Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign: Beta Insights and Customization

Introduction​

Windows enthusiasts have long debated the merits and drawbacks of every major interface update, and the latest news on the Windows 11 Start Menu redesign is no exception. Microsoft is reworking one of its most iconic elements—a move that promises enhanced functionality, cleaner aesthetics, and improved customization. Drawing on early impressions from the latest Insider Preview Build 26200.5518 and insights from seasoned users, the revamped Start Menu appears poised to address longstanding gripes while paving the way for a more intuitive Windows experience.

A New Chapter for the Windows 11 Start Menu​

While Windows 11 initially debuted with a sleek, modernist approach, the original design left many users wishing for more control over what appeared on their screens. The “Recommended” section in particular became a point of contention, often intruding on the simplicity users craved. The new design not only enlarges the Start Menu to accommodate more pinned icons (with up to eight icons per row) but also introduces a “Show more”/“Show less” toggle that gives users dynamic control over the layout. This change effectively replaces the “All” button and offers a more intuitive method to expand or contract the list of pinned apps, aligning with feedback that Microsoft had long ignored.
As detailed by insiders and echoed in discussions across the tech community, this is not merely a cosmetic overhaul. Microsoft has placed user-centric design at the forefront of the update, ensuring that each change directly addresses practical concerns—from cluttered layouts to unnecessary features that slow down navigation ().

Historical Context: Evolution of the Start Menu​

Since its inception in Windows 95, the Start Menu has been both a symbol of Microsoft’s innovation and a battlefield for user preferences. The transition from bulky, text-heavy menus to the tile-based system of Windows 8—and then to a simplified, albeit divisive, layout in Windows 11—reflects the constant balancing act between modern aesthetics and functionality. Critics of the initial Windows 11 design lamented that the segmented interface forced users to toggle between pinned apps and a separate recommended list rather than offering a unified experience.
With the overhaul in development, Microsoft appears to have learned from past iterations. The updated Start Menu draws on the best elements of previous designs while incorporating modern touches such as a vertically scrollable interface and an integrated "All apps" view. By doing so, it caters to both long-time Windows veterans and newcomers craving more efficiency in their daily computing routines ().

Diving into the Redesign: What’s Changing?​

Expanded Layout and Icon Customization​

One of the most noticeable changes in the new Start Menu is its size. The interface now occupies significantly more screen real estate, offering space for additional rows of pinned applications. With each row now housing up to eight icons, users can pin more frequently used apps without feeling restricted by a cramped layout. This improvement is particularly beneficial for high-resolution displays and multi-monitor setups, ensuring that important shortcuts remain visible at a glance.
The reworked layout also includes enhanced customization for pinned icons. Users can now choose to collapse or expand their list at will, using the new “Show less”/“Show more” toggle. This dynamic control over pinned content allows for a cleaner interface during periods of high activity, yet provides easy access when more icons are needed ().

The End of an Era: Ditching the “Recommended” Section​

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated improvement is the option to permanently disable the “Recommended” section. For years, this area—which auto-populates with recent files, apps, and marketing-driven suggestions—has been a source of irritation for many users. The inability to remove it left many feeling as if they were being constantly reminded of Microsoft’s push for digital “helpfulness” even when it wasn’t needed.
Now, with a simple toggle in the settings menu, users can clear away this clutter and reclaim valuable screen space. By removing the distractions of unsolicited suggestions, the updated Start Menu allows for a more focused, productivity-oriented experience. This change is a clear indication that Microsoft is listening to its community and taking steps to make Windows 11 truly user-friendly ().

Unified View: Integrating Pinned, All Apps, and Beyond​

In previous iterations, the Start Menu was divided between distinct sections for pinned items and an entire list of installed applications. This separation often led to confusion and extra clicks, forcing users to switch between views to find the app they needed. The new design consolidates these sections into one unified, vertically scrollable interface.
Here’s what that means for daily usage:

• Fewer Clicks: Users no longer need to navigate different sections, saving precious time.
• Instant Access: The all-apps list is now readily accessible beneath your personalized pinned content.
• Simplified Navigation: Whether you’re an occasional user or a productivity buff, this design reduces cognitive load and streamlines the journey from boot-up to task.

This unification also offers the potential for future enhancements, such as category-based sorting and additional layout options reminiscent of the iOS App Library. Early reports suggest that custom categories might someday give even more control over app organization, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to evolving the user interface ().

