Last week, Microsoft unveiled a promising update to the Start menu for Windows 11, addressing longstanding user concerns since its initial release in 2021. An early version of this revamped menu was discovered within the latest Insider preview build, offering a glimpse into the future of the Windows 11 user interface.
Key Enhancements to the Start Menu
Since its launch four years ago, the Start menu has been a source of frustration for many users transitioning to Windows 11. The previous design was notably less customizable, restricting users to three rows of six pinned icons and requiring an additional click to access the All Apps list, which was relegated to a separate page. In contrast, Windows 10’s Start menu allowed for more flexibility, displaying everything on a single page and accommodating a greater number of pinned applications.
One of the most criticized features has been the Recommended feed, which many users found unnecessary and cumbersome. Despite this, Microsoft had not provided an option to hide it—until now. The newly spotted Start menu introduces a larger layout that not only accommodates more pinned apps but also allows users to conceal the Recommended feed, merging the All Apps list with the main interface.
(Image credit: Windows Central)
This new design allows users to pin up to eight apps per row, eliminating the previous limitation of three rows. Users can now set the menu to display all pinned apps by default, enhancing accessibility. The All Apps list is conveniently located at the bottom of the menu, making it visible immediately upon opening, with scrolling functionality for easy navigation.
(Image credit: Windows Central)
Another notable addition is the ability to toggle the Phone Link panel on and off with a simple button press, eliminating the need to navigate through the Settings app. This feature is particularly useful for users who wish to share their screen without exposing personal notifications or images.
This significant upgrade to the Start menu appears to be a strategic move by Microsoft, likely aimed at attracting Windows 10 users who are contemplating a transition to Windows 11 as the latter approaches its end-of-support date. While Microsoft has yet to officially announce these changes, anticipation is building for what this new Start menu will bring to the user experience in the coming weeks.
