Microsoft is set to revolutionize user experience with its latest update to the Windows 11 Start menu. Unveiled in recent builds of Windows 11, the redesigned Start menu offers a larger, more customizable interface, addressing long-standing user demands and enhancing overall usability.
Streamlined Design Meets User Demands
The pain point of the previous Start menu was its cluttered interface, primarily due to the "recommended" feed of files and apps, which consumed significant screen space. This feature, while useful to some, became a nuisance for users upgrading from Windows 10, who found it overwhelming and intrusive. Recognizing this, Microsoft has introduced an option to disable the recommended feed, allowing users to reclaim visual real estate and tailor the Start menu to their preferences. This update was first spotted by Windows watcher phantomofearth in the newer builds of Windows 11, where the Start menu not only boasts a larger layout but also consolidates all essential functions onto a single scrollable page. Users can now enjoy immediate access to all apps without the hassle of navigating through multiple sections, streamlining the user interface significantly.
Enhanced Accessibility and Organization
The redesign enhances the Start menu's accessibility, introducing a more organized all-apps view. Users can choose between a category view or a list layout, depending on their visual preference, making app navigation more intuitive. Moreover, the increased size of the Start menu means more space for app pins. Users can now pin up to eight applications per row without being restricted to the former three-row limit.Broader Availability and Future Updates
Microsoft has begun testing this new Start menu design in the 24H2 builds of Windows 11, and intriguingly, the company has also backported the design to the 23H2 versions. This strategic move suggests a broader rollout to all Windows 11 users in the near future, potentially in the coming weeks or months.