Windows 11 Rumors: New Start Menu Toggle for All Pinned Apps

Windows enthusiasts, brace yourself for another shake-up in the Start Menu department! In a recent preview update, fresh insights have emerged suggesting that Microsoft might soon give users more control over the pinned apps layout in Windows 11’s Start Menu. This change hints at the possibility of turning off the Recommendation section, thereby letting you showcase your preferred pinned apps front and center.

What's the Buzz About?​

Recent references spotted in an early Windows 11 preview build point to a potential new toggle labeled “Show all pins by default.” What does this mean? Essentially, Microsoft could be reimagining how your pinned apps appear by possibly displaying them all on the first page of the Start Menu without the distraction of a recommended section. Currently, the Start Menu offers three layout options in its Personalization settings:

• More Pins
• Default
• More Recommendations

Among these, many users favor the “More Pins” option because it emphasizes the apps you choose to pin. However, the existing design still poses a slight limitation: if you add too many pinned apps, some are simply pushed to a second page, requiring a scroll to access them all.

What Could Change?​

The introduction of the “Show all pins by default” toggle suggests two main possibilities to improve user experience:

• Directly Displaying All Pinned Apps:
  By enabling the toggle, the Start Menu may either
• Purge the Recommendation Section: This would remove the automatically generated suggestions, giving your pinned apps more space, or
• Reduce Icon Size: Alternatively, icons might be resized to squeeze all apps onto the main screen.

Both options come with pros and cons. While removing recommendations could declutter your interface, resizing icons might lead to labels and icons that are too small to comfortably use.

• Taller Start Menu Layout:
  Another possibility is that Microsoft could explore making the Start Menu taller to accommodate all pinned apps without adjusting icon size. While this might seem like a neat solution, there’s also the concern that an overly tall Start Menu might start to resemble an overcrowded desktop.

Broader Implications and Usability Concerns​

For years, the Start Menu has been a focal point of ongoing tweaks and refinements in Windows 11. Microsoft’s willingness to experiment with key interface elements reflects its continuous effort to balance a visually appealing design with robust usability. But, as always, the devil is in the details.

• User Experience:
  For power users and enthusiasts keen on personalizing their desktop environment, the ability to display all pinned apps without interference from recommended content is a welcome change. It’s like having your favorite playlist queued up, without the algorithm interfering!
• Screen Real Estate and Readability:
  A potential reduction in icon size raises concerns about readability and ease of use—an especially critical factor for users on higher-resolution displays or those who rely on larger icons for accessibility reasons.
• Consistency versus Customization:
  In recent feature updates, Microsoft has generally maintained a consistent approach to personalization. This new toggle could hint at an even greater push towards customization. However, remember that even with all personalization options, some features—like recently used apps in the recommendation section—remain stubbornly persistent, with few ways to turn them off permanently.

A Peek Into the Future​

The rumored toggle may finally address long-standing requests by allowing the Start Menu to show exclusively pinned apps, tailoring the interface closer to individual user preferences. Yet, if too many pinned apps are placed on the first page, we might end up with a cluttered layout that resembles an overburdened desktop rather than a streamlined Start Menu. Microsoft will need to find the right balance—an ongoing challenge in the realm of user interface design.
For Windows users, this potential update not only reflects a leap towards a more personalized desktop experience but also underscores Microsoft’s openness to user feedback. It remains to be seen if the removal or reduction of the Recommendation section becomes a permanent fixture in Windows 11 or if the solution will be to simply extend the Start Menu vertically. As with every update, we'll be here to provide expert insights and guide you through the changes every step of the way.

Wrapping Up​

Ultimately, whether you love a minimalist Start Menu or the convenience of recommendations, the potential for change in Windows 11 is an exciting prospect. Microsoft is clearly pushing the envelope once again, and it’s up to us to stay informed and ready for what’s next. Keep an eye on your preview updates, Windows gamers, creatives, and everyday users alike—your Start Menu might just get a whole lot more customizable in the near future!
What are your thoughts on these potential changes? Will you welcome the option to declutter your Start Menu, or do you enjoy the mix of pinned apps and recommendations? Drop your comments and thoughts on the forum below.

---

Source: Windows Latest New Windows 11 reference hints Start Menu Recommendations might be optional