Windows 11's new-look Start menu is a big upgrade. Let's dive in
11 hours ago
- #Microsoft
- #Start Menu
- #Windows 11
- Microsoft introduces a revised Start Menu in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, using a unified code base across all devices.
- New features are enabled via an enablement package, allowing quick activation without a full reinstall.
- The Start Menu now combines 'Pinned', 'Recommended', and 'All apps' into a single, scrollable view for better clarity.
- New layout options for 'All apps' include grid view and category view, with automatic sorting into groups like 'Productivity' and 'Games'.
- Users can now selectively disable recommendations in the Start Menu via settings.
- Pinned apps can be displayed in full by default, eliminating the need for a 'Show all' button.
- The Start Menu adapts to screen size and scaling, appearing wider on high-resolution monitors.
- A new sidebar integrates mobile devices via Phone Link, supporting Android and iOS for messaging, calls, and file transfers.
- Start Menu settings offer more customization, including options to show most-used apps and quick-access folders.
- Known issues include layout inconsistencies, incorrect category generation, and limited touch operation.
- The new Start Menu is being rolled out gradually via A/B testing, with manual activation possible using tools like ViveTool.