jump lists Archives

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.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 cumulative update released with 13 changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes thirteen new fixes and enhancements. This mandatory update addresses one critical zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws, and users can install it by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.6093 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6093. The update features various fixes, including issues with the Start Menu, file server responsiveness, and USB-connected printers. A known issue with the update is that NOTO fonts may appear blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers, with a suggested workaround of adjusting display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 10 KB5061087 update released with 13 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the June 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, designated as KB5061087. This optional cumulative update addresses issues with USB multi-function printers' scanning capabilities, Start Menu problems, and a Component Object Model (COM) functionality bug causing remote COM activation failures. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to build 19045.6036 and includes additional fixes such as an updated curl tool to version 8.13.0, a fix for device registration issues in the Entra ID Windows Account Manager (WAM) plugin, resolution of problems with removing unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, and correction of a system unresponsiveness issue related to Oplock break requests on SMB shares. Users can install the update via the Windows Settings app or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. A known issue with the update is that CJK text may appear blurry at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Additionally, home users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost after Windows 10's end of life in October, provided they have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or have enabled Windows Backup. Alternatively, they can purchase a year of extended security updates.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.6029 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.6029 (KB5061087) has been released to the Release Preview Channel. Key updates include enhancements to mobile operator profiles, resolution of COM functionality issues, and an upgrade of the curl tool to v8.13.0. Adjustments in the EEA region for default browsers include automatic pinning to the Taskbar and Start menu, and a one-click button for changing default settings for .pdf files. Issues fixed include device registration in Entra ID WAM, removal of unused language packs, problems with USB-connected Multi-Function printers, jump lists in the Start Menu, incorrect version display in Settings, unresponsiveness in Kiosk devices, and system hangs on SMB shares.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft has fixed a bug in Windows 10 that broke part of the Start menu – and the reason why this happened might annoy you

A bug that disrupted the functionality of jump links in the Start menu of Windows 10 was identified during the April update and traced back to earlier updates from February. This issue arose from the integration of a Microsoft account-related panel into the Start menu, affecting the jump list feature for some users. Microsoft confirmed that the problem has been resolved as of April 25, 2025, through a service change. Users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet to receive the automatic fix after a reboot. The bug was acknowledged by Microsoft as being present since the optional preview update in February and was significant enough to impact user workflows.