Exploring the Bold Redesign of Windows 11's Start Menu

Windows 11’s latest Start menu redesign is making waves with its bold, full-screen–esque appearance—in a way, it’s a revolutionary rethinking of a staple that has defined how we interact with the Windows operating system since the introduction of Windows 11 in 2021. Yet, as with every radical change, there are trade-offs. While the new design promises a cleaner integrated experience, it also risks overwhelming users by consuming an unexpectedly large portion of the desktop, especially when paired with the Phone Link companion panel. Here’s a deep dive into what’s new, what it means, and how you might tailor it to your workflow.

A Unified, Single-Page Layout​

In this latest preview build, Microsoft has combined what used to be separate sections—Pinned apps, Recommendations, and All Apps—into one single-page layout. This overhaul is arguably the most significant Start menu update since Windows 11’s initial release.

• Up to 24 apps can be pinned at once, though the design offers a neat trick: collapse the view to display only 16 apps for a more minimalist aesthetic.
• The long-standing Recommended section, once a fixed, irremovable feature, is now customizable. New toggles allow users to hide recommendations and even dispel the old layout cards entirely.

This flattening of the Start menu into a single page is intended to reduce clutter and improve accessibility. However, many testers have found that while removing the Recommended section had the potential to reclaim some space, the integration of the All Apps view has instead made the Start menu appear much larger than anticipated—even at a modest 125% scaling setting.
Key takeaways from the unified layout include:

• A cleaner, less fragmented interface.
• Enhanced control with toggles to show or hide the Recommended elements.
• A design that, despite its minimalism, occupies much more of the screen than expected.

The Phone Link Companion Panel: Integration Gone Big​

A key part of this redesign is the integration of Android capabilities, reflected in the floating Phone Link panel. Originally envisioned as a compact tool for accessing your mobile apps and messages, the panel now has a significant impact on the Start menu’s overall footprint.

• An eye-catching phone icon next to the Start menu’s search bar offers quick access to toggle the Phone Link panel.
• When activated, the Phone Link companion panel pushes the Start menu to cover up to 80% of the screen—a dramatic jump compared to the previous design’s roughly 30% coverage.

This aggressive integration means that when the panel is visible, the Start menu nearly dominates the entire screen. For users who prefer a more traditional, less intrusive Start menu, this unimposing feature might feel like an overreach. Microsoft has allowed for some flexibility—a setting to hide or completely disable the Phone Link panel—but many are left wondering whether the benefit of deeper Android integration justifies the hefty space consumption.

Striking the Balance: Customization and User Control​

One of the most appreciated facets of this update is that it empowers users to revert some of these changes based on personal preference. The ability to collapse parts of the Start menu or disable features entirely is a welcome improvement in what has traditionally been a somewhat fixed design.
Users now have the option to:

• Collapse the pinned apps section, leaving the full All Apps list intact.
• Hide the Phone Link companion panel, ensuring it doesn’t open by default.
• Remove the Recommended section altogether from the Start menu view.

Despite these adjustments, a notable concern lingers: while there is a toggle to hide secondary features, a comparable option to resize or limit the entire Start menu’s dimensions is still missing. The significant space taken by the All Apps section and the Phone Link panel, for instance, suggests that additional granular controls might be necessary. Imagine having a setting to fine-tune the balance between aesthetic appeal and screen real estate efficiency—this is precisely what many power users are hoping Microsoft will deliver in upcoming builds.
A simple list of user-driven enhancements could include:

• A dedicated setting to adjust the proportion of screen space allocated to the Start menu.
• The option to switch between the unified view and a more segmented layout, reminiscent of past versions.
• Further customizability for the pinned apps and All Apps areas, allowing even more tailored interfaces.

The Impact on Everyday Workflows​

For many, the Start menu is not just a launchpad but a gateway to productivity. The redesign may be a boon for users coming from Windows 10, who often found it cumbersome to click a “More” button to see all their apps. With everything now consolidated on one page, accessing applications can feel more straightforward—provided that the Start menu doesn’t take over the workspace.
This is especially relevant in scenarios involving multiple monitors or devices with limited screen real estate. If the Start menu occupies too much space, it could interfere with multitasking or hide important icons and widgets on the desktop. At a scaling setting of 125%, where every pixel counts, the extended height and width of the redesigned Start menu may force users to modify their workflows or invest in larger displays.
Consider these workflow implications:

• Multitasking may become less efficient if the Start menu's intrusive presence disrupts the placement of open windows.
• Users who rely on quick access to notifications and status indicators might find that the overwhelming size of the Start menu obscures other essential parts of the desktop.
• In professional environments, where screen clarity and efficiency are paramount, further refinement of these changes will likely be necessary.

