Windows 11 users have long debated the merits and pitfalls of Microsoft’s most visible user interface centerpiece: the Start menu. In a decisive move after months of speculation, Microsoft has unveiled a major redesign of the Start menu, now rolling out to testers via the Windows 11 Dev Channel. This redesigned Start menu isn’t merely a cosmetic update—it aims to create a more adaptive, customizable, and fluid user experience tailored to a wide range of devices and workflows. As this new interface becomes accessible for hands-on trial, it has sparked significant discussion among Windows enthusiasts, IT professionals, and average users. What makes this Start menu different? How is it being received, and what are the broader implications for the future of desktop computing?
Microsoft’s refreshed Start menu, initially spotted in prerelease builds as early as April, was officially revealed last month and is now accessible to members of the Windows Insider Program’s Dev Channel. This channel, renowned for receiving experimental features ahead of mainstream release, offers a reliable preview of possible changes to the Windows ecosystem. According to Microsoft representatives and independent reporting, the goal of the redesign is twofold: to increase usability on a variety of device types, and to introduce new layers of customization for end users.
In practical terms, testers have reported modest but meaningful speed improvements in opening and navigating the Start menu. Benchmarked on both touchscreen and traditional desktop devices, the scrollable Start menu delivers smoother responsiveness, particularly when quickly swiping through large numbers of installed applications. Third-party reviews from recognized tech publications such as Windows Central and Neowin echo these findings, highlighting the efficient use of screen real estate and the newfound flexibility for users who install dozens of applications.
Comparisons with prior iterations of the Start menu reveal a departure from the more “locked-down” static grid first introduced in Windows 10. Instead, the new Windows 11 Start menu appears to blend elements from both classic Windows interfaces and contemporary mobile UX paradigms—delivering what many see as the best of both worlds.
However, longtime power users have registered their concerns as well. Some complain that the default view still takes up too much space, or that navigation for keyboard and mouse users, while improved, could still be optimized further. A recurring request is for even deeper customization—such as allowing users to hide or fully disable the recommended section, or to create custom groups akin to the Windows 10 Live Tile experience. Microsoft, for its part, has acknowledged the volume of feedback and claims ongoing adjustments will be steered by community input as the Start menu continues in preview.
A sample of comments from the official Windows feedback hub and independent review forums show real user diversity:
Touchscreen users, previously a somewhat neglected audience compared to keyboard-and-mouse devotees, now find a Start menu that feels truly at home on both device types. Gestural navigation is smoother, and the larger touch targets reduce accidental mis-taps—an area where Windows has trailed mobile operating systems in the past.
From an accessibility perspective, support for clearer screen reader output, higher contrast themes, and consistent keyboard shortcuts signal Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity. These changes have been praised by accessibility advocates who regularly highlight the unique needs of users with visual or motor impairments.
Finally, underlying performance improvements—the result of both architectural optimizations and lighter animations—translate into a more responsive, modern computing experience. According to multiple hands-on evaluations, including early video demonstrations by well-known tech influencers, animation stutters and input lag are rarer than in previous releases.
A second area of concern is the evolving “Recommended” content algorithm. While relevance has improved for many, privacy advocates warn that sustained telemetry and behavioral analysis may not be universally welcomed. The balance between helpful suggestions and intrusive recommendations is delicate; absent fully granular user controls, Microsoft may face criticism from privacy-conscious individuals and organizations.
Live Tiles, a marquee feature of the Windows 10 Start menu, remain absent. For users who relied on these at-a-glance information surfaces, the more static, app-centric approach of Windows 11—even with its new adaptability—can feel like a regression. Although widgets now live elsewhere in the operating system, consolidating key information in a single, customizable hub is still a much-requested feature on feedback platforms.
Compatibility and performance are further points to monitor as the Start menu redesign moves from Insider builds to mainstream release. While Insider testers generally report smooth experiences, large enterprise rollouts with thousands of device configurations may reveal edge-case bugs or performance issues not previously surfaced. Backward compatibility with legacy enterprise Start menu customizations, including group policy controls and third-party solutions, warrants close scrutiny.
