Revealed: How Windows 11’s new Start menu auto-categorizes your apps

Microsoft’s Innovative Approach to Start Menu Redesign

In a notable shift for Windows 11, Microsoft is embarking on yet another redesign of the Start Menu, introducing a feature that promises to streamline user experience through automatic app categorization.

According to insights from Windows Latest, the tech giant has developed a compact 15 megabyte JSON file that meticulously categorizes applications available on the Microsoft Store. Each app has been assigned a numerical identifier, with categories ranging from 0 for Productivity to 1 for Social, 2 for Creative, and beyond.

This new system will automatically group applications within the Start Menu as soon as a user has at least three apps that fall under the same category. Unlike traditional alphabetical sorting, the arrangement of apps will be influenced by usage frequency, ensuring that the most relevant tools are readily accessible.

However, it appears that users may not have the flexibility to rename these categories or introduce their own custom classifications. As a result, individuals will need to adapt to Microsoft’s predefined organization, which may evoke mixed feelings among users who prefer a more personalized touch.

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Revealed: How Windows 11's new Start menu auto-categorizes your apps