For years, users have expressed frustration over the restrictive nature of the Start menu in Windows 11, particularly when compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. Microsoft has largely remained silent on these concerns, leaving many to seek third-party solutions to enhance their user experience. However, a recent discovery of a new Start menu design has sparked hope among users, as it appears to address many of the long-standing complaints.
Revamped Start Menu Design
The newly designed Start menu is notably larger and emphasizes content that users genuinely want to access. It allows for immediate access to the full list of applications and offers the option to completely remove the Recommended section—an aspect that has puzzled users since the launch of Windows 11. If this design is rolled out to the general public, it may signal that Microsoft is finally paying attention to user feedback and striving to enhance the overall experience.
As we look forward, there are several additional areas where improvements could be beneficial for Windows 11. Here are a few suggestions:
Clipchamp: A Step Forward, But Not Enough
Microsoft’s inclusion of Clipchamp as a video editing tool in Windows 11 is a welcome addition, especially when compared to the basic functionality of the previous Photos app. However, it falls short of the capabilities offered by Apple’s iMovie, which is a fully native application that allows for 4K exports without additional costs. In contrast, Clipchamp requires users to subscribe to a premium plan for similar features, which can be frustrating.
Moreover, Clipchamp operates as a web-based application rather than a native one, which can hinder performance. While the platform aims to simplify video creation, it often sacrifices essential editing features in the process.
Widgets: A Missed Opportunity
Widgets in Windows 11 have not garnered much enthusiasm, and their current implementation leaves much to be desired. Users must navigate to a dedicated interface to access them, which diminishes their utility. Unlike macOS, where widgets are conveniently located next to notifications, Windows 11’s widgets are isolated and take up a significant portion of the screen, making them less appealing.
Integrating widgets directly onto the desktop could enhance their accessibility and utility, a feature that Microsoft has yet to implement despite previous discussions.
Gaming Handhelds: A Call for Better UI
The conversation surrounding gaming handhelds often highlights the shortcomings of Windows as a platform. Despite minor improvements to the Xbox app and new keyboard layouts, the overall experience remains subpar, especially when compared to the Steam Deck. The inability to navigate Windows 11 effectively with a gamepad continues to be a significant drawback, prompting many to seek alternatives.
Search Functionality: A Need for Flexibility
Windows Search has become increasingly frustrating, particularly due to Microsoft’s insistence on directing users to Bing and Edge for web queries. This approach disregards users’ default browser settings and limits their search engine choices. In contrast, macOS allows users the freedom to select their preferred browser, highlighting a disparity in user experience between the two operating systems.
Setup Experience: Streamlining the Process
The initial setup process for Windows 11 could benefit from significant improvements. Users are often bombarded with prompts to accept various Microsoft services, leading to a cumbersome experience. The so-called “second-chance out-of-box experience” serves as a reminder of features users have already declined, which can be quite frustrating. Simplifying this process would allow users to customize their experience from the outset without unnecessary interruptions.
As Microsoft navigates these challenges, the hope remains that the new Start menu design will pave the way for broader enhancements across Windows 11. Addressing these longstanding user concerns could not only improve functionality but also bolster Microsoft’s reputation among its user base.
