Here are the key new features and changes in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5641 (KB5060824) for the Dev Channel, focusing on the redesigned Start menu:
If you’d like screenshots, direct quotes, or further details from the official Microsoft notes or community commentary, just let me know!
Source: ExtremeTech Microsoft Unveils New Start Menu in Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview
Redesigned Start Menu Highlights
- Top: Pinned Apps – Quick access to your most-used apps.
- Middle: Recommended Apps & Files – Surfaces content based on your recent activity.
- Bottom: “All” Apps Section – Now split into two new views:
- Category View: Apps grouped automatically by categories.
- Grid View: Apps listed alphabetically, making navigation easier.
Usability Improvements
- Scrollable Menu: See all apps on one main page without navigating away.
- Responsive Design: More columns and information on large screens; compact layout on smaller screens.
- Expandable/Collapsible Sections: Pinned and Recommended can expand/collapse depending on content.
Customization & Recommendations
- Recommendations: The update notes stress that it is highly unlikely Microsoft and users will be able to turn off recommendations entirely through Settings. This means the Recommended section is likely to remain visible to some extent, even as sections can be minimized or adjusted for privacy and focus.
Additional Build Features
- Enhanced lock screen with new widgets and more personalization.
- Touch keyboard updates for better navigation and a new Gamepad keyboard for PIN entry.
- Windows Search settings are now all under Privacy & security.
- Other fixes for input, graphics, and settings.
Community & Feedback
- The start menu redesign aims to balance power features, discoverability, and customization. It is part of Microsoft’s response to feedback about previous clutter and advertising in the Start menu.
- Discussions from the Windows Forum confirm that this redesign in build 26200.5641 is seen as addressing many prior user complaints, especially about forced recommendations and ads, though disabling recommendations remains restricted.
If you’d like screenshots, direct quotes, or further details from the official Microsoft notes or community commentary, just let me know!
Source: ExtremeTech Microsoft Unveils New Start Menu in Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview
