Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 preview builds are showing off sleek new ways to manage your Start menu, and the improvements might just be the productivity boost you’ve been waiting for. In the recent Dev and Beta channel builds – specifically 26120.3576 and 22635.5090 – Microsoft is testing innovative commands that let you move Start menu apps and create folders with unprecedented ease. Below, we break down what these changes mean, how to enable them, and why they could be a game changer for Windows enthusiasts.
• Right-click a pinned app to access commands like “Move left” or “Move right.”
• Use a dedicated right-click option to create a new folder or add an app to an existing folder.
These improvements aim to simplify the process and reduce the frustrations often encountered with the traditional drag method. The updated design not only sharpens efficiency but also makes the Start menu’s folder system more visually apparent, improving the overall user experience.
• A simple command-based move minimizes errors common with imprecise dragging.
• Enhanced visual cues help users quickly locate and group their apps.
• The changes could hint at broader organizational redesigns within Windows 11’s Start menu, with more layout options and features in the pipeline.
In essence, Microsoft is testing a more intuitive approach to UI management, one that might reduce user frustration and lead to a cleaner, more efficient workspace.
• New layouts for the “All apps” list, potentially offering a revamped design that prioritizes visual clarity and ease of navigation.
• The ability to launch Snap groups directly from the Start menu, an innovation that looks set to streamline workflows for multitaskers and business users alike.
These enhancements are part of a broader effort to refine Windows 11’s user interface, making it not only more aesthetically pleasing but functionally powerful.
Historically, Windows has seen several iterations of the Start menu—from the classic design of Windows XP and 7 to the radically different approach in Windows 8, and then a refined version in Windows 10 and 11. Each generation has brought its own set of challenges and improvements. The current tests in Windows 11 represent an ongoing effort to merge the best of previous designs with future-ready innovations.
• Reduced time spent searching for apps.
• A more predictable and consistent experience as you navigate your desktop.
• Easier management of large numbers of apps, making for a cleaner workspace.
• Potentially smoother integration with other features such as Snap groups, enhancing productivity in multitasking environments.
These updates are especially appealing for power users and professionals who rely on the efficiency of their desktop environment to get more done in less time.
Rhetorical questions arise naturally: Have you ever wasted precious seconds fumbling with app icons during a hectic workday? Could these improvements pave the way for further enhancements that make daily computing a more streamlined experience? The answer appears to be yes, and the potential for further innovation is exciting.
Moreover, these changes might influence how other operating systems approach user interface design. The focus on a clean, intuitive, and efficient Start menu resonates well in an era where digital clutter can hinder productivity. Windows users enjoy a robust environment, and improvements like these only add to the competitive edge of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
For IT departments and Windows enthusiasts who love getting a sneak peek at what’s next, these preview builds offer the chance to provide valuable feedback that could shape the final product. The collaboration between Microsoft and its active community ensures that when these features become part of the stable build, they will have been refined for optimal performance.
As the Windows 11 updates continue to roll out, keeping an eye on these changes is essential—not just for enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the future of desktop computing. With improved organization, enhanced visual appeal, and more control right at your fingertips, the Start menu is poised to become a more powerful tool in your daily computing arsenal.
Stay tuned for more expert insights and detailed breakdowns of upcoming Windows 11 features on WindowsForum.com, where we strive to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
Source: Neowin Microsoft is testing a new way to organize apps and create folders in the Start menu
A Fresh Look at Start Menu Organization
For a long time, organizing apps in the Start menu has involved the classic drag-and-drop process – a method that, while familiar, sometimes behaves unpredictably, especially when you’re fussing with multiple items. Microsoft is now experimenting with a more direct approach:• Right-click a pinned app to access commands like “Move left” or “Move right.”
• Use a dedicated right-click option to create a new folder or add an app to an existing folder.
These improvements aim to simplify the process and reduce the frustrations often encountered with the traditional drag method. The updated design not only sharpens efficiency but also makes the Start menu’s folder system more visually apparent, improving the overall user experience.
Why the Change?
Organizing apps might sound like a small tweak, but for millions of Windows users, it’s a vital part of daily interaction with the desktop. The move away from drag-and-drop to clearly defined command options is not just about convenience—it’s about consistency and reliability. Consider these points:• A simple command-based move minimizes errors common with imprecise dragging.
• Enhanced visual cues help users quickly locate and group their apps.
• The changes could hint at broader organizational redesigns within Windows 11’s Start menu, with more layout options and features in the pipeline.