By seeding this major rethink in the Dev Channel first, Microsoft can engage its most vocal technical champions early, gather copious data and feedback, and iterate rapidly prior to broader release. This aligns with its “Windows as a Service” ethos, paving the way for frequent, user-driven improvements rather than monolithic releases every few years.
Competitively, Microsoft’s innovations in the Start menu may also serve as a bulwark against challenger platforms. Apple’s macOS has long emphasized a clean, simple launcher approach (Spotlight and the Dock), while Google’s Chromebooks rely on a minimal, search-driven launcher. Windows, with its sprawling app ecosystem and user diversity, must tread a careful balance between too much change and too little innovation. The current approach, blending familiar visuals with new adaptive elements, appears to be Microsoft’s attempt to capture the best of both worlds.
In the coming months, users and IT pros are encouraged to participate in the Insider Program, provide candid feedback, and monitor subsequent beta releases for incremental improvement. Microsoft’s feedback-driven process, though no substitute for universal acclaim, has in the past led to meaningful design adjustments before features exit preview.
Nevertheless, the transition is not without risks. For every longtime user who welcomes the change, there is another who mourns missing features or fears unnecessary complexity. The true test for Microsoft will be balancing innovation with stability, and openness to feedback with the clarity of vision needed to avoid the missteps of past UI overhauls.
As the new Start menu edges closer to mainstream release, its fate will rest on how well it meets the diverse, sometimes contradictory needs of the massive Windows user base. Will it become the start of a new era for desktop productivity, or a cautionary tale of change for its own sake? Only time—and continued user input—will tell.
For now, those eager to glimpse the future can download the latest Insider build and try the new Start menu firsthand. As always, the evolution of Windows is as much about its community as its code.
Source: NewsBytes You can now try Windows 11's new Start menu
Introducing the New Windows 11 Start Menu
Microsoft’s refreshed Start menu, initially spotted in prerelease builds as early as April, was officially revealed last month and is now accessible to members of the Windows Insider Program’s Dev Channel. This channel, renowned for receiving experimental features ahead of mainstream release, offers a reliable preview of possible changes to the Windows ecosystem. According to Microsoft representatives and independent reporting, the goal of the redesign is twofold: to increase usability on a variety of device types, and to introduce new layers of customization for end users.Major Changes and New Features
Scrollable Layout
One of the standout features of the new Start menu is its scrollable design. Instead of the static grid and limited page structure currently found in the production release of Windows 11, the new interface introduces a vertically scrollable list of pinned and recommended apps. This approach gives users easier access to more items without being constrained by screen size or finite grid spaces. Particularly for touch-first or smaller form factor devices, the ability to seamlessly scroll through apps and documents replicates the fluid interactions found on mobile devices.Enhanced Customization
Customization sits at the heart of the redesign. Users can now adjust the number and arrangement of pinned apps more freely, choose how many rows of pinned or recommended apps are visible on first glance, and leverage adaptive grouping. These enhancements go beyond mere aesthetics—they’re part of Microsoft’s vision to provide a Start experience that truly adapts to individual routines and hardware contexts. For users who prefer greater control, new options in Settings allow even finer tweaking of what appears on the Start screen and how content is prioritized.Smarter Recommendations
The “Recommended” section, often critiqued for surfacing irrelevant or redundant files, has been substantially revamped. Leveraging advancements in AI and device intelligence, Windows 11 now promises more relevant file and app suggestions, tailored to recent activity and user preferences. While Microsoft claims a marked improvement, early Insider feedback is mixed, with some testers applauding the contextual awareness and others wishing for more robust filtering or opt-out capabilities.Visual and Accessibility Improvements
Beyond scrollability and recommendation logic, Microsoft’s update delivers subtle but significant visual refinements. These include better contrast across theme modes, clearer app icons, and consistent microanimations throughout the Start experience. Importantly, these changes also address longstanding accessibility feedback: there are improved screen reader descriptions, high-contrast support, and better keyboard navigation, making the menu friendlier to a broader spectrum of users.Technical Validation: What’s Behind the Upgrade?
