Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign: Features, Customization Options, and User Feedback

The evolution of the Windows Start Menu has been a fascinating journey—a journey that dates back to the days of Windows 95 and its revolutionary interface. Despite numerous redesigns over the years, the Start Menu remains a central part of our computing lives. Recently, whispers from the Windows Insider Program have hinted at yet another major revamp for Windows 11’s Start Menu. While the current interface debuted at Windows 11’s launch in 2021, the latest experimental build—uncovered by an eagle-eyed insider—promises a host of new features and refinements that could turn heads and win hearts.

Historical Evolution of the Windows Start Menu​

The Start Menu has always been more than just a navigational tool—it’s been an icon of personal computing. Early versions had a simple list of programs, which evolved into features like the pinning of favorite apps, live tiles with dynamic content, and finally, a move toward a cleaner, refined experience in Windows 11. Critics have long debated its merits, with Windows 10’s flexible interface often hailed in contrast to the minimalistic approach of Windows 11 that tried to carve its own identity. The controversial design choices—even the brief removal of the menu in Windows 8—have shaped our collective digital memory.
Key takeaways:

• The Start Menu has evolved from functionality to an iconic symbol of the Windows experience.
• User feedback and design experiments have influenced its many iterations.
• Windows 11’s current design borrows elements from failed experiments while aiming for modern simplicity.

Unpacking the New Start Menu Design in Windows 11​

Microsoft has always been one to experiment under the hood before rolling out polished features to the masses. In the latest Windows 11 Dev channel build, an unannounced redesign of the Start Menu has been spotted. Although it bears a resemblance to the current layout, the changes are both subtle and significant. One of the most striking differences is the integration of what was once a standalone All Apps section. Now, the All Apps functionality is woven directly into the main page, sitting just below the Pinned and Recommended sections. This streamlining aims to reduce the steps required to access all applications, a feature that longtime Windows users have gradually come to demand.
Enhancements highlighted in this build include:

• An option to collapse or expand pinned apps, complete with a new settings toggle for default behavior.
• Three different views for navigating through applications: a straightforward alphabetical list, an Android app drawer-like grid view, and an iOS/iPadOS-inspired Category view—each offering a unique way to explore your apps.
• The long-awaited ability to entirely remove the Recommended section, a change that many users have been clamoring for since the redesign launched in 2021.
• A slightly larger footprint, ensuring that the interface not only looks modern but caters to diverse user needs.

Major points to note:

• The integration of various app views gives users flexibility historically lacking in the current Start Menu.
• Simplifying the interface by eliminating unwanted sections shows Microsoft’s willingness to listen to its community.
• Subtle UI changes, like the new settings options and expandable pinned apps, could lead to a more personalized user experience.

New Features and Customizations: A Closer Look​

Despite being in an experimental phase, early impressions suggest that the revamped Start Menu is both stable and more performant than you might expect for a prototype. It’s a design that doesn’t just look pretty—it promises enhanced functionality that could change the way you interact with Windows.
Here’s a breakdown of the standout features:

• • Incorporated All Apps section: Users no longer need to navigate to a separate menu to see all installed applications. Consolidation means fewer clicks and a more intuitive flow.
• • Flexible app views: Whether you prefer a list or a grid, or even a categorized layout, the new Start Menu adapts to your style. This essentially puts the power of choice back into the hands of the user.
• • Customizable pinned section: You can choose whether your pinned apps are always expanded or if they should collapse to leave more room for other items. Plus, you can remove the Recommended section—a tweak many users have requested for over two years.
• • Performance improvements: Despite the addition of new elements and a larger interface, early testing suggests that system stability hasn’t been compromised. However, as with all experimental features, there might be a few bugs lurking in the background, which is why it’s best not to use the experimental build on your primary PC.

These improvements are more than just cosmetic enhancements. They represent a shift in how Microsoft seems to be balancing aesthetics with functionality. The design borrows inspiration from other popular platforms like Android and iOS, making interactions smoother and offering a refreshing new take on a familiar element.
Quick summary:

• New design consolidates different app views for better accessibility.
• Users are given more customization options.
• Despite being experimental, the design is stable and smooth—though caution is advised.

Testing the Waters: How to Try the New Design​

For Windows enthusiasts eager to explore these changes firsthand, the process remains fairly straightforward—provided you’re a member of the Windows Insider Program and running the proper Dev channel build. Here’s how you can get started:

• Become a Windows Insider: If you aren’t already, sign up to join the Windows Insider Program for early access to experimental features.
• Confirm your OS build: Ensure that you are running Windows 11 Build 26200.5518 or later. This is crucial, as the new Start Menu is only available in this specific build.
• Use the ViVeTool: Download and install the third-party ViVeTool program, a tool that allows you to toggle experimental features on or off.
• Execute the commands: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following feature IDs:
• 49402389
• 49221331
• 47205210

These commands will enable the experimental Start Menu features, letting you experience the redesign before it’s officially rolled out. Nonetheless, the experimental nature of the build means that there could be unforeseen bugs, so proceed with caution on your main system.
Step-by-step checklist:

• Join the Windows Insider Program.
• Update to the designated Windows 11 Dev build.
• Install ViVeTool to manage feature toggles.
• Enter the specified feature IDs in an elevated Command Prompt.

