Microsoft is currently testing a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11, aiming to address long-standing user criticisms and improve overall usability. This potential overhaul, discovered in recent Windows 11 Insider builds, focuses on providing a more customizable and efficient experience. The updated design is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks or months.
One of the most significant changes is the consolidation of all Start menu elements—pinned apps, recommended items, and the complete app list—into a single, scrollable page. Currently, the Windows 11 Start menu separates pinned apps and recommended files/apps, requiring users to navigate to a separate screen to view all installed applications. The new design eliminates this extra step, making all apps readily accessible on the main screen.
Another key improvement is the ability to finally disable the "Recommended" section, a feature many users transitioning from Windows 10 have found unnecessary and space-consuming. Users will have the option to remove this section entirely, focusing solely on pinned applications and installed apps.
The redesigned Start menu also introduces more flexible display options for the "All apps" view. Users can choose to display their apps in a named list, a named grid, or organized into category folders, similar to the App Library on iOS devices. Furthermore, the updated menu supports a greater number of pinned apps, with the ability to expand beyond the current limit of a few rows.
The new Start menu is taller and wider to accommodate everything in a single view. Apps are arranged into a scrollable layout, with pinned apps at the top, followed by the "All apps" section. Users can also choose to show all pinned apps by default, eliminating the need to click "Show all" to expand the list.
For users eager to try out the new Start menu, it's currently available in the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders. Accessing it requires the latest Windows 11 Insider build and the ViVeTool configuration tool to enable the hidden features. While Microsoft hasn't officially announced the redesign, its presence in Insider builds suggests a wider release in the near future.
This redesign acknowledges user frustration with the current Start menu's cluttered and restrictive interface. By consolidating elements, offering customization options, and increasing the number of pinned apps, Microsoft aims to create a more user-friendly and efficient Start menu experience in Windows 11.
