The convergence of various Start menu redesigns in Windows 11 signals a major evolution for Microsoft’s signature interface—and for the entire ecosystem of Windows users. Over several years, Microsoft has methodically teased, tested, hidden, and then re-revealed iterations of the Start menu, patiently crafting a more modern, dynamic, and customizable user experience. These changes, now emerging together in recent Insider builds, shed light on Microsoft’s vision for the next phase of desktop computing: seamless integration, cross-device connectivity, and AI-powered personalization.
For decades, the Start menu has served as both the visual and functional centerpiece of Windows. From its debut in Windows 95—a compact, cascading menu providing quick access to programs and files—to the controversial full-screen Start in Windows 8, then the more balanced hybrid of Windows 10, its role has reflected larger trends in computing. With Windows 11, Microsoft’s design ambitions come into sharper focus, aiming to harmonize aesthetics, usability, and productivity while integrating lessons from both triumphs and missteps of earlier Windows releases.
Recent Insider builds of Windows 11—particularly in the Dev Channel—are ushering in a period of rapid, sometimes overlapping, experimentation. Features like a wider, scrollable menu, a sidebar mimicking elements of Windows Phone, and AI-driven categorization are no longer just concepts lurking in hidden code. They are now available to select testers, and, in some cases, to the broader user base, albeit not all features simultaneously. This incremental unveiling underscores how Microsoft is leveraging its Insider program to refine features through real user feedback before committing to a widespread release.
This wider, less constrained layout addresses years of feedback from power users and professionals who found the old grid too cramped, especially with ever-increasing screen real estate. For those accustomed to pinning dozens of apps and organizing their workspace meticulously, this level of flexibility is a tangible win.
This sidebar allows instant access to messages, calls, and, potentially, more—like mirroring an Android phone’s screen (currently under testing). This focus on cross-device integration draws inspiration from Apple’s Continuity ecosystem while carving out a distinctly Windows approach, where device diversity is the norm rather than the exception.
Alternatively, a more traditional “Grid” view remains available, sorting all apps alphabetically under their initials—a direct nod to long-time Windows users who prefer familiarity over automation.
This bifurcated approach respects user agency and acknowledges that no single paradigm fits everyone. It also reveals Microsoft’s increasing confidence in AI as a means to surface valuable content, streamline workflows, and reduce cognitive friction.
If executed well, these features could make Windows 11 much more viable on tablets and convertibles, giving Microsoft a stronger response to the iPad Pro and Android tablet competition.
There is also no guarantee that any given feature will reach general availability in its current form, if at all. Microsoft’s history with Windows features—take Live Tiles, Cortana integration, or the Windows 8 Charms Bar as examples—shows a willingness to experiment aggressively, then pivot or retract based on feedback, uptake, or shifting business priorities. Users considering adopting these changes early must accept a degree of instability and uncertainty.
By expanding its Start menu and strengthening phone connectivity, Microsoft acknowledges and responds to these ecosystem rivalries. The addition of an always-accessible sidebar is particularly interesting, suggesting that Windows wants to become not just a hub for PC-based work but a true nerve center for all digital life—regardless of device brand.
Of course, this insider-out approach has drawbacks: leaks and rumors often outpace official communications, occasionally leading to backlash or disappointment when anticipated features are cut or overhauled. Still, the transparent dialogue between Microsoft and its power-user base appears to be paying dividends, making the Windows platform more responsive and resilient.
In the short term, expect more experimental features and refinements to roll out to Insiders. In the medium term, as telemetry builds and user patterns emerge, the best ideas are likely to filter into consumer and enterprise editions via official Windows Updates. The flexibility already baked into the new Start layout means further AI enhancements, contextual surfacing of cloud files, or even cross-OS widgets could appear in future builds without forcing a return to the drawing board.
For now, the clearest path to experiencing these changes is through the Windows Insider Dev Channel, where the boundaries of what Start can be are being actively redefined. For the wider community, patience is key. Expect the most stable and widely adopted features to appear in upcoming major Windows 11 updates, after months (or even years) of public testing and iterative polish.
For Windows enthusiasts—and indeed, for anyone interested in the future of desktop computing—this evolving Start menu is a window onto how Microsoft is responding to the hybrid, AI-driven, and hyper-connected world we now inhabit. By keeping user agency, adaptability, and integration at the fore, there’s every chance that the next era for the Start menu will be its most impactful yet.
Source: PCWorld Windows 11's Start menu redesigns are all coming together
The Start Menu: History and Transformation
For decades, the Start menu has served as both the visual and functional centerpiece of Windows. From its debut in Windows 95—a compact, cascading menu providing quick access to programs and files—to the controversial full-screen Start in Windows 8, then the more balanced hybrid of Windows 10, its role has reflected larger trends in computing. With Windows 11, Microsoft’s design ambitions come into sharper focus, aiming to harmonize aesthetics, usability, and productivity while integrating lessons from both triumphs and missteps of earlier Windows releases.Recent Insider builds of Windows 11—particularly in the Dev Channel—are ushering in a period of rapid, sometimes overlapping, experimentation. Features like a wider, scrollable menu, a sidebar mimicking elements of Windows Phone, and AI-driven categorization are no longer just concepts lurking in hidden code. They are now available to select testers, and, in some cases, to the broader user base, albeit not all features simultaneously. This incremental unveiling underscores how Microsoft is leveraging its Insider program to refine features through real user feedback before committing to a widespread release.
