Microsoft’s dramatic redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu is poised to deliver a more personalized and practical experience, and for once, it’s OLED monitor owners who have special cause to celebrate. Far more than a simple facelift, this update reflects an evolving vision for Windows—a vision forged at the intersection of modern UI principles, the unique demands of handheld devices like the ROG Ally, and the persistent anxieties of hardware enthusiasts. For those eager to get a jump on the future, Microsoft is already making these changes available to beta testers. Here’s what’s coming, what it means, and why this could address one of the most nagging issues for a growing slice of the desktop community.
The Start menu has always been a centerpiece of the Windows experience, reflecting not just Microsoft’s philosophy but the practical needs of millions. Windows 11 initially shifted away from Windows 10’s tile-based design toward a more streamlined, centered interface, sparking a mix of admiration and frustration. The latest iteration, now live for testers, takes a dramatic step forward: it empowers users to organize applications into custom categories—think “Games,” “Browsers,” or “Productivity”—or to stick with the time-tested classic grid view.
This new grouping system isn’t just an aesthetic flourish. For users with sprawling application libraries, the ability to jump straight to a relevant folder eliminates tedious scrolling and guesswork. According to reporting by The Verge and TechRadar, the interface also offers the option to disable the contentious “Recommended” section—until now, an unpredictable jumble of recently used files and apps that often confused more than it helped. That frees up even more space for pinned apps and those user-defined categories—a boon for power users used to micromanaging their digital real estate.
Perhaps even more significant is Microsoft’s “full-screen experience” update, which promises a Start menu that intelligently adapts in size and function to fit everything from compact portable displays to ultra-wide OLED monitors. Early feedback from testers suggests that dynamic scaling isn’t just about visual polish—it’s about making navigation seamless regardless of screen size.
Here’s where the redesigned Start menu enters the picture. By allowing greater customization and folder-based navigation, users can keep their frequently used apps within easily accessed, dynamically changing categories, without the need to rely on static desktop shortcuts. What’s more, the ability to dial back or disable the “Recommended” section means there’s less risk of certain images or text being displayed in a static way for hours on end—a real concern for those worried about OLED longevity. While there’s no direct anti-burn-in mechanism baked into the Start menu itself, these quality-of-life improvements represent an incremental but meaningful advance in OLED-friendly Windows UI design.
The elimination of the “Recommended” section has drawn praise from users who felt its suggestions were rarely relevant, and from those concerned about privacy. Many saw this area as distracting or even counterproductive. For OLED owners, it’s the promise of less persistent UI clutter, potentially reducing static on-screen content, that stands out as the biggest win.
Critically, the merger of the new Start menu with other innovations—like gamepad-centric login—demonstrates an understanding of how people actually use these devices. It’s a much-needed rethinking of interaction beyond keyboard and mouse, responding to years of feedback from both testers and the broader tech press.
At the same time, the fate of features like Start menu folders will depend on user adoption and the pace at which Microsoft can smooth out UI inconsistencies. Given the company's track record—recall the back-and-forth evolution of the Start button itself—it remains to be seen whether all proposed innovations will survive to the final release.
Strengthened by a newfound attention to handheld usability and privacy controls, Windows 11’s evolving Start menu is proof that even the operating system’s oldest features can still surprise and delight. Whether or not this is enough to tip the scales against alternatives like SteamOS will depend on continued polish, user feedback, and—crucially—Microsoft’s willingness to finish what it has started.
For all users, and especially OLED monitor fans, the new Start menu signals a more flexible Windows future—one that, for this update at least, earns a cautious but genuine round of applause.