In essence, Microsoft is testing a more intuitive approach to UI management, one that might reduce user frustration and lead to a cleaner, more efficient workspace.
How to Enable These Features
While these enhancements aren’t yet mainstream, users with the appropriate Windows 11 preview build can test them out by forcing the features on. Here’s a step-by-step guide:- Download the ViVeTool application from GitHub and extract the files to a folder that you can easily locate—for example, C:\Vive.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Navigate to the folder containing the ViVeTool files using the CD command. For instance, type:
CD C:\Vive - Enter the command:
vivetool /enable /id:50472543,50472600 - Restart your computer.
What Else Is on the Horizon?
The new organization commands join a suite of other upcoming features for the Start menu. According to insiders, Microsoft is also working on:• New layouts for the “All apps” list, potentially offering a revamped design that prioritizes visual clarity and ease of navigation.
• The ability to launch Snap groups directly from the Start menu, an innovation that looks set to streamline workflows for multitaskers and business users alike.
These enhancements are part of a broader effort to refine Windows 11’s user interface, making it not only more aesthetically pleasing but functionally powerful.
The Broader Context: Windows 11’s Evolution
Windows 11 has been on a steady journey of evolution since its launch, gradually incorporating user feedback and modern UI design trends. Enhancements like these indicate Microsoft’s commitment to listening to its community. The introduction of improved hardware info displays in the Settings app and now a more organized Start menu are more than just cosmetic tweaks; they’re steps toward a more responsive and intuitive operating system.Historically, Windows has seen several iterations of the Start menu—from the classic design of Windows XP and 7 to the radically different approach in Windows 8, and then a refined version in Windows 10 and 11. Each generation has brought its own set of challenges and improvements. The current tests in Windows 11 represent an ongoing effort to merge the best of previous designs with future-ready innovations.
What Does This Mean for Windows Users?
For everyday users, the promise of a more organized Start menu can translate into several benefits:• Reduced time spent searching for apps.
• A more predictable and consistent experience as you navigate your desktop.
• Easier management of large numbers of apps, making for a cleaner workspace.
• Potentially smoother integration with other features such as Snap groups, enhancing productivity in multitasking environments.
These updates are especially appealing for power users and professionals who rely on the efficiency of their desktop environment to get more done in less time.
Expert Analysis and Industry Implications
From an IT journalist’s perspective, these tweaks to the Start menu are a welcome evolution that demonstrates Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining user experience. The introduction of right-click options for moving apps and creating folders—rather than solely depending on mouse or interface gestures—reinforces the idea that even small details can significantly affect productivity.Rhetorical questions arise naturally: Have you ever wasted precious seconds fumbling with app icons during a hectic workday? Could these improvements pave the way for further enhancements that make daily computing a more streamlined experience? The answer appears to be yes, and the potential for further innovation is exciting.
Moreover, these changes might influence how other operating systems approach user interface design. The focus on a clean, intuitive, and efficient Start menu resonates well in an era where digital clutter can hinder productivity. Windows users enjoy a robust environment, and improvements like these only add to the competitive edge of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
Balancing Growth and Stability
It’s worth noting that these features, currently locked behind official preview builds and enabled via workarounds like ViVeTool, still have testing grounds to cover. Early adopters should exercise caution since unannounced changes in the release notes could lead to unforeseen glitches. Microsoft is known for iterating on user feedback, so while there’s excitement on the horizon, only time will tell how these enhancements perform in everyday use.For IT departments and Windows enthusiasts who love getting a sneak peek at what’s next, these preview builds offer the chance to provide valuable feedback that could shape the final product. The collaboration between Microsoft and its active community ensures that when these features become part of the stable build, they will have been refined for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s experimental approach to Start menu organization reflects an era where even the most familiar aspects of an operating system are subject to reinvention. By streamlining how users move apps and create folders, Microsoft not only addresses longstanding usability issues but also sets the stage for a more robust and customizable user experience.As the Windows 11 updates continue to roll out, keeping an eye on these changes is essential—not just for enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the future of desktop computing. With improved organization, enhanced visual appeal, and more control right at your fingertips, the Start menu is poised to become a more powerful tool in your daily computing arsenal.
Stay tuned for more expert insights and detailed breakdowns of upcoming Windows 11 features on WindowsForum.com, where we strive to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
Source: Neowin Microsoft is testing a new way to organize apps and create folders in the Start menu
