Windows 11 Brings New Start Menu Controls, Image Editing in Share UI, and More

A Fresh Take on Windows 11’s User Experience

Microsoft is rolling out several quality-of-life updates to Windows 11, refining the user experience in key areas. The latest preview builds—Windows 11 Build 26120.357 for 24H2 and Build 22635.5090 for 23H2—introduce enhanced Start menu controls, built-in image editing tools within the Share UI, and a migration of legacy Control Panel mouse settings to the modern Settings app. These refinements make Windows 11 more intuitive, helping users streamline workflows and customize their experience more efficiently.

Start Menu Pinned Apps Get a Functional Upgrade

The Start menu’s right-click context menu has been improved, offering more flexibility in arranging pinned apps. Instead of relying solely on drag-and-drop, users can now reorder apps using simple “Move Left” or “Move Right” options in the context menu. Additionally, creating and managing app folders has become easier, allowing users to group apps efficiently without manually dragging them into folders.

Windows Share UI Gets a Built-in Image Editor

A major enhancement comes to the Windows Share UI, which now includes image editing and compression tools. Users can quickly crop, adjust, and markup images directly within the share interface, eliminating the need to open third-party apps like Photos or Paint before sharing an image.

The Edit feature provides controls for cropping, rotating, and flipping images.
The Adjustment tab includes sliders for brightness, contrast, highlights, and shadows.
The Filter tab offers preset color and tone filters to enhance images.
The Markup tool allows for annotations and highlights.
A new Compression slider helps users optimize file size while balancing image quality.

This marks a significant shift in how Windows handles image editing, as the tools leverage OneDrive’s web-based processing to integrate seamlessly with the system.

Control Panel Settings Are Moving to Settings App

Microsoft’s ongoing effort to phase out the legacy Control Panel continues. The Mouse Properties settings have now moved to the Accessibility section in the Settings app. Users can now:

– Customize pointer images, trails, and shadow effects.

Adjust pointer behavior with toggles for Snap to Default, Hide Pointer While Typing, Double-Click Speed, and Click Lock.
Use the “Activate on hover” feature, which allows switching active windows by hovering over them without clicking.
Enable Mouse Keys, allowing pointer movement via the numeric keypad.

This shift ensures that all system settings remain within the modern Settings interface, making it more user-friendly and reducing reliance on outdated Control Panel menus.

What Undercode Says: A Deeper Look into Windows 11’s Changes

Microsoft’s refinements in Windows 11 show a clear focus on usability and modernization. Here’s a deeper analysis of what these changes mean for users:

1. The Start

The ability to move pinned apps without dragging and dropping is a small but meaningful improvement. It streamlines app management, especially for those who organize their Start menu frequently. Grouping apps into folders is another win, helping users keep their Start menu neat and more personalized.

Windows Share UI Becomes a One-Stop Image Editor
The of built-in image editing tools is one of the most practical additions in recent updates. It reduces dependency on external apps, making quick edits and annotations a seamless part of the sharing process. Since it uses web-based processing via OneDrive, this might also indicate future cloud-driven enhancements to Windows.

However, this approach raises concerns for users who prefer offline tools. If Microsoft continues integrating more cloud-based functionalities, some users may feel forced into OneDrive’s ecosystem, which might not be ideal for those prioritizing local storage and privacy.

Control Panel’s Gradual Retirement – A Double-Edged Sword?
Microsoft’s strategy to move legacy settings into the Settings app is long overdue, but it’s not without trade-offs. While the new Mouse Accessibility settings are more intuitive and streamlined, some advanced users may still prefer the granular controls offered by the old Control Panel interface.

The “Activate on hover” feature is particularly interesting, as it brings a Mac-like workflow to Windows, making multitasking more efficient. However, older users accustomed to traditional mouse interactions may need time to adjust.

The Bigger Picture – Windows 11’s Future Direction
These changes indicate that Microsoft is continuing to simplify and modernize Windows 11, focusing on better UI consistency, cloud integration, and efficiency. However, the reliance on web-based features like OneDrive raises questions about how much control users will retain over their local data in the long run.

For businesses and casual users alike, these refinements reduce friction in daily tasks. However, power users who rely on fine-tuned system control may find some of the modernizations limiting or unnecessary.

Fact Checker Results

✅ Improved Start menu controls are confirmed in the latest preview builds.
✅ Windows Share UI image editing tools work as described, leveraging OneDrive-based processing.
✅ Control Panel settings are actively being migrated, aligning with Microsoft’s long-term strategy.

As Windows 11 continues to evolve, these updates reflect Microsoft’s push toward a cleaner, more efficient user experience. While some changes are widely welcomed, others may require users to adapt to a more cloud-integrated approach.

References:

Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/23/windows-11-start-menus-right-click-menu-now-lets-you-rearrange-apps-and-more/
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