With the rollout of the January 2026 security updates, the new Windows 11 Start menu is finally making its way into the hands of users everywhere. Although it was initially introduced with the November update, its availability had been limited, leaving many eager users waiting. Now that it is widely accessible, the response has been predictably mixed, with a notable sense of irritation stemming primarily from its considerable size.
The new Start menu is not an accident, but intentional
The redesigned Start menu boasts a footprint that is nearly double that of its predecessor. This expansion is not merely a design oversight; rather, it reflects a strategic choice made by Microsoft. The overhaul adheres to a clear vision: moving away from nested layers toward a single, scrollable interface. Unlike the previous version, which dispersed content across multiple views, the new Start menu consolidates nearly everything onto one page. Pinned applications take precedence at the top, followed by recommended files and programs. A significant addition is the “All Apps” section, now seamlessly integrated into the menu rather than being a separate entity.
More content inevitably means more space
From a technical perspective, the expansion of the menu can be attributed to three key factors:
- Increased columns: The menu now displays eight app tiles side by side, up from six.
- Categorized app overview: Installed programs are organized into thematic blocks, such as productivity or entertainment, with each category represented by groups of four square tiles.
- Additional functional areas: Recommended content and app lists are now presented in parallel, eliminating competition for space.
The outcome is a Start menu that resembles a dashboard more than a traditional menu—functional, yet demanding in terms of screen real estate.
Personalization yes, downsizing no
Microsoft has certainly taken steps to address long-standing user feedback, allowing apps to be arranged in a classic list view, which is particularly advantageous for mouse and keyboard users. The number of clicks needed to navigate has also been minimized. However, one notable absence is the option for manual resizing, a feature that Windows 10 users may miss. Microsoft has clarified that this limitation is intentional, as free scaling would disrupt the carefully crafted animations and transitions. In essence, design takes precedence over flexibility.
The phone bar exacerbates the space problem
For those who connect their smartphones to Windows 11, an additional side-folding phone bar emerges, displaying notifications, messages, and recently accessed content. This feature extends the Start menu to the right, which, on smaller displays, can result in the Start menu occupying nearly the entire screen when opened. While multitasking remains feasible, it is noticeably constrained.
Workaround instead of solution
Currently, there are no plans from Microsoft to downsize the Start menu, and users can expect this large format to remain. The only somewhat effective workaround involves adjusting global screen scaling in the display settings, but this approach impacts the entire system and serves more as a temporary fix than a genuine solution.
The expansive Windows 11 Start menu is not a mere glitch or a fleeting trend; it embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes clarity and touch operation over traditional desktop efficiency. Users who can adapt to this new layout will benefit from a wealth of information at their fingertips, while those who favor a more compact interface may need to adjust their expectations or seek compromises.
