Microsoft's New Windows Start Menu: Bigger, More Customizable, and User-Friendly

Microsoft is reportedly working on an exciting new design for the Windows 11 Start menu, aimed at enhancing user experience. According to recent leaks, the updated Start menu promises a larger, more customizable layout with several new features that users have been asking for. This new design has surfaced through a post by Windows leaker “phantomofearth,” who shared a video revealing the changes in the upcoming Windows 11 builds.

What’s New in the Windows 11 Start Menu?

The most significant change to the Windows 11 Start menu is its expanded size. The new design consolidates everything onto a single, scrollable page, providing a more intuitive and streamlined interface. One of the standout features of the update is the ability to turn off the recommended feed of files and apps, which many users have found cluttered and unnecessary. This option allows users to fully personalize their Start menu to suit their needs and preferences.

The new layout also introduces a more flexible approach to pinned apps. While the pinned list is now limited to two rows, users can expand it for more space, eliminating the previous three-row restriction. In the video shared by the leaker, it’s clear that this more customizable approach could greatly improve the overall user experience, especially for those who prefer a cleaner, more organized Start menu.

The Benefits of the New Start Menu Design

For users who have transitioned from Windows 10, one of the biggest complaints has been the recommended feed taking up valuable space on the Start menu. This feed often displays files and apps that are of little interest to many, making it feel cluttered and inefficient. The new design addresses this frustration by allowing users to disable the recommended feed, providing more control over their Start menu’s appearance.

Another notable update is the revamped “All apps” section. This part of the Start menu now offers more user-friendly options, including the ability to display apps either in a category or list layout. Users can choose the layout that best suits their needs, making it easier to find and launch apps quickly. Furthermore, the updated Start menu supports more pinned apps—up to eight per row—offering more space for important shortcuts and frequently used applications.

What Undercode Says:

The updated Windows 11 Start menu represents a significant improvement in how users interact with their operating system. The ability to turn off the recommended feed of apps and files addresses a long-standing frustration for many, while the larger, more flexible layout allows for easier navigation. The new design’s focus on user customization is a welcome change, as it gives users more control over the look and feel of their workspace.

What’s particularly intriguing about this update is its emphasis on personalization. By allowing users to decide how they want their apps displayed and giving them more room for pinned apps, Microsoft is clearly catering to a wide variety of user preferences. The added option to disable the recommended feed also highlights the company’s recognition of user feedback and its willingness to improve the Windows experience based on those insights.

However, the fact that these changes are being tested in the Dev/Beta channels suggests that they may not be immediately available to all users. While the new design is expected to roll out in the 24H2 builds of Windows 11, it’s important to remember that these updates often take time to reach the general public. Microsoft has also backported these features to the 23H2 versions, suggesting they may be available to users sooner than expected.

From a broader perspective, this update aligns with the growing trend of operating systems offering more customizable, user-centric features. Users now expect greater flexibility and control over their devices, and this update to the Windows 11 Start menu is a step in the right direction. If the feedback from these early testers is positive, it could signal a larger shift towards more user-friendly design updates in future Windows releases.

Fact Checker Results:

The new Start menu design has been confirmed by multiple sources, including the well-known Windows leaker “phantomofearth.”
The ability to turn off the recommended feed and customize the pinned app layout aligns with reported updates from Microsoft in the Windows 11 24H2 builds.
The expansion of pinned app rows and the enhanced “All apps” view offer more flexibility, matching user demands for a more personalized interface.