Microsoft is working on a revamped Start menu in Windows 11 that addresses some of the issues people have with the existing menu.
Spotted by Phantomofearth, who watches for changes to Windows and shares findings online, the new design was hidden in recent Windows 11 builds. It includes a slightly updated design that’s larger than the current Start menu. It’s also more customizable.
The new Start menu keeps everything contained to one scrollable interface, unlike before when users had to click a button to open a separate menu with all of their apps. The new menu design incorporates the app list directly into the primary Start menu.
Hidden in today’s Dev/Beta CUs: a major update to the Windows 11 Start menu! It has a new, larger layout with everything on one scrollable page, with the “All” list below recommendations – which can FINALLY be turned off! Pinned list is now limited to 2 rows, but can be expanded.
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth.bsky.social) 2025-04-03T18:29:08.021Z
Moreover, there are options to display the Start menu as either a list of apps or in categories, a la the App Library on iPhone. Other customization settings include showing all pinned apps by default, showing recently added apps, showing more used apps and more.
All this is good to see, since the current Start menu isn’t exactly an ideal layout. I don’t mind the ‘Recommended’ section, which gives me quick access to recent files, but I totally see why some people would prefer another layout. I’m also a big fan of the new categories for apps.
The Verge notes that Microsoft tested the new design on 24H2 builds of Windows 11, but it also backported the changes to 23H2 builds. That indicates the new design will roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks or months.
Source: Phantomofearth (Bluesky) Via: The Verge
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