hidden and requires enabling specific feature IDs to access it.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How has the Windows Start menu evolved? Looking back in time as Microsoft turns 50

In 2025, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Start menu was first introduced in Windows 95 on August 24, 1995, replacing the "Program Manager" and providing a more intuitive user experience. Subsequent versions included refinements in Windows 98, minimal changes in Windows ME, a redesigned two-column layout in Windows XP, enhanced search functionality in Windows Vista, and updates in Windows 7 that included "Jump Lists." Windows 8 replaced the traditional Start menu with a full-screen Start screen, while Windows 10 reintroduced the Start menu with a hybrid design. Windows 11 featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout with static icons. Each iteration has aimed to balance innovation with user familiarity.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 has been released to the Canary Channel, with no plans for SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. Key updates include improved battery iconography, featuring colored icons to indicate charging states (green for optimal charging, yellow for energy-saving mode below 20%, and red for critically low battery). Users can display battery percentage in the system tray by toggling the option in Settings. New features include file sharing from taskbar jump lists and changes to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction model. Several fixes have been implemented, including resolving installation errors and issues in File Explorer, Taskbar, Input, Lock Screen, Administrator Protection, Audio, and Remote Desktop. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN on Copilot+ PCs transitioning to the Canary Channel, bugchecks in certain games and printing applications, and display issues with new battery icon colors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may change and that a clean installation is required to exit this channel.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27802 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include new battery iconography with colored icons indicating charging states (green for charging, yellow for energy-saving mode, and red for critically low battery), an option to display battery percentage in the system tray, and the ability to share files directly from taskbar jump lists. Changes also include improvements to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction and various bug fixes across different components, such as File Explorer and audio issues. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN, certain games causing bugchecks, and printing from specific applications leading to errors. Users transitioning to the Canary Channel may face issues that require a clean installation to exit the channel.