Revamped Windows 11 Start Menu: Key Improvements You Need to Know

Windows 11’s Start menu continues to be a hotbed of innovation and user-centric tweaks—even if the initial reception was mixed. Microsoft has been working diligently behind the scenes to resolve longstanding issues and to reimagine the Start menu experience in a way that feels both modern and functional. In the latest batch of improvements currently available to those on the Beta Insider channel (with a glimpse of a better future for the stable 24H2 update), four key upgrades are set to transform your daily interactions with Windows 11.

Direct App Uninstalls: Streamlining the Removal Process​

One of the most laborious tasks for many users is the process of uninstalling apps. Traditionally, Windows 11 has treated apps from the Microsoft Store and system applications differently than third-party applications. The latter now require navigation through multiple screens, making what should be a simple process unexpectedly cumbersome.

• Current Flaw:
  When you choose to uninstall a third-party app from the Start menu, the system redirects you to the Settings app. This forces users to hunt for the application again within a lengthy list, dragging out an otherwise straightforward task.
• Proposed Improvement:
  The upgrade aims to allow for direct uninstalls regardless of the app’s origin. Imagine clicking “Uninstall” and having the respective uninstaller window open immediately—this promises to save time and reduce frustration for many users.
• Benefits:
• Simplified workflow: No more bouncing between screens.
• Improved user experience: A more intuitive interface in line with a modern OS philosophy.
• Consistency: Aligns the behavior of third-party and system apps eliminating the disparity that currently exists.

The change, though small on the surface, could significantly enhance productivity and overall satisfaction—especially for power users and those who frequently manage multiple applications.

Phone Link Companion Panel: Connecting Your Mobile and Desktop Worlds​

As our devices become more interconnected, the benefits of seamlessly bridging our mobile and desktop experiences are immense. Enter the Phone Link companion panel—a feature that represents a thoughtful integration of phone functions right into the Start menu.

• Innovative Utility:
  The companion panel transforms your Start menu by presenting a dedicated space for your mobile device’s data. Whether it’s checking battery levels, connection status, or even viewing recent calls and texts, this panel aims to centralize all phone-related activities without the need to launch a separate application.
• Key Features:
• Quick Access:
  See at a glance details like the phone’s battery charge and recent communication logs.
• Wireless File Sharing:
  In a nod to modern connectivity, there is a plan to introduce wireless file-sharing capabilities. This is a boon when your phone’s USB connector decides to take an unexpected sabbatical.
• Subtle Notifications:
  The panel is designed to offer minute yet essential notifications, such as a small indicator for charging status—a feature that keeps you informed without overwhelming the interface.
• The Bigger Picture:
  By integrating mobile device functionality so directly, Windows is moving toward a future where the distinction between devices blurs. This increased interconnectedness can revolutionize the way we navigate our digital lives, making it easier to transition between work, communication, and content consumption.

Possibility of Multiple Companion Panels: Expanding Modular Capabilities​

If the introduction of a companion panel for Phone Link is any indication, future iterations of Windows 11 might allow different applications to take advantage of this new floating panel interface.

• Conceptual Framework:
  Currently, the companion panel appears on one side of the Start menu, but developers are exploring the possibility of extending this functionality to include multiple panels. Imagine a scenario where pressing the Windows key summons a Start menu that not only connects you to your phone but also offers quick access to your favorite communication apps, productivity tools, or even system monitors.
• Developer Insights:
  A visionary developer, going by the online moniker Albacore, showcased a concept that involves adding companion panels for various apps. He demonstrated the potential for a companion panel that could feature a weather app—complete with live updates and neat tidbits of meteorological information—emphasizing how this structure could elevate everyday interactions.
• Potential Applications:
• Communication:
  Apps like WhatsApp, Slack, or Microsoft Teams could have their own dedicated panels, offering immediate access to messages, notifications, and quick actions without needing the full application open.
• Productivity:
  Office applications or project management tools could use these panels to display upcoming tasks, calendar events, or even provide a condensed view of ongoing projects.
• Entertainment:
  Media players or streaming services might utilize companion panels to offer brief playback controls or to display current watch lists.
• Expected Impact:
  This modular approach allows for a highly customizable desktop experience. The idea of “floating widgets” that are not intrusive yet highly functional can cater to power users who value efficiency and personalization. While still in its conceptual stages, this feature signals a move towards a more dynamic and adaptable Start menu.

Better App Layouts: Revamping How We See Our Applications​

Perhaps one of the most immediately noticeable aspects of the revamped Start menu is the overhaul of the All apps section. Windows 11 has been criticized for its inefficient vertical list display, which not only consumes valuable screen space but also makes it difficult to locate an app quickly.

