Windows 11 Start menu Archives

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft testing a redesigned Windows 11 start menu; here’s what it means for users – The Times of India

Microsoft is enhancing the user experience of Windows 11 with a redesigned Start menu that is larger and more customizable. A Windows leaker, phantomofearth, shared a video on Bluesky showcasing the new design, which allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. The updated Start menu features a spacious layout with a scrollable page, where the 'All' list is positioned below recommendations that can now be turned off. The pinned list is limited to two rows but can be expanded. Microsoft is testing this revamped Start menu in the 24H2 builds of Windows 11 and has backported the feature to the 23H2 versions, indicating a near-future rollout for all users. The new design aims to address user frustrations by consolidating elements into a single page and enhancing the “All apps” view for easier access, allowing applications to be displayed in categorized or list formats and accommodating up to eight pinned apps per row.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally fixing my biggest issues with the Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft has introduced an updated Start menu for Windows 11 in an Insider preview build, addressing user concerns since its 2021 release. The new design allows users to pin up to eight apps per row, compared to the previous limitation of three rows, and enables users to hide the Recommended feed. The All Apps list is now located at the bottom of the menu for immediate visibility and easy scrolling. Additionally, users can toggle the Phone Link panel on and off with a button press. These changes aim to attract Windows 10 users considering a transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Start menu is bigger and fixes a major pain point

Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 users, featuring a larger layout that consolidates functionality onto a single scrollable page. Users can disable the recommended feed, allowing for a cleaner interface. The new design provides easy access to all apps without navigating through multiple sections, with options for a category view or list format. Users can pin up to eight apps per row, with no restrictions on the number of rows. This updated Start menu is currently being tested in the 24H2 builds of Windows 11 and is also being backported to the 23H2 versions, indicating a wider rollout is expected soon.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

How to replace your Windows 11 Start menu with a better alternative

The Windows 11 Start menu has received criticism for its layout and limited customization options, prompting user frustration. Microsoft has made minor updates, such as allowing folder creation for organizing shortcuts, but a comprehensive redesign is expected in 2025. The Start menu has not changed significantly since its launch in October 2021. Third-party applications like Start11 and StartAllBack offer alternatives to the Windows 11 Start menu. Start11, developed by Stardock for .99, provides seven layouts, including classic Windows 7 and Modern styles, with extensive customization options for appearance and functionality. It also enhances the Taskbar, allowing modifications to color, transparency, and size. StartAllBack, available for .99, offers three themes and similar customization features, including options for the Taskbar and File Explorer. Open Shell Menu is a free alternative that supports various styles and customization options for the Start button and Taskbar. Each of these alternatives aims to improve the user experience on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Replace your Windows 11 Start menu – I found 3 apps that are way better

The Windows 11 Start menu has faced criticism for its layout and limited customization options, prompting Microsoft to make minor adjustments, including the introduction of folder creation for shortcuts in late 2022. A significant redesign is expected in 2025. Third-party alternatives like Start11, StartAllBack, and Open Shell Menu provide users with more customizable options. Start11 costs .99 and offers seven distinct layouts, extensive customization features, and enhancements for the Taskbar. StartAllBack, priced at .99, provides three themes and similar customization options. Open Shell Menu is a free alternative that allows users to choose from various layouts and customize the Start button's appearance.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11’s Start menu is getting redesigned again — and it’s not bad

Microsoft is preparing a significant redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu, featuring a new, larger layout that allows users to view all options on a single scrollable page. The update includes the ability to disable the recommendations feature and limits the pinned list to two rows, which can be expanded. This redesign was first revealed by a user on social media and is currently available only to participants in the Dev and Beta channels of the Windows Insider program.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a big Start menu overhaul with better layout customization and more — here’s a first look

Microsoft is developing an update for the Start menu in Windows 11 that will integrate the pinned and recommended sections with the apps list into a single interface. The new design will allow users to pin more applications and automatically display all pinned apps. This update was discovered in a recent Windows 11 preview build, and while Microsoft has not officially announced it, it may coincide with the company's 50th anniversary and the Microsoft Build conference in May. Current criticisms of the Start menu include its lack of customization options and the separation of the apps list, which requires an additional click to access. The update aims to address these issues by merging the apps list with the pinned section, similar to the design in Windows 10.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Your PC’s Windows install needs spring cleaning too. Here’s how to do it

- Regular maintenance of a PC is essential, especially during seasonal changes. - Uninstall unnecessary programs by accessing the Windows 11 Start menu, reviewing installed applications, and selecting Uninstall. - Specialized uninstall tools like Revo Uninstaller or Iobit Uninstaller can help remove leftover files and registry entries after standard uninstallation. - Unused Windows apps and features can be removed using Powershell commands or the freeware version of CCleaner. - Windows has a built-in cleaning service called "Storage Sense" that can be activated in Settings > System > Storage to manage unnecessary files automatically. - The Disk Cleanup tool can be accessed by typing cleanmgr in the search field to target temporary files and the recycle bin. - Software like Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro can help find and delete duplicate photos in large collections. - To reset Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC, with an option to keep existing files or perform a complete reinstall.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to restore a more classic Start menu to Windows 11

The Open-Shell-Menu utility allows users to restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, reminiscent of Windows 7. It is lightweight and free to use, but may trigger browser warnings during installation. To install, users can run the command winget install --id Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu in an elevated Command Prompt. After installation, users can configure the Start menu by accessing Open-Shell Menu Settings, where they can choose from different styles, including Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style. Users can also customize the Start button and select a skin, with the Windows Aero option recommended for a cohesive desktop experience. The utility includes features for modifying the Start menu items and reintroduces the classic bar for File Explorer. Users can disable the Classic Explorer Bar if desired.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Microsoft tests Windows 11 Start menu’s smart snap suggestions, PC specs guide FAQ in Settings

Microsoft is testing new features for Windows 11, including smart snap suggestions in the Start menu and an FAQ section in the Settings menu. The Start menu will soon include recommendations for frequently snapped applications, aimed at improving multitasking. These 'snap group' recommendations are expected to be part of Windows 11 24H2, with the potential for users to pin suggested configurations to the taskbar. Additionally, the Settings menu will introduce "Cards" in the System > About section, allowing users to view essential PC specifications like storage, GPU, RAM, and processor details. An FAQ section will accompany this feature, addressing common questions about PC hardware, particularly for beginners.