Windows 11 has unveiled a significant redesign of its Start menu, marking the first major update since 2021. This fresh iteration introduces a new categories layout and a revamped Phone Link panel positioned conveniently to the right side of the Start menu. However, users should note that this feature is gradually rolling out with Windows 11 Build 26200.7019, 26100.7019, or newer. For those eager to experience the new design sooner, there is a method to force-enable the updated Start UI using ViVeTool.
How to enable the new Start menu in Windows 11?
- Firstly, download and install Windows 11 KB5067036 or newer. Ensure that Build 26200.7019 or 26100.7019+ is installed by verifying it from Settings > System > About.
- Download the ViVeTool package from GitHub and extract the contents to a designated folder.
- Open a Command Prompt window with administrator privileges.
- Navigate to the folder where you’ve extracted ViVeTool, copying the path from the address bar.
- In the Command Prompt, type cd followed by the path location and press Enter to access the ViVeTool directory.
- Type vivetool and press Enter. If successful, you’ll see relevant details about the tool in the output.
- To enable the new Start menu, type vivetool /enable /id:47205210 and press Enter.
- Finally, restart your Windows system.
Upon reboot, the new Start menu will be at your fingertips. Should you wish to revert to the previous layout, simply use vivetool /reset /id:47205210.
While the new Start menu is expected to appear automatically for most users in Build 26200.7019 or newer, Microsoft has opted for a staggered rollout approach. This strategy allows the company to pause the release if any issues arise for early adopters.
New Start menu versus the old Start menu and Windows 10’s Start menu
Before delving into the nuances of the redesigned Start menu, it’s worthwhile to compare it with the design of Windows 10. The previous operating system featured a single-page menu design, showcasing Windows 8-style tiles on the right side. While it may not have met today’s “mobile-first” standards, it was functional.
In contrast, Windows 11 divided the Start menu into two distinct sections. The upper half displays pinned apps alongside a Recommended section, which has garnered criticism for often duplicating information already accessible via the taskbar or File Explorer’s Home tab.
The lower half contains a comprehensive list of installed apps, accessible only by clicking the All button in the top right corner. This additional click has not been well-received by users transitioning from Windows 10, who prefer a more straightforward access to their applications.
Meet the new Start menu
The new Start menu reverts to a single-page layout, featuring a collapsible Pinned apps section at the top, followed by the recommended section and the All section, which now boasts multiple layout options. This consolidation into one long, scrollable page enhances user experience, allowing for a more intuitive navigation.
Moreover, users now have the option to completely hide the Recommended section, a feature that was previously unavailable. The revamped All apps section introduces Category, Grid, and List options, addressing the challenges posed by the former single-list format that often overwhelmed users.
The introduction of the Category layout is particularly noteworthy, as it organizes apps into specific niches such as Productivity and Tools, even allowing for nested folders. Although users cannot currently create new categories, this feature could be on Microsoft’s roadmap, potentially enhancing customization options in future updates.
As the landscape of user interface design continues to evolve, the new Start menu in Windows 11 aims to streamline accessibility and enhance user satisfaction. Feedback from users will undoubtedly shape its future iterations.