To validate these upgrades, it’s important to cross-reference official Microsoft sources, Insider build release notes, and early hands-on reviews from trusted outlets. According to a recent official announcement, the new Start menu rolled out with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26212 and subsequent releases in the Dev Channel. The release notes confirm the introduction of the scrollable layout and emphasize its intended benefit for devices with varying screen sizes and input methods.In practical terms, testers have reported modest but meaningful speed improvements in opening and navigating the Start menu. Benchmarked on both touchscreen and traditional desktop devices, the scrollable Start menu delivers smoother responsiveness, particularly when quickly swiping through large numbers of installed applications. Third-party reviews from recognized tech publications such as Windows Central and Neowin echo these findings, highlighting the efficient use of screen real estate and the newfound flexibility for users who install dozens of applications.
Comparisons with prior iterations of the Start menu reveal a departure from the more “locked-down” static grid first introduced in Windows 10. Instead, the new Windows 11 Start menu appears to blend elements from both classic Windows interfaces and contemporary mobile UX paradigms—delivering what many see as the best of both worlds.
Community Reception and Early Feedback
Early reactions to the Start menu overhaul have ranged from enthusiastic acclaim to measured skepticism. Dedicated Windows Insiders on forums and social media have praised the ability to see more apps at once, as well as the focused attention to touch-friendly usability. Users with compact laptops or tablets, in particular, have welcomed the redesign, noting the improved ease of access compared to the scrolling limitations of the previous static layout.However, longtime power users have registered their concerns as well. Some complain that the default view still takes up too much space, or that navigation for keyboard and mouse users, while improved, could still be optimized further. A recurring request is for even deeper customization—such as allowing users to hide or fully disable the recommended section, or to create custom groups akin to the Windows 10 Live Tile experience. Microsoft, for its part, has acknowledged the volume of feedback and claims ongoing adjustments will be steered by community input as the Start menu continues in preview.
A sample of comments from the official Windows feedback hub and independent review forums show real user diversity:
- “Finally, more apps on screen! This is what I wanted since Windows 8. Love that it feels modern but still familiar.”
- “Recommendation engine is better but not perfect. Would like more options for privacy control and filtering recent files.”
- “Tablet mode feels much improved. Swiping is smooth, and it’s just easier to find what I’m looking for.”
- “I miss Live Tiles for quick info at a glance. Start is prettier, but less functional for my workflow.”
Notable Strengths of the Revamped Start Menu
The renewed focus on adaptability is perhaps the single greatest strength of Windows 11’s new Start menu. By making the interface more fluid and responsive—regardless of whether a user has a desktop tower with a high-resolution monitor or a small tablet—Microsoft is moving closer to its “cloud-first, multi-device” Windows vision. The new scrollable design addresses the limitations reported by users who install many applications or who routinely access diverse file types in their workflows.Touchscreen users, previously a somewhat neglected audience compared to keyboard-and-mouse devotees, now find a Start menu that feels truly at home on both device types. Gestural navigation is smoother, and the larger touch targets reduce accidental mis-taps—an area where Windows has trailed mobile operating systems in the past.
From an accessibility perspective, support for clearer screen reader output, higher contrast themes, and consistent keyboard shortcuts signal Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity. These changes have been praised by accessibility advocates who regularly highlight the unique needs of users with visual or motor impairments.
Finally, underlying performance improvements—the result of both architectural optimizations and lighter animations—translate into a more responsive, modern computing experience. According to multiple hands-on evaluations, including early video demonstrations by well-known tech influencers, animation stutters and input lag are rarer than in previous releases.
Potential Risks and Ongoing Weaknesses
Despite these advances, several notable risks accompany the rollout of the new Start menu. Chief among them is the issue of forced adaptation. As with previous Windows transitions—such as the polarizing introduction of Windows 8’s Start screen—there remains a non-trivial portion of users for whom any significant change to the familiar Start experience is unwelcome. The risk is not only confusion or dissatisfaction but extended periods of reduced productivity as users acclimate to the new paradigm.A second area of concern is the evolving “Recommended” content algorithm. While relevance has improved for many, privacy advocates warn that sustained telemetry and behavioral analysis may not be universally welcomed. The balance between helpful suggestions and intrusive recommendations is delicate; absent fully granular user controls, Microsoft may face criticism from privacy-conscious individuals and organizations.
