After years of neglect, Microsoft is now making a concerted effort to enhance Windows 11, with significant updates rolling out through the Windows Insider Program. While the timeline for these changes to reach the stable version remains uncertain, recent modifications to the Start menu have sparked interest among users and industry observers alike.
A brief history of the Windows 11 Start menu
The Start menu in Windows 11, which uniquely floats above the Taskbar, traces its origins back to Windows 10X—a project aimed at modernizing Microsoft’s operating system that ultimately did not come to fruition. Although the dual-screen tablet concept was abandoned, two key elements emerged: a container-based architecture intended to isolate Win32 desktop applications and a fresh, mobile-inspired user interface. The latter made its way into Windows 11, but the former proved too complex to implement.
Upon its launch in October 2021, the Start menu was met with criticism for its overly simplistic design, featuring three main sections—Search, Pinned, and Recommended—without any option for customization. Users found it frustrating that removing icons from the Pinned section left an empty space, undermining the aesthetic appeal. In late 2021, Microsoft began testing some customization features, including layout options like “More pins” and “More recommendations,” which were later introduced in the 22H2 update. However, these adjustments did not address the issue of wasted space, and the Start menu remained largely unchanged in subsequent updates.
With the introduction of version 25H2, a new layout integrated the All apps section into the main Start UI, allowing for configurations in Category, Grid, and List views. This version also introduced a responsive design, adapting the Start menu’s size and layout based on the display’s pixel density. Despite these advancements, many anticipated that further significant changes would be slow to materialize. However, recent public acknowledgment of user pain points has prompted a renewed focus on enhancements.
What Microsoft promised for Start
In March, Microsoft President Pavan Davuluri outlined a commitment to improving Windows 11, specifically addressing user concerns regarding the Start menu. Key promises included:
- The Start menu would become “more reliable, flexible, and personalized,” allowing for tailored customization.
- Users would experience more consistent access to apps and files.
- The Recommended section would be refined to showcase more relevant apps and content, with clear options for customization or deactivation.
- Search functionality would be standardized across Start, the Taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings.
- Performance improvements would be achieved by transitioning more components to WinUI 3, addressing previous latency issues caused by the use of web technologies.
While these changes may not seem revolutionary, they signal a shift in Microsoft’s approach. As the first updates begin to roll out through the Insider Program, users are eager to see how these promises translate into tangible improvements.
What’s changed so far
Recently, Microsoft released a new build to the Experimental channel of the Windows Insider Program, introducing several noteworthy updates to the Start menu. These enhancements complement previous Taskbar customization options and include:
- Recent section: The Recommended section has been rebranded as Recent, allowing users to toggle the visibility of recently added apps, files, and tips according to their preferences.
- Toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All: Users can now individually show or hide the three main sections—Pinned, Recent, and All—through Start settings.
- Size options: The layout options have been simplified, with a new section allowing users to choose between Automatic (Default), Small, and Large sizes for the Start menu.
- User account profile hiding: Users can now opt to hide their account profile button, which previously displayed their name and picture, along with promotional notifications.
- Start settings: The settings interface has been redesigned to highlight new options while removing outdated ones.
While these changes may appear minor at first glance, they collectively enhance the user experience by streamlining navigation and providing greater control over the Start menu’s appearance. The ability to toggle sections and adjust sizing options reflects a responsiveness to user feedback that has been long overdue.
As Microsoft continues to refine the Start menu alongside other elements like the Taskbar, the overall direction seems promising. While the desire for more granular resizing options remains, the incremental improvements signal a positive trajectory for Windows 11 users. Further updates are anticipated, and the community watches closely as Microsoft works to elevate its flagship operating system.