• Current Experience:
  In earlier iterations, users were forced to navigate through a lengthy, alphabetical list of applications resulting in extensive scrolling—a design choice that many found to be counterintuitive and time-consuming.
• Planned Enhancements:
• Name Grid Layout:
  One of the proposed layouts reimagines the list of installed apps by using the horizontal space more effectively. By organizing apps in a grid format under each alphabetical section, users can view multiple app icons at once, streamlining the search process.
• Renaming and Reorganizing:
  The “All apps” section may soon be rebranded to simply “All.” A new drop-down menu will allow users to choose between different layout styles: Name list, Name grid, or Category.
• Category-Based Organization:
  The Category layout represents a significant innovation. Here, apps are grouped into folders based on usage type—such as Productivity, Entertainment, or Utilities. Subfolders can further nest related applications, enabling quick access without excessive scrolling.
• User Advantages:
• Faster Navigation:
  With a grid view, scanning through applications becomes much quicker. The visual layout is more intuitive and leverages the wider screen real estate available on modern devices.
• Customizability:
  Different users have different needs. Whether you prefer a classic list or a modern grid, the ability to choose your preferred layout ensures that the Start menu adapts to your workflow.
• Efficiency:
  Grouping by category means that even if you’re not entirely sure about an app’s name, you can still locate it by browsing through a folder of related applications.
• Broader Implications:
  These layout changes are not merely aesthetic. They indicate a broader commitment from Microsoft to reduce friction and enhance everyday productivity. By rethinking how applications are displayed, the OS can better serve its users, making navigation fast, intuitive, and, dare we say, enjoyable.

Reflections on Future Improvements and User Impact​

The upcoming changes to the Windows 11 Start menu illuminate Microsoft’s broader strategy to refine user interactions while catering to diverse needs ranging from casual users to IT powerhouses. These enhancements reflect an understanding that the Start menu is not just a gateway to applications but a central hub for daily digital activities.

• Unified Experience:
  The integration of mobile connectivity through the Phone Link companion panel and the potential for multiple companion panels signals a future where Windows 11 becomes more than an OS—it evolves into a seamless extension of your digital life. Whether you're managing files, checking notifications, or even experiencing smart home integrations, a cohesive ecosystem is on the horizon.
• Customization at Its Core:
  The option to choose between various app layouts highlights Windows’ commitment to personalization. Users are no longer forced to adapt to a one-size-fits-all interface but instead can tailor the Start menu to fit their style and workflow. This push towards customization is particularly important as more diverse computing devices hit the market, making adaptability a key success factor.
• Enhanced Productivity:
  Direct app uninstalls and grid-based app layouts contribute to a more streamlined workflow. For users who manage multiple applications or commonly switch between tasks, reducing the number of steps required to perform simple actions can lead to noticeable gains in efficiency.
• User-Centric Design Philosophy:
  Each of these improvements underscores a fundamental principle: the user experience should be simple, intuitive, and time-saving. When tasks that were once clunky or inconvenient are refined, it validates Microsoft’s responsiveness to user feedback, even if changes are not instantaneous on the stable release channel.

Navigating the Transition: Tips and Considerations​

While waiting for these catchy new features to make their way into the stable release of Windows 11, users can optimize their current experience with a few practical tips:

• Leverage Third-Party Tools Wisely:
  For those particularly frustrated with the current uninstallation process, trusted third-party software like Start11 may continue to offer relief until Microsoft’s direct approach becomes mainstream.
• Customize Today for Tomorrow:
  Even in its current state, Windows 11 allows for a degree of personalization. Explore the current customization options within the Start menu and experiment with different layouts until the new options roll out.
• Stay Engaged with Insider Feedback:
  If you’re an Insider, keep an eye on the Beta channel updates and share feedback. Your input can help fine-tune these upcoming features, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of the Windows community.
• Prepare for a Seamless Future:
  As connectivity between devices improves and more companion panels become available, consider how you might reorganize your desktop environment. A more integrated space can simplify not only app management but also inter-device communication—making multi-tasking more pleasant and efficient.

Concluding Thoughts​

The upcoming changes to Windows 11’s Start menu represent a promising step forward in creating a more cohesive, efficient, and enjoyable computing experience. With direct app uninstalls set to reduce the friction in everyday maintenance, the innovative Phone Link companion panel bridging mobile and desktop realms, the possibility of modular companion panels adding a layer of customization, and better app layouts designed to optimize navigation—the future of Windows 11 appears decisively user-centric.
These enhancements are more than mere tweaks; they are part of an ongoing effort to reimagine the user interface in a way that adapts to modern digital lifestyles. In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, even the smallest changes can lead to transformative results.
By taking a step back and examining these updates through a broader lens, we see a microcosm of Microsoft’s philosophy: simplifying complex processes, enhancing connectivity, and offering a flexible interface that grows with its users. Whether you’re an IT expert, a casual user, or somewhere in between, these improvements promise to make every interaction smoother, more intuitive, and—dare we say it—a little more enjoyable.
The next time you press the Windows key, imagine a Start menu that not only reflects your workflow but actively enhances your productivity through a cleaner design and more direct actions. Microsoft’s efforts, as showcased by these upcoming features, hint at a future where every click and every interaction is a reminder that the OS is evolving to serve you better. In this ever-changing tech landscape, it’s reassuring to know that innovation is not only on the horizon but actively reshaping our day-to-day experiences.
Whether you’re eagerly anticipating the new direct uninstall capability or already visualizing a desktop with multiple companion panels neatly arranged like a digital dashboard, one thing is certain—the Start menu is poised to become a smarter, faster, and more personalized gateway to the Windows world.
In the wake of these anticipated changes, the Windows community can look forward to a more refined operating system that marries utility with aesthetics. After all, in today’s world of rapid digital transformation, even the smallest details can lead to big improvements in our overall computing experience.

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Source: XDA 4 upcoming changes to Windows 11’s Start menu I wish arrived sooner