Live Tiles, a marquee feature of the Windows 10 Start menu, remain absent. For users who relied on these at-a-glance information surfaces, the more static, app-centric approach of Windows 11—even with its new adaptability—can feel like a regression. Although widgets now live elsewhere in the operating system, consolidating key information in a single, customizable hub is still a much-requested feature on feedback platforms.
Compatibility and performance are further points to monitor as the Start menu redesign moves from Insider builds to mainstream release. While Insider testers generally report smooth experiences, large enterprise rollouts with thousands of device configurations may reveal edge-case bugs or performance issues not previously surfaced. Backward compatibility with legacy enterprise Start menu customizations, including group policy controls and third-party solutions, warrants close scrutiny.
Strategic Implications for Microsoft and the Windows Ecosystem
The Start menu is more than a launcher; it is a visual anchor for millions of users across home, professional, and educational settings. Refreshing it is both a technical challenge and a statement of design philosophy. Microsoft’s decision to lean into customization and device adaptivity signals a recognition that Windows now lives on a more diverse array of hardware than ever before—from business ultrabooks to gaming PCs to foldables and tablets.By seeding this major rethink in the Dev Channel first, Microsoft can engage its most vocal technical champions early, gather copious data and feedback, and iterate rapidly prior to broader release. This aligns with its “Windows as a Service” ethos, paving the way for frequent, user-driven improvements rather than monolithic releases every few years.
Competitively, Microsoft’s innovations in the Start menu may also serve as a bulwark against challenger platforms. Apple’s macOS has long emphasized a clean, simple launcher approach (Spotlight and the Dock), while Google’s Chromebooks rely on a minimal, search-driven launcher. Windows, with its sprawling app ecosystem and user diversity, must tread a careful balance between too much change and too little innovation. The current approach, blending familiar visuals with new adaptive elements, appears to be Microsoft’s attempt to capture the best of both worlds.
What Comes Next: The Road to General Availability
As of this writing, the new Start menu remains exclusive to Dev Channel insiders. Microsoft has not yet committed to a timeline for releasing these changes to the broader Beta Channel, Release Preview, or the mainstream public. Historically, features trialed in Dev Channel builds often see several months of refinement before eventual rollout—if they roll out at all. User sentiment, reliability metrics, and business readiness will influence whether and how quickly the new Start experience arrives for the wider Windows 11 user base.In the coming months, users and IT pros are encouraged to participate in the Insider Program, provide candid feedback, and monitor subsequent beta releases for incremental improvement. Microsoft’s feedback-driven process, though no substitute for universal acclaim, has in the past led to meaningful design adjustments before features exit preview.
Conclusion
The unveiling of Windows 11’s redesigned Start menu marks a critical milestone in the evolution of desktop computing’s most iconic launcher. By embracing a scrollable, customizable interface and elevating device intelligence, Microsoft signals its intent to make Windows a more adaptive and accessible operating system for the next generation of users. The early feedback from testers and reviewers suggests a broadly positive reception, especially among those seeking more modern, touch-friendly workflows.Nevertheless, the transition is not without risks. For every longtime user who welcomes the change, there is another who mourns missing features or fears unnecessary complexity. The true test for Microsoft will be balancing innovation with stability, and openness to feedback with the clarity of vision needed to avoid the missteps of past UI overhauls.
As the new Start menu edges closer to mainstream release, its fate will rest on how well it meets the diverse, sometimes contradictory needs of the massive Windows user base. Will it become the start of a new era for desktop productivity, or a cautionary tale of change for its own sake? Only time—and continued user input—will tell.
For now, those eager to glimpse the future can download the latest Insider build and try the new Start menu firsthand. As always, the evolution of Windows is as much about its community as its code.
Source: NewsBytes You can now try Windows 11's new Start menu
