Microsoft Windows 11 Start Menu Gets a Major Upgrade: Streamlining the User Experience

Microsoft is testing a significant upgrade for the Windows 11 Start menu, bringing a streamlined and more customizable experience. The new design promises to eliminate clutter and make navigating your apps faster and more intuitive. The update, expected to roll out in future Windows 11 versions (24H2 or 25H2), aims to simplify the Start menu and provide more control over what users see. Here’s a closer look at the changes and what it means for Windows users.

the New Windows 11 Start Menu Design

Microsoft is working on a major overhaul for the Windows 11 Start menu, focusing on usability and personalization. Currently, the Start menu is divided into three sections: Pinned Apps, Recommended, and All Apps. The Recommended section shows recently opened apps, recently edited files, and content from OneDrive. While this feature is useful for some, it has been widely criticized for being unnecessary and intrusive.

In response to user feedback, Microsoft is testing a new version of the Start menu that integrates these sections into a single, scrollable layout. The update, expected to be included in Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, would allow users to eliminate the Recommended section entirely, leaving only the Pinned apps and All Apps in a streamlined design.

The new design also introduces better organization of apps. The All Apps list, which is currently a separate screen, will now appear on the Start menu’s home page. Apps will be grouped into categories such as Utilities, Productivity, Games, Entertainment, and Social, making it easier for users to find what they need quickly. The update will enable faster navigation through both pinned and installed apps in a neat, scrollable stripe.

What Undercode Says:

The upcoming changes to the Start menu in Windows 11 signal Microsoft’s commitment to improving the user interface, making it more adaptable and user-friendly. The removal of the Recommended section is a response to long-standing complaints from users who found the feed cluttered and unnecessary. By giving users the option to turn it off, Microsoft is offering a level of customization that wasn’t previously available in the Start menu.

One of the most notable features is the new app grouping system. Categories like Utilities, Productivity, and Games help reduce the time spent searching for specific apps, bringing a more organized and structured experience to the Start menu. This feature is especially useful for users with many installed apps who are looking for a quicker way to find what they need without sifting through endless lists.

The addition of a scrollable layout for pinned and installed apps makes it much easier to access both sets of apps in one place. Previously, the division between pinned apps and the full All Apps list created a slightly disjointed experience. Now, everything is more fluid and easier to navigate. This should be a welcome change for users who prefer a more cohesive, less fragmented interface.

Another positive aspect of this update is the growing focus on user feedback. Microsoft has responded to user complaints about the Recommended section and has provided a simple solution. This change aligns with a broader trend in the tech world, where companies are paying closer attention to user preferences and providing more flexibility in software design.

However, there are also potential concerns with this new design. While the grouping of apps may make the menu more organized, it could also make the Start menu feel more rigid, especially if Microsoft’s categorization doesn’t align with how users typically organize their apps. The option to turn off the Recommended section is undoubtedly a plus, but users who rely on it for quick access to recently opened apps may find themselves missing it.

The new Start menu design could also represent a step toward further consolidating features in Windows 11. Microsoft seems to be focused on simplifying the operating system, and the Start menu overhaul is part of this broader effort. However, while simplification can be a good thing, there’s always the risk of stripping away features that some users find essential. The balance between simplicity and functionality will be key in ensuring that the Windows 11 Start menu remains both efficient and flexible for a wide range of users.

Overall, this update has the potential to improve the user experience by making the Start menu more customizable, organized, and easier to use. It will be interesting to see how users react once the update is widely available, especially since many have been vocal about their desire for more control over their Start menu.

Fact Checker Results:

Microsoft is indeed testing a new version of the Start menu for Windows 11 with a single, scrollable layout.
The new design allows users to turn off the Recommended section, providing a more personalized experience.
The update includes app grouping and a more organized All Apps list, making it easier to navigate through pinned and installed apps.

References:

Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/04/04/windows-11s-start-menu-is-getting-a-big-redesign-without-recommended-feed/
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