pinned apps Archives

Winsage

May 30, 2026

Tested: Windows 11’s new Start menu lets you fully customize it, and it works surprisingly well

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.8553, featuring a redesigned Start menu that addresses user complaints about customization and performance. The update introduces section-level toggles for managing the visibility of Pinned, Recent, and All sections. The Recommended section has been rebranded as Recent, allowing users to display recently accessed files and customize its visibility. Users can also disable Pinned apps and All apps, leading to a minimalist Start menu. Three size options for the Start menu are available: Automatic, Small, and Medium. The All apps section can be viewed in Grid or List format. Users can hide their name and profile picture from the Start menu. A native Start menu is in development, with plans to use native WinUI 3 frameworks for improved performance. Additionally, a new Low Latency Profile CPU boost is being rolled out to enhance responsiveness.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft brings back personalization to Windows 11

Microsoft is addressing user feedback on Windows 11 by enhancing taskbar and Start menu customization. Users will soon be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen and choose icon alignment. This feature aims to provide more flexibility and improve user experience, particularly for those needing additional vertical screen space. The updates are currently available to Windows Insider Preview participants and can be adjusted in the settings. Additionally, the Start menu will see changes, allowing users to disable sections like Recommended and Pinned, rename the Recommended section to Recent, and choose between small and large sizes for the menu. These enhancements are expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users soon.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

Microsoft is making Windows 11’s Start menu resizable after years of complaints, adds Small and Large options

Microsoft is updating the Start menu in Windows 11 based on user feedback about its size and functionality. The new Start menu will feature a categories layout and enhanced customization options. Users will soon be able to choose between two layouts: small and large. Additionally, users can hide specific sections within the menu, such as the Pinned section or the Recommended feed, to create a more streamlined experience. The Recommended feed can be disabled without affecting the Recent section in the taskbar or File Explorer. Users will also have the option to hide their name and profile picture in the Start menu. These updates will be rolled out in the coming weeks, with plans for further enhancements, including a movable and smaller taskbar and up to 18 major changes to Windows 11.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Improving Windows quality: Making Taskbar and Start more personal

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows experience by focusing on performance, reliability, and craftsmanship, with a commitment to transparency about updates. The Start menu and taskbar are receiving particular attention, with new customization options being introduced for users in the Experimental channel. Users can now reposition the taskbar to any edge of the screen, customize icon alignment, and view every window at a glance with ungrouped icons. A more compact taskbar option will also be available for smaller screens. The Start menu will feature section-level toggles for easier customization, separate controls for file recommendations, size settings, and the option to hide user names for privacy. The Recommended section will be renamed Recent to better reflect its purpose. These features will be gradually rolled out, with user feedback being encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Microsoft to retire Edge sidebar apps as part of Windows 11 simplification

Microsoft is retiring the sidebar app list feature from its Edge browser, starting with users signed in with a Microsoft account. The ability to add new apps to the sidebar has already been disabled, and existing pinned apps will be removed in a future update. Users will receive notifications prior to the full removal of the feature. Microsoft has not provided a direct replacement for the sidebar app list, and while features like Split Screen remain available, they do not replicate the sidebar's quick-access functionality. Microsoft plans to continue developing its Copilot integration within Edge, despite mixed user responses to the removal of the sidebar app list.

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Microsoft reportedly redesigning Start Menu in Windows 11 after actually listening to user complaints

Microsoft is updating the Start Menu in Windows 11, focusing on enhanced customization and improved performance. The update will allow users to disable specific sections, choose between small or large layouts, and toggle off elements like the recommended feed and pinned apps. The new Start Menu is expected to be more responsive, especially during heavy usage, and will improve search functionality. Feedback on the redesign has been mixed, with some users expressing dissatisfaction and nostalgia for the Windows 10 Start Menu.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new Start menu is here, and the community reaction is basically “why is this worse?”

Microsoft's redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 has received mixed reactions, with many users criticizing its excessive size, automation, and lack of customization options. Users on larger monitors find the menu to be a "colossal waste of space," while those on laptops have a more favorable view. The automatic categorization of apps has been deemed ineffective, with users frustrated by the inability to rename or adjust categories. Some users appreciate the "List" view option, but overall, the menu's size overshadows its positive aspects. Functional issues such as icons failing to render and laggy animations have also been reported, contributing to dissatisfaction. Users express a desire for more control over their interface, suggesting that options for category editing and resizing could improve the experience.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Windows 11 backgrounds are finally joining the modern era.

The latest Windows Insider build, 26220.7653, allows users to set .webp images as their desktop background on Windows 11 through the Beta Channel. The design of dialogs in "Accounts > Other Users" has been updated to use the modern WinUI framework and support dark mode, contingent on having a domain-joined work or school account. The Click to Do feature now loads Copilot prompt suggestions instantly, although this is not available to Insiders in the European Economic Area or China. Various fixes have been implemented, including resolving issues with the taskbar, Bluetooth device battery level display, login screen password icon, and Settings crashing when interacting with audio devices. Additionally, issues related to Notepad, explorer.exe, and msinfo32 have been addressed.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7653 (KB5074157) has been released to the Beta Channel. Changes and Improvements: - The "Accounts > Other Users" dialog has been redesigned using the WinUI framework and now supports dark mode. - Copilot prompt suggestions in Click to Do will load instantly, but this change is not available for Insiders in the EEA or China. - Users can now set .webp images as their desktop background. Fixes: - Taskbar autohide issue resolved. - Start menu memory leak fixed and issues with incorrect opening side for Arabic and Hebrew users addressed. - Bluetooth battery level display issue resolved. - Fixed unexpected app behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Login screen password icon issue fixed. - Resolved crash in Settings when interacting with audio devices. - Fixed keyboard character repeat delay settings discrepancy. - Addressed clipped text issues in msinfo32 and installation errors with .appinstaller files. - Notepad font display issue corrected. - Fixed explorer.exe hang issue upon logging in. Known Issues: - Some applications may exhibit unexpected behavior in Xbox full-screen experience. - Investigating visibility issues of apps in the system tray for some Insiders. - Addressing display issues on secondary monitors showing black screens. - Working on a fix for Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt box functionality when the app is not running. Reminders: - Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2. - Features are rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. - Features in development may not be released to the public and can evolve or be removed.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

I forced myself to run Windows 11, and to be honest, I don’t miss much about Windows 10

Windows 10 reached the end of its support, prompting an upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is faster, with performance improvements claimed to be up to 2.3 times quicker than Windows 10, particularly on modern hardware. Boot times improved from 40 seconds to under 20 seconds. Battery life enhancements are reported, especially for modern devices. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a better user experience, allowing app uninstallation directly from the Store. The Start menu and Taskbar have been redesigned, with a more organized layout that enhances usability. The new context menu includes dedicated icons for frequently used functions. The classic Control Panel is missed, as its functionality has largely moved to the Settings app, which some find less simple. Overall, the upgrade to Windows 11 is considered worthwhile despite some areas needing refinement.