Source: TechRadar Microsoft's big Windows 11 Start menu redesign is great news for OLED monitor owners like me – and you can try it right now
The Start menu has always been a centerpiece of the Windows experience, reflecting not just Microsoft’s philosophy but the practical needs of millions. Windows 11 initially shifted away from Windows 10’s tile-based design toward a more streamlined, centered interface, sparking a mix of admiration and frustration. The latest iteration, now live for testers, takes a dramatic step forward: it empowers users to organize applications into custom categories—think “Games,” “Browsers,” or “Productivity”—or to stick with the time-tested classic grid view.This new grouping system isn’t just an aesthetic flourish. For users with sprawling application libraries, the ability to jump straight to a relevant folder eliminates tedious scrolling and guesswork. According to reporting by The Verge and TechRadar, the interface also offers the option to disable the contentious “Recommended” section—until now, an unpredictable jumble of recently used files and apps that often confused more than it helped. That frees up even more space for pinned apps and those user-defined categories—a boon for power users used to micromanaging their digital real estate.
An Experience Tailored for Devices Big and Small
Microsoft’s move is timely, coming amid a concerted push to support a new breed of Windows devices like handheld gaming PCs and hybrid portables. The company recently revealed tweaks designed specifically for the ASUS ROG Ally handheld and similar machines. One notable example is a revamped login screen that allows users to enter their PIN using a game controller—a clear accommodation for use cases where a keyboard isn’t handy and touchscreen input could be awkward.Perhaps even more significant is Microsoft’s “full-screen experience” update, which promises a Start menu that intelligently adapts in size and function to fit everything from compact portable displays to ultra-wide OLED monitors. Early feedback from testers suggests that dynamic scaling isn’t just about visual polish—it’s about making navigation seamless regardless of screen size.
Why OLED Owners Should Care: The Burn-In Dilemma
For years, OLED monitor owners have faced a unique problem: the very features that make the technology so captivating (deep blacks, rich contrast, and pixel-level light control) also leave it vulnerable to burn-in. Burn-in occurs when static content—think persistent UI elements like taskbars or game build numbers—is left on-screen for extended periods, creating a permanent ghost image. While manufacturers have steadily improved compensation technologies and Windows has introduced features like auto-dimming, anxiety over burn-in remains high among enthusiasts.Here’s where the redesigned Start menu enters the picture. By allowing greater customization and folder-based navigation, users can keep their frequently used apps within easily accessed, dynamically changing categories, without the need to rely on static desktop shortcuts. What’s more, the ability to dial back or disable the “Recommended” section means there’s less risk of certain images or text being displayed in a static way for hours on end—a real concern for those worried about OLED longevity. While there’s no direct anti-burn-in mechanism baked into the Start menu itself, these quality-of-life improvements represent an incremental but meaningful advance in OLED-friendly Windows UI design.
First Impressions: Hands-On With the New Start Menu
Windows Insiders and testers who have accessed preview builds of the updated Start menu report a smoother, more logical flow. Creating a new folder is as simple as dragging and dropping apps into one another, and naming is straightforward. Early hands-on impressions point to a Start experience that feels less chaotic—a win for everyone but especially for users with large software libraries or those who are visually sensitive to clutter.The elimination of the “Recommended” section has drawn praise from users who felt its suggestions were rarely relevant, and from those concerned about privacy. Many saw this area as distracting or even counterproductive. For OLED owners, it’s the promise of less persistent UI clutter, potentially reducing static on-screen content, that stands out as the biggest win.
A Smart Move for Gamers and Handheld Users
Microsoft’s timing is no accident. The rapid rise of portable Windows gaming devices like the ROG Ally—and the continuing popularity of the Steam Deck running SteamOS—has forced the company to rethink UI paradigms long taken for granted. Portable users expect instant access to their favorite games, media players, and utilities, preferably organized precisely how they like. By delivering folders and a scalable Start, Microsoft positions Windows as a more competitive platform for “living room PC” and handheld gaming scenarios.Critically, the merger of the new Start menu with other innovations—like gamepad-centric login—demonstrates an understanding of how people actually use these devices. It’s a much-needed rethinking of interaction beyond keyboard and mouse, responding to years of feedback from both testers and the broader tech press.
Critical Analysis: Pros, Cons, and Remaining Uncertainties
Strengths
- Customization and Control: The ability to create folders and rearrange apps means users are no longer beholden to Microsoft’s idea of an optimal Start layout. Power users, classical desktop fans, and newcomers alike can shape the interface to fit their habits.