That said, these issues are not set in stone. Microsoft’s preview builds are typically iterative, and early feedback often plays a crucial role in shaping final releases. The current oversized appearance of the Start menu, especially in tandem with the Phone Link panel, might well be subject to adjustment based on real-world user experiences.

A Historical Perspective: Evolving the Start Menu​

The evolution of the Windows Start menu has always been a balancing act between aesthetics and functionality. From the classic menu in Windows 7 to the tiled interface in Windows 8, and the streamlined design of Windows 10, each iteration has sparked passionate debates among users. Windows 11’s update represents the latest chapter in this ongoing narrative—a step toward bridging the gap between traditional desktop paradigms and the growing importance of mobile and touch interfaces.

• In Windows 10, the separation of the All Apps view and the pinned apps provided users with familiarity and ease of use.
• Windows 11’s early design choices were met with acclaim for their modern look, but they also came with concerns about rigidity in design.
• This new unified layout and the inclusion of dynamic elements like the Phone Link panel signal Microsoft’s desire to innovate while also acknowledging past criticisms (such as the inability to easily access the full range of installed applications).

This historical context is essential, as it underscores Microsoft’s willingness to revise and refine based on user feedback. Even though some users lament the lost opportunity for live tiles or additional customization options, the current changes can be seen as a progressive step toward a more integrated and responsive operating system.

Expert Analysis: Is Bigger Really Better?​

The reaction from experts in the IT community and everyday Windows users alike has been mixed. On the one hand, the redesign is hailed as a breath of fresh air for those tired of the segmented approach in earlier builds. On the other hand, there is a growing chorus of voices questioning the practicality of a full-screen Start menu.
Key expert opinions include:

• Praise for the improved integration of features, especially the seamless merging of Android functionalities via the Phone Link panel.
• Concerns over the loss of refined control over the layout, particularly regarding how much screen space the Start menu occupies during everyday tasks.
• Recommendations for Microsoft to consider user-customizable settings that allow for further segmentation or resizing of the Start menu elements.

The expert sentiment can be summarized in a few pointed questions:

• Should the pursuit of a unified Start menu come at the cost of usability on smaller screens?
• Can additional toggles for resizing or collapsing sections be integrated without compromising the design’s modern appeal?
• How does the trade-off between aesthetic innovation and practical functionality impact overall productivity?

These questions highlight the delicate balance that Microsoft must navigate—ensuring that innovation does not inadvertently hinder user experience. For now, users have the option to disable the Phone Link panel and hide the Recommended section, but many are calling for further refinements to ensure that the Start menu remains a tool for efficiency rather than an obstacle.

Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Community Feedback​

As this new design is still in a beta phase, there’s significant potential for tweaking and improvement before it hits the broader Windows 11 audience. The good news for Windows enthusiasts is that feedback channels are open, and Microsoft has a track record of incorporating user suggestions into its updates.
What can we expect in future iterations?

• Additional layout options that allow users to switch between a combined view and a more segmented one.
• More granular controls over the amount of screen real estate allocated to various sections of the Start menu.
• Further integration or separation of the Phone Link and pinned apps features based on community demand.

The conversation around this new design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how we interact with our devices and the balance between innovation and familiarity. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 updates, community feedback will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final product.

Takeaways for the Everyday User​

To wrap up, here are the essential points Windows users should know about this latest Start menu redesign:

• The redesign integrates the Pinned, Recommendation, and All Apps sections into one unified, single-page layout.
• New toggles let you disable the Recommended section and prevent unnecessary clutter.
• The Phone Link companion panel adds powerful Android integration but can cause the Start menu to occupy up to 80% of your screen.
• While these changes streamline the interface in some ways, they also introduce challenges, particularly regarding screen real estate and overall usability on smaller displays.
• There remains hope for more customizable features in upcoming builds, allowing users to tailor the Start menu even further to their needs.

For those who appreciate a minimalist yet powerful interface, this update is a promising step forward. However, keep an eye on future releases, especially if you find that the Start menu’s expansive design interferes with your productivity. Whether you’re a Windows 10 convert or a longtime Windows 11 user, the evolving Start menu is a reminder that even the most familiar features can be reinvented—sometimes for better, and sometimes with room for improvement.
In the dynamic landscape of Windows 11 updates, this redesign is both a bold innovation and an invitation for further refinement. It’s a lesson in balancing modern aesthetics with practical functionality—a challenge that Microsoft has tackled head-on, even if the full-screen vibe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
In sum, as with many cutting-edge changes, only time and community feedback will determine whether this ambitious overhaul will ultimately enhance your computing experience, or if further tweaks are needed to reclaim a bit of the old, beloved simplicity.

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Source: Windows Latest Windows 11’s Start menu redesign almost covers the full screen, but you can disable it