Microsoft is experimenting with a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11, offering a more customisable and user-friendly interface. The new layout has been discovered in recent Windows 11 builds, according to a leak by tipster phantomofearth on social media platform Bluesky. The update is being tested internally within the 24H2 builds and has reportedly been backported to 23H2, suggesting a wider rollout could be on the horizon.
What’s new in the redesigned Start menu
The leaked video of the new design shows a larger layout that consolidates features into a single scrollable page. The “All apps” list now appears directly below the recommended section, offering seamless navigation without requiring users to switch between views.
One of the key changes is the ability to disable the “Recommended” feed—a long-requested feature by users who found the current layout cluttered. By disabling recommendations, users can streamline their Start menu, focusing solely on pinned and installed apps.
In the redesigned interface, the pinned section is initially limited to two rows, but users can choose to expand it, giving them flexibility to customise based on their needs. The new Start menu also supports more pinned apps, with up to eight per row, compared to the previous three-row limit.
Beyond aesthetics, the updated Start menu improves usability. Users now have the option to view apps in either a list or category layout within the “All apps” section. This provides a more intuitive browsing experience, especially for those with a large number of installed programs.
The new layout aims to address concerns from Windows 10 users who found the transition to Windows 11’s default Start menu layout difficult. By offering more control and flexibility, Microsoft is aligning the design closer to user expectations and workflows.
When to expect it
While Microsoft has not officially announced a release date, the presence of the redesigned Start menu in both Dev and Beta channels indicates that the feature is undergoing broader testing. A stable release could arrive in upcoming Windows updates in the next few weeks or months.
The update reflects Microsoft’s continued focus on refining the Windows 11 experience based on user feedback, with an emphasis on improved accessibility, efficiency, and personalisation.
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