- Reduced Screen Clutter and Improved Privacy: The option to disable or minimize the “Recommended” area not only lightens the visual load but also addresses persistent concerns about privacy and data leakage, as many have worried about “recently used files” popping up in screenshots or video calls.
- OLED Friendliness: By reducing static items and giving users control over what is persistently shown, the risk of burn-in may be lessened—a step, if not a leap, in making Windows friendlier to premium display owners.
- Handheld and Gamepad Support: Incorporating controller-based PIN entry and Start menu navigation signals serious intent to cater to the growing handheld Windows market—a user group previously underserved by desktop-centric UI logic.
Weaknesses and Risks
- Fragmentation and Learning Curve: Giving users the power to overhaul the Start menu brings welcome freedom but can also fragment the Windows experience. New users—particularly those switching from macOS or ChromeOS—may feel lost among UI options, especially if OEMs or administrators pre-configure layouts in unpredictable ways.
- Unresolved OLED Risks: While these changes reduce persistent elements in the Start menu, Windows still features system-level UI components (taskbars, volume overlays, and notification toasts) that can create burn-in opportunities. The Start menu redesign is a Band-Aid, not a cure.
- Features Still in Testing: Many of these updates are available only to beta testers as of this writing. Rollout across all Windows 11 installations, especially in business/enterprise settings, could take months or even years—and Microsoft has a history of quietly sunsetting or tweaking features before general release.
- Potential for Bloat: The more configurable the Start menu, the higher the risk of “option overload.” Unless carefully balanced, feature creep could see less confident users simply ignoring new functions in favor of familiar (if less efficient) workflows.
How to Try the New Start Menu Features Now
Users intrigued by the Start menu upgrades do not necessarily have to wait for a formal public rollout. By enrolling in the Windows Insider Program and selecting either the Beta or Dev channels, testers can sample the Start menu changes—and provide crucial feedback to Microsoft before broad release. Here’s how to get started:- Open Settings from your current Windows 11 installation.
- Navigate to Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
- Select “Get Started” and link a Microsoft account.
- Choose the Beta Channel (recommended for most users) or Dev Channel for earliest access.
- Check for updates and install the latest build.
Looking Ahead: SteamOS Competition and the Road to Full Release
Microsoft’s refresh of the Windows 11 Start menu must also be read through the lens of competition. Valve’s SteamOS, the backbone of the Steam Deck, has raised the bar for handheld-centric design, with fast boot times, intuitive game navigation, and minimal “desktop baggage.” By mimicking some of these user-focused principles and improving on weak points like organizational flexibility, Microsoft stands a better chance of enticing gamers, creators, and hybrid device users who might otherwise prefer Linux-based or more locked-down ecosystems.At the same time, the fate of features like Start menu folders will depend on user adoption and the pace at which Microsoft can smooth out UI inconsistencies. Given the company's track record—recall the back-and-forth evolution of the Start button itself—it remains to be seen whether all proposed innovations will survive to the final release.
Conclusion: Incremental Change That Resonates
In a world of increasingly fragmented device types, from 49-inch OLED ultra-wides to pocket-sized gaming handhelds, Microsoft has correctly judged that the Start menu must become more than a static launcher. The latest updates, now filtering through beta channels, represent a thoughtful balance of customization, usability, and hardware awareness. For OLED monitor owners, it’s a modest yet distinct improvement—one that doesn’t erase the risk of burn-in but offers more tools to avoid it.Strengthened by a newfound attention to handheld usability and privacy controls, Windows 11’s evolving Start menu is proof that even the operating system’s oldest features can still surprise and delight. Whether or not this is enough to tip the scales against alternatives like SteamOS will depend on continued polish, user feedback, and—crucially—Microsoft’s willingness to finish what it has started.
For all users, and especially OLED monitor fans, the new Start menu signals a more flexible Windows future—one that, for this update at least, earns a cautious but genuine round of applause.
Source: TechRadar Microsoft's big Windows 11 Start menu redesign is great news for OLED monitor owners like me – and you can try it right now