jump lists Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem

Windows 7 was launched in 2009 and was known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Windows 8, released in October 2012, marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach by prioritizing touch control and eliminating the classic Start menu, which alienated desktop users. Windows 7 introduced features like Libraries and Windows Media Center, many of which were removed or obscured in later versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Windows 10, launched in July 2015, reintroduced the Start menu and offered a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which excluded many existing PCs from upgrading. The evolution of Windows reflects a trend towards integrating Microsoft services and subscription models, diminishing user autonomy. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pressuring users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Microsoft Brings Back Windows 10-Style Taskbar and Start Menu Customization in Windows 11

Microsoft is set to introduce comprehensive support for Taskbar and Start Menu customization in Windows 11, rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel over the next few weeks. Users will be able to reposition the Taskbar to any side of the screen and adjust icon alignment with options for top-aligned, center-aligned, left-aligned, and right-aligned. Access to these settings will be through Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. A new feature will also allow for smaller icons and a more discreet Taskbar presence. Additionally, a redesigned Start Menu customization initiative will allow users to select between smaller and larger Start sizes, independently hide or show sections like Pinned, Recent, and All, and remove their name and profile photo for privacy. The Start Menu's file recommendations will be decoupled from File Explorer's recent items and jump lists, meaning disabling recommendations will not affect recent activity elsewhere in Windows. The recommendation area will be rebranded as "Recent," ensuring visibility for newly installed applications while refining the selection of displayed files. These updates are expected to be available to regular Windows 11 users on versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 within approximately a month.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for broken Windows Start Menu search

Microsoft has implemented a server-side remedy for an issue affecting the Windows Start Menu search functionality on select Windows 11 23H2 devices, which began impacting users on April 6. The problem was linked to a server-side Bing update aimed at improving search performance. Microsoft has rolled back the problematic Bing update and expects search issues to decrease as the fix is deployed. Users have reported blank search results in the Start Menu, but options remain clickable. Microsoft confirmed that the issue will resolve automatically with the rollout of the fix, provided devices are connected to the internet and Web Search is enabled. Additionally, there have been previous Start Menu-related issues, including crashes and error messages, with Microsoft working on permanent solutions for these problems.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 11 Just Fixed One Of Its Biggest Problems

Linux installations are increasing as Windows 10 approaches its expiration date, driven by user dissatisfaction with Microsoft's focus on artificial intelligence and disruptive updates. The Start Menu, a key feature since Windows 95, has faced criticism due to redesigns that complicate user experience. A recent update to Windows 11 has introduced a redesigned Start Menu that allows greater customization, features a wider layout, and enables users to disable the Recommended section. However, issues remain, such as irrelevant search results, loss of access to recently accessed files when disabling recommendations, inability to resize the Start Menu, and absence of categorization for pinned items.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

I’m fed up with ads in Windows 11, but Microsoft may introduce yet another one to the Start menu

Microsoft is exploring a new feature in the Start menu of Windows 11 that promotes its Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot offerings through tailored recommendations, currently in the experimental phase. This feature is not yet available to the public but aims to enhance user interaction by suggesting actions like drafting documents or generating images. Users can disable these recommendations by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start, but doing so will also remove visibility of recent files in File Explorer. This initiative reflects Microsoft's understanding of diverse user preferences and aims to balance promoting AI tools with respecting user autonomy.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Microsoft is testing Copilot ads in Windows 11 Start menu to push Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft is testing the integration of Copilot-related advertisements in the 'Recommended' section of the Start menu in Windows 11. These ads are intended to promote user engagement with the Copilot app and may direct users to either the consumer-oriented Copilot app or Microsoft 365 Copilot. The ads include messages like “Write a first draft with Copilot” and “Ask Copilot,” as well as prompts for productivity assistance. Users without a Microsoft 365 subscription may be encouraged to consider a paid plan when redirected to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft frames these prompts as “tips” or “suggestions” rather than traditional ads. Users can disable these ads by turning off a specific toggle in the Start settings. The rollout of these ads is still pending as testing continues.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

How to declutter Windows 11’s Start menu recommendations

Windows customizes the user experience by tracking habits and adapting the Start menu to show frequently accessed applications and files. This personalization can inadvertently disclose recent activities to others. Each user account has its own customizations, but a quick glance at the Start menu can reveal what a user has been working on. To enhance privacy, users can modify settings to prevent the Start menu from displaying recent activity by toggling off options for recently added apps, most used apps, and recommended files.