Exploring the Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign: Pros, Cons, and Future Impacts

Windows 11’s latest experimental Start menu redesign is making waves among insiders—and for good reason. In recent preview builds, Microsoft appears to be rethinking the entire Start menu experience, combining long-separated elements into one unified, scrollable panel. But there’s a twist: when paired with the new Phone Link companion panel, the Start menu can end up covering nearly the entire desktop for some users. Let’s unpack the changes, explore the pros and cons, and see how these updates might ultimately shape the future of Windows 11.

A Unified, All-in-One Interface​

Microsoft’s approach in these preview builds consolidates what were once distinct sections into one continuous page. The revamped layout merges:

• Pinned apps
• Dynamic recommendations (which can now be toggled off)
• The complete “All Apps” list

This single-page format streamlines navigation by eliminating the need for users to switch between different screens. Early previews show that while many users will welcome the cleaner interface, the design makes a bold statement by expanding to occupy as much as 75% or even 80% of the desktop when the Phone Link panel is active.

The Phone Link Companion Panel: A Feature with a Big Footprint​

The Phone Link panel was introduced as a nifty way to connect your Android smartphone to Windows 11, enabling access to texts, notifications, and even some apps right from your desktop. However, in this new design:

• The companion panel isn’t as compact as originally envisioned.
• When activated, it forces the entire Start menu to spread dramatically across your screen, making it look nearly full screen—especially at scaled resolutions like 125%.

While this aggressive integration might be a boon for users who rely on their mobile device’s connectivity, others could see it as an intrusive takeover of valuable desktop real estate. Fortunately, Microsoft hasn’t left users in a lurch: a simple toggle allows you to hide or show the Phone Link panel, giving you control over the interface’s footprint.

User Empowerment Through Customization​

One of the most lauded aspects of the redesign is its commitment to customization. The new settings provide users with the flexibility to tailor their Start menu experience, such as:

• Disabling the recommendations section entirely, which many find cluttered and reminiscent of a full-screen Start screen—a callback to the contentious days of Windows 8.
• Collapsing the pinned apps area to reveal just a portion of the All Apps list rather than overwhelming the desktop with icons.
• Toggling off the Phone Link panel if you prefer a traditional Start menu look.

This level of user control is a breath of fresh air for many Windows enthusiasts who have long craved options to modify, resize, and streamline their interfaces. As one insider quipped, it’s like having a “floodlight” option: if that bright, full-screen Start menu feels too overpowering, you can simply dim it back down to a more manageable level.

The Impact on Everyday Workflows​

For many, the Start menu isn’t just a cosmetic feature—it’s a launchpad for productivity. By consolidating all your apps and notifications into one scrollable panel, Microsoft is aiming to reduce unnecessary clicks and streamline daily tasks. However, the expansive layout does come with its trade-offs:

• Potential Productivity Pitfalls: On smaller displays or for those who rely on multiple monitors, a Start menu that covers up to 80% of the desktop might impede multitasking. Important widgets or desktop icons could be obscured, reducing the clarity of your work environment.
• A Familiar Yet Radical Shift: While the unified menu simplifies navigation, its nearly full-screen mode might evoke uneasy flashbacks to the criticized Windows 8 full-screen Start screen. For those with fond memories of more traditional layouts, this change could feel like a drastic departure.

Yet, with easy toggles to retract the Phone Link panel and hide recommendations, users can quickly adjust the interface to suit their specific workflow. This balance between modern aesthetics and functionality underscores Microsoft’s commitment to iterative, user-centric design.

Historical Context and the Design Debate​

The evolution of the Windows Start menu has always been a balancing act. From the classic simplicity of Windows 7 through the tiled approach of Windows 8 and into the sleek, modern design of Windows 11, every iteration has sparked intense debate. This latest redesign is just the next chapter in that ongoing story:

• Innovation vs. Familiarity: Microsoft’s endeavor to blend mobile integration and productivity features reflects the company’s attempt to cater to both traditional desktop users and the increasingly mobile-first generation.
• Customization is Key: Much like Linux desktops have long celebrated high levels of user customization, Windows 11 is moving in that direction by allowing granular control over its core interface. This responsiveness to feedback positions Windows 11 as a continuously evolving platform designed for every type of user.

It’s clear that while the redesign might divide opinions at first, the ability to tailor the interface should win accolades from power users and those who dread an intrusive Start menu.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Future Updates​

It’s important to remember that these changes are still in preview. Currently hidden in Dev and Beta builds, the final implementation might diverge from these early concepts. Microsoft is known for its iterative approach, using community feedback to refine features before a full rollout. That means:

• Further Refinements Could Be On The Way: Additional options might be introduced, such as more granular controls over the space the Start menu occupies, or even alternative layout modes resembling the old segmented style.
• User Feedback Will Shape the Future: Part of the beauty of the Insider Program is that it gives users the opportunity to directly influence the development of major features like the Start menu. If enough voices assert that a super-sized Start menu hinders productivity, expect Microsoft to adjust the design accordingly.

Final Thoughts​

Microsoft’s experimental redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu is as ambitious as it is contentious. On the one hand, a unified, scrollable interface combining pinned apps, recommendations, and the entire app list represents a significant leap forward in terms of efficiency and modern design. On the other hand, the integration of a Phone Link companion panel that can consume up to 80% of your desktop raises concerns about usability and productivity—especially on smaller screens.
Still, the inclusion of toggles and customization settings suggests that Microsoft is keen to give users the power to decide just how dominating they want their Start menu to be. This iterative, feedback-driven approach could very well be the key to resolving longstanding user complaints and bridging the gap between innovative design and practical functionality.
In the ever-changing landscape of Windows 11 updates, these changes are a clear reminder that even the most familiar elements of our digital lives are never truly set in stone—they evolve, sometimes dramatically, as technology and user needs grow together. Whether this redesign is ultimately embraced or further refined remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Microsoft is reimagining the way we interact with our PCs, striving to make every click count without sacrificing the personal touch that modern users crave.

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Source: TechRadar Windows 11’s rumored Start menu redesign could mean it eats up a huge chunk of desktop space for some users – although it can be tamed