User Reactions and Expert Perspectives​

The Insider Community Speaks​

Veteran Windows users and early adopters have weighed in on the changes with a mix of caution and optimism. Influential Insider voices like @phantomofearth have shared firsthand impressions from the latest preview builds. Their feedback underscores one thing: the revamped Start Menu addresses long-standing issues while introducing innovative features that could set a new standard for user interaction ().
The ability to toggle off the “Recommended” section has been praised as a major win, eliminating a feature that many saw as intrusive. Additionally, the expanded pinned area not only alleviates the frustration of limited space but also promises a degree of personalization long coveted by power users. The unified view—and the possibility of layout toggles between a grid, a list, or categories—further cements the idea that Microsoft is aiming for a flexible, user-friendly approach.

What Do IT Professionals Think?​

For IT administrators and professionals responsible for maintaining consistent user experiences, the Start Menu redesign signals a shift toward simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Enhanced customization and a unified layout mean reduced user complaints and a decreased need for third-party tweaks or registry hacks. These changes help create a more stable platform for deploying enterprise-level applications, as well as for integrating broader elements like Microsoft security patches and cybersecurity advisories into everyday systems.
Moreover, these updates could serve as a model for subsequent refinements across Windows 11, demonstrating that even the most established interface components can be reworked to meet modern demands ().

Technical Implications and Future Outlook​

Incremental but Impactful Changes​

One of the most striking aspects of the update is that it is not a radical, all-at-once overhaul but an iterative improvement based on user feedback. Microsoft appears to be embracing a modular approach, releasing features as part of larger updates like Windows 11 24H2, and allowing these changes to be fine-tuned based on extensive Insider testing. This measured strategy helps mitigate potential teething problems and ensures that the final product is robust and reliable.

Beyond the Start Menu: A Broader Design Philosophy​

The rework of the Start Menu is part of a broader strategy to make Windows 11 more adaptive. Alongside this update, recent Insider builds have also introduced taskbar icon scaling and other UI adjustments designed to reduce clutter—demonstrating a comprehensive focus on reducing cognitive load across the operating system. When coupled with continuous enhancements in performance and security, these updates underscore Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its flagship OS in response to real-world user requirements ().

What Might the Future Hold?​

Looking ahead, the changes seen in the current build hint at a future where the Windows 11 interface could be even more personalized:

• Customizable Categories: Further iterations may allow users to define their own custom categories for apps, making navigation even more tailored to individual work patterns.
• Dynamic Adjustments: With increased screen real estate and responsive design, future versions of Windows 11 could feature more dynamic interactions such as intelligently prioritizing frequently used apps based on time of day or workflow context.
• Integrated Productivity: As Microsoft deepens its integration with tools like Microsoft Copilot and expands its ecosystem of security patches, the refined Start Menu will likely serve as a central hub for accessing a broad suite of applications and services, empowering both casual users and IT professionals alike.

These potential improvements not only promise a more pleasant user experience but also set the stage for Windows 11 to remain competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Practical Tips for Early Adopters​

For those eager to explore these changes before they become mainstream, here are a few practical pointers:

• Join the Insider Program: The upgraded Start Menu is currently available only through Windows Insider Preview Builds like 26200.5518. Signing up for the program allows you early access and the opportunity to provide valuable feedback.
• Explore Customization Options: Dive into the Settings menu to experiment with the new toggles—especially the option to disable the “Recommended” section. This simple switch can dramatically declutter your desktop experience.
• Provide Feedback: Whether you love the new layout or encounter bugs, sharing your thoughts on community forums or the Windows Feedback Hub is crucial. Early interactions help Microsoft refine the final product ().

Conclusion​

The reworking of the Windows 11 Start Menu represents a compelling evolution in Microsoft’s design philosophy—one that prioritizes user agency, simplifies navigation, and aligns with modern productivity needs. By expanding the layout, unifying previously segregated sections, and finally giving users the power to disable intrusive recommendations, Microsoft is addressing long-held criticisms head-on.
This update is not merely a cosmetic refresh, but a fundamental shift toward a more flexible and user-centric operating system. As these changes roll out via Insider builds and eventually become a staple in updates like Windows 11 24H2, both casual users and IT professionals can look forward to a cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable Windows experience.
For anyone keeping an eye on the latest Windows 11 updates and industry trends, this overhaul is a reminder that even core interface elements are never truly set in stone—they evolve, adapt, and improve in response to the needs of a dynamic user base. Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for further analyses, expert opinions, and detailed guides as Microsoft continues refining one of its most defining features.

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Source: Club386 Microsoft is reworking the Windows 11 Start Menu and it shows promise | Club386