Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign: A Sleek, Scrollable Experience Awaits

Microsoft is taking another bold step forward with Windows 11 by reimagining the Start menu—a move that promises to deliver a sleek, centralized interface while finally giving users the freedom to disable those clutter-inducing recommendations. Internal testing for the new design is already underway, hinting at significant changes that could debut in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 update cycles.

A Unified and Scrollable Experience​

Gone are the days of the dual-section Start menu in Windows 11 that neatly but restrictively separated your favorite (pinned) apps from the “Recommended” content. The revamped interface now condenses everything into one long, scrollable layout. What does this mean for you? A modern design that places every element at your fingertips in a more intuitive arrangement.

• The Start menu is now a single scrollable page rather than being divided into fixed and dynamic sections.
• Pinned apps are still prominently featured, but the list is initially limited to two rows for a cleaner look with the flexibility to expand if needed.
• The “All apps” section is organized by categories such as Productivity, Games, and Entertainment, making it easier to navigate your entire application library.

Early testers report that this unified interface not only looks cleaner but also enhances usability by reducing the visual clutter that many users found in previous builds. By streamlining access to your apps and files, Microsoft is addressing one of the most common user complaints head-on.

Turning Off Intrusive Recommendations​

One of the standout features of this redesign is the long-awaited ability to disable the “Recommended” section. Historically, this area has aggregated recently opened apps, edited files, and OneDrive content—a behavior that, while useful to some, has been intrusive for many users chasing efficiency.

• A new toggle allows you to remove the recommendations section entirely from the Start menu.
• This change results in a cleaner interface focused solely on your chosen pins and organized applications.
• The same toggle currently affects the “Recent” tab in File Explorer, meaning that turning off recommendations in the Start menu will also remove recent items in File Explorer (a linkage that may be decoupled in future releases).

For users who prefer minimal distractions during their workflow sessions, this feature is a breath of fresh air. Now, you are in full control: let the system suggest what you need, or choose exactly what appears before you.

Flexibility and Customization at Your Fingertips​

The refreshed Start menu doesn't just aim for simplicity—it also offers unprecedented levels of customization. Microsoft understands that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, especially when every user’s workflow is as unique as their desktop icons.

• The “Fixed programs” section features a set of essential apps like Microsoft Edge, WhatsApp, Store, and Photos. Although there are 16 designated spots, you can reveal 8 additional icons through a “Show all” option.
• The main “All apps” section comes with three different sorting schemes, giving you the power to organize your applications in the way that best suits your work style.
• Customization is further enhanced by the ability to choose what elements to display. Prefer a decluttered interface? Simply toggle off unwanted recommendations.

In essence, Microsoft is handing over the reins to you, allowing your Start menu to adapt to your personal or professional needs. Whether you’re a creative professional who thrives on minimalism or a multitasker who needs robust categorization, this new design is all about making your computing experience smoother and more efficient.

How It Impacts Daily Workflow​

For many professionals and power users, every second counts. The new Start menu design has the potential to streamline your daily routine by reducing the time spent hunting for applications and documents.

• The scrollable layout means that all your applications are accessible in one gesture, eliminating the need to jump back and forth between sections.
• A neatly arranged interface not only enhances visual appeal but also reduces cognitive load—allowing you to focus more on your tasks rather than remembering where each app is stored.
• Removing the intrusive recommendations can result in fewer distractions, keeping your focus razor-sharp whether you’re working on a critical project or simply browsing.

Consider a scenario where you, a graphic designer, need rapid access to Adobe Creative Suite apps without any extraneous suggestions cluttering your view. Or imagine being a developer who requires immediate access to debugging tools and repositories without the inconvenience of unnecessary notifications. For both, the redesigned Start menu is a productivity booster.

Integration with File Explorer: A Double-Edged Sword?​

One interesting aspect of the current build is the linkage between the Start menu’s recommendations toggle and the “Recent” tab in File Explorer. On the one hand, this consistency reinforces Microsoft’s push towards a clutter-free user interface. On the other, it might strip away a useful shortcut for some users who rely on recent file history for quick access.