Community Reactions and Feedback​

As with most changes to a beloved interface component, early social media reactions have been a mixed bag. Most users who have tried the new design are excited about the fresh approach and added flexibility. The ability to remove the Recommended section, for example, has been a long-awaited change that many Windows veterans have celebrated. Commentators have applauded the consolidation of the All Apps section into one unified interface, noting that it simplifies the process of finding and launching applications.
However, there are still suggestions for refinement. Some users believe that a dual-column view—reminiscent of the classic Windows 10 layout—would be more efficient, especially on larger displays. Others have expressed a desire for further customizability, such as:

• The ability to freely resize the Start Menu to better suit individual screen sizes and layouts.
• An option to switch to a full-screen version of the Start Menu for a more immersive experience.
• A smoother, more seamless transition animation when switching between the Start Menu and the search interface.

This community feedback isn’t just noise; it provides a roadmap for Microsoft on how to refine the feature before a full public rollout. Iterative improvements based on user input have characterized Microsoft's approach with the Windows Insider Program, and this new redesign could be no exception.

Bullet-Point Feedback Summary:​

• Positive reactions for the new consolidation and customization options.
• Requests for additional improvements, such as dual-column layouts and resize capabilities.
• General approval of the integration of varied app views, although some minor animation tweaks are still desired.

What’s Next? Future Possibilities for the Start Menu​

The current experimental design appears to be a solid foundation for what could become one of the most user-friendly and flexible Start Menus in Windows history. While the initial testing phase is promising, there’s potential for even more enhancements down the road. Consider the following possibilities:

• • Freely resizing the Start Menu: Giving users the power to adjust the menu’s dimensions could make it more adaptive to different screen sizes—from compact ultrabooks to expansive desktop setups.
• • Full-screen implementation: A full-screen Start Menu might appeal to those who enjoy a distraction-free, immersive experience.
• • Refined animation sequences: A smoother transition between the Start Menu and search could improve the overall user experience, making daily interactions feel more seamless.

These suggestions reflect a broader trend in user interface design, where flexibility and customization are paramount. As Windows continues to evolve, there’s hope that these experiments will fully transition into the production builds, offering a superior digital experience without sacrificing performance or stability.
Forward-looking points:

• The experimental redesign opens doors for more dynamic and scalable interface designs.
• Future updates may incorporate community-driven suggestions, ensuring that the final product meets diverse user needs.
• Microsoft’s iterative approach through the Windows Insider Program means continuous enhancements based on real-world feedback.

Final Thoughts​

The iterative nature of the Windows Start Menu redesign reflects Microsoft’s commitment to being responsive to its user base. With this latest experimental build, users are treated to a refreshed interface that consolidates core functionalities, provides new customization options, and takes cues from modern design trends. While the current iteration is still experimental and might harbor a few bugs, the overall stability and thoughtful features suggest that Microsoft is on the right track.
For longtime Windows users, this redesign might just be the breath of fresh air needed to elevate the daily computing experience. After all, the Start Menu isn’t just about launching applications—it’s a gateway to productivity, creativity, and innovation. By blending familiar elements with new possibilities, this update could redefine our expectations for what the Start Menu can be.
Whether you’re a die-hard insider eager to test experimental features or simply curious about the future of Windows 11’s interface, the revamped Start Menu offers a glimpse into Microsoft’s evolving vision. With community feedback already pouring in and potential future improvements on the horizon, one thing is clear: the Start Menu is far from static. It continues to evolve in response to employee ingenuity and user insight—a balancing act that has defined Microsoft’s approach for decades.
Key takeaways:

• The experimental redesign incorporates fresh UI elements aimed at boosting usability and personalization.
• Early tests indicate promising stability and performance, even while new features are added.
• Community input is already shaping potential future enhancements, ensuring the final product reflects diverse user needs.

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, a well-crafted interface is not just about aesthetics—it's the cornerstone of a smooth, intuitive user experience. With the new Start Menu poised to win over skeptics and enthusiasts alike, Windows 11 might just be stepping into a new era of user interaction. As you explore these experimental features via the Insider Program, remember to back up your data and proceed with caution. The future of the Start Menu is taking shape, and it looks set to become one of the most flexible and user-centric designs yet.
The evolution of a user interface is never just about visual flairs—it’s about making your digital journey as streamlined and efficient as possible. With each update, Microsoft not only refines a core component of its operating system but also offers a window into the future of human-computer interaction. And as history has shown, good design stands the test of time, adapting to new challenges while remaining fundamentally true to its original spirit.
In a world where even the smallest interface tweaks can have a profound impact on productivity, the experimental redesign of the Windows 11 Start Menu is a promising sign of things to come. If the current trajectory is any indication, the future of the Start Menu will be more versatile, customizable, and intuitive—solidifying its place as an indispensable tool in the Windows ecosystem.
With a nod to both the past and an eye on the future, Microsoft is reimagining one of its most iconic features. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of classic layouts or a modern minimalist at heart, the coming months could bring a Start Menu that finally marries innovation with familiarity. Stay tuned to Insider previews and community feedback as this exciting transformation unfolds—after all, in the world of Windows 11 updates, evolution is the name of the game.

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Source: Pocket-lint The Windows Start Menu might be in for a revamp, and I like what I'm seeing