• When the recommendations are turned off in the Start menu, the “Recent” items in File Explorer also vanish.
• This unified approach could be seen as both a benefit and a drawback, depending on your workflow.
• There is speculation that this linkage might be addressed in the final production version, allowing for more granular control.

While it’s too early to say if this is a hitch or an innovative move toward a more holistic design, it certainly sparks an important discussion on how integrated system features should be handled in future Windows 11 updates.

Community Feedback and Early Reactions​

The testing phase of this new Start menu design is already eliciting significant buzz among Windows enthusiasts and professional reviewers alike. Early observations—bolstered by screenshots shared by influencers such as user X Phantom—reveal a modern, responsive interface that emphasizes flexibility without sacrificing functionality.

• Twitter and tech forums are abuzz with early screenshots and detailed breakdowns of the new layout.
• Many users have applauded the shift towards a cleaner and more organized interface, citing improved workflow efficiency.
• Nevertheless, some community members remain cautious, particularly about the amalgamation of recommendations with File Explorer’s “Recent” tab.

This feedback is invaluable as Microsoft continues to refine the interface. The iterative process of public testing and community commentary is likely to influence the final shape of the Start menu—a testament to Microsoft's responsiveness to its user base.

Design Philosophy: Simplicity Meets Sophistication​

At its core, the new Start menu design is about striking the right balance between aesthetic simplicity and practical functionality. Microsoft is clearly signaling a shift toward user-centric design, one that prioritizes flexibility and personalization in the same breath as modern, eye-pleasing visuals.

• The move to a scrollable, single-page layout reflects contemporary design trends seen in other leading operating systems.
• Neatly categorized app groupings not only help in faster navigation but also allow a more aesthetically cohesive interface.
• Smaller, expandable sections ensure that whether you have a cluttered desktop or a minimalist setup, the interface adapts to suit your style.

This philosophy mirrors trends across the tech landscape where user feedback informs design improvements. It’s a nod to a world where consumers increasingly demand a personal touch in every software experience—one that fits their habits and preferences without imposing a rigid structure.

What to Expect Moving Forward​

While the current beta build of this redesigned Start menu offers an enticing glimpse into the future of Windows 11, it’s important to remember that this is still a work in progress. Microsoft’s internal testing and beta feedback are critical drivers in refining and fine-tuning the final product.

• Keep an eye on upcoming Windows 11 updates, particularly 24H2 and 25H2, for the public rollout of these changes.
• As more users get access to these features, expect further optimizations and possibly even the decoupling of Start menu toggles from File Explorer settings.
• Future updates might also introduce additional customization options, letting you tailor the interface even more closely to your needs.

For now, it’s an exciting preview of what’s ahead—a streamlined, customizable Start menu that has the potential to redefine how you interact with your PC.

Final Thoughts​

The evolution of the Windows 11 Start menu marks more than just a minor tweak to the user interface; it represents a fundamental rethinking of how we interact with our computers. With a unified, scrollable layout, the promise of flexible customization, and the long-awaited removal of intrusive recommendations, Microsoft is clearly listening to its users.
This redesign emphasizes simplicity, personalization, and productivity—traits that are becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. While the final details are still being ironed out, one thing is clear: the future of Windows 11 is looking brighter, cleaner, and decidedly more user-friendly.
Key takeaways:

• Windows 11’s redesigned Start menu consolidates all sections into one scrollable page.
• The new design features a customizable pinned list, categorized “All apps,” and a toggle to disable intrusive recommendations.
• Early testing shows promise for enhanced usability and improved workflow efficiency.
• The integrated toggle currently affects both the Start menu recommendations and the File Explorer “Recent” tab, a detail that may see further refinement.
• Anticipate these changes to roll out in the near future with updates like Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.

As Microsoft continues to evolve its flagship operating system, Windows enthusiasts can look forward to a more streamlined and adaptable computing experience. Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for in-depth coverage and expert insights as these exciting developments unfold.

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Source: ITC.ua The «Start» menu in Windows 11 will get a major redesign — with flexible customization and no intrusive recommendations