Unpacking the Redesign: What’s New and Why It Matters
The Wider, Scrollable Start
Arguably the most immediately noticeable change is the dramatically widened Start menu. On large or ultrawide monitors, Start now expands to showcase up to eight columns of pinned apps, six recommendations, and four columns of categories by default. On smaller displays, that configuration scales back for usability—six pinned app columns, four recommendations, and three categories—which demonstrates the adaptability of the new design. This means that regardless of your setup, Windows aims to optimize your workflow without overwhelming you with visual clutter.This wider, less constrained layout addresses years of feedback from power users and professionals who found the old grid too cramped, especially with ever-increasing screen real estate. For those accustomed to pinning dozens of apps and organizing their workspace meticulously, this level of flexibility is a tangible win.
Verification:
Cross-referencing Microsoft’s official release notes for Insider builds and technical journalism from industry stalwarts (such as PCWorld and The Verge), the specs for column arrangement and scalability have appeared consistently in several places. Official documentation confirms these changes were implemented in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5641 (KB5060824), lending strong credibility to these claims.The Sidebar: A Nod to Windows Phone and Beyond
Another key addition is the sidebar, positioned on the edge of Start and reminiscent of the quick-access panel once heralded by Windows Phone. But this isn’t just a nostalgic flourish; it’s functional. With a simple click (or tap), users reveal a space that’s engineered for deep phone integration—first with Android handsets and, as of mid-2024, now also with iPhones.This sidebar allows instant access to messages, calls, and, potentially, more—like mirroring an Android phone’s screen (currently under testing). This focus on cross-device integration draws inspiration from Apple’s Continuity ecosystem while carving out a distinctly Windows approach, where device diversity is the norm rather than the exception.
Verification:
Announcements on Microsoft’s Windows blog and corroboration from hands-on testers in the Windows Insiders community reinforce that the sidebar is available to Insider builds and supports both Android and iPhone, albeit with certain features (like screen mirroring) available only to Android devices so far.The AI-Powered Category View
Delving deeper, the Start menu is gaining significant intelligence through a new “Category view.” If you opt into this feature, installed apps are automatically grouped into smart cards—like Productivity, Creativity, or Social—leveraging behind-the-scenes AI algorithms. Rather than scrolling through endless icons or long lists, users can potentially discover tools based on context and purpose, not just alphabetical order.Alternatively, a more traditional “Grid” view remains available, sorting all apps alphabetically under their initials—a direct nod to long-time Windows users who prefer familiarity over automation.
This bifurcated approach respects user agency and acknowledges that no single paradigm fits everyone. It also reveals Microsoft’s increasing confidence in AI as a means to surface valuable content, streamline workflows, and reduce cognitive friction.
Verification:
Detailed notes from test builds as well as in-depth previews published by Windows-focused outlets confirm that Category view is powered by AI and can be toggled or overridden by the user at will. Analysis of UI mockups accompanying official blog announcements matches these descriptions.Customization, Flexibility, and Control
One of the most persistent criticisms of Windows 11’s original Start menu was its lack of customization. The refreshed design directly addresses this, with toggles in Windows Settings allowing users to:- Show or hide recommended files (often sourced from Microsoft 365 or OneDrive)
- Adjust the density and arrangement of pinned apps
- Toggle between Category and Grid views
- Control the size and layout dynamically based on device dimensions
Implications for Touch, Tablets, and 2-in-1s
With Windows running on everything from compact laptops to giant touch-enabled all-in-ones, this flexibility is critically important. The new scrollable, stretched layouts and sidebar controls appear particularly touch-friendly—likely a deliberate counter to past criticisms that Microsoft’s interface design sometimes felt neither quite optimized for touch nor mouse use.If executed well, these features could make Windows 11 much more viable on tablets and convertibles, giving Microsoft a stronger response to the iPad Pro and Android tablet competition.
Challenges, Risks, and Critiques
Despite the excitement these changes generate, several risks and challenges remain—and, as with most large-scale interface updates, the potential for friction is real.Feature Fragmentation: Insider Builds vs. Public Release
At present, not all features debut together. Microsoft’s approach of staggering development across different Insider channels (Dev, Beta, Canary) inevitably leads to confusion. Features that are present in some builds may disappear or change drastically a few weeks later—frustrating those who grow attached to them.There is also no guarantee that any given feature will reach general availability in its current form, if at all. Microsoft’s history with Windows features—take Live Tiles, Cortana integration, or the Windows 8 Charms Bar as examples—shows a willingness to experiment aggressively, then pivot or retract based on feedback, uptake, or shifting business priorities. Users considering adopting these changes early must accept a degree of instability and uncertainty.
AI-Driven Organization: Helpful or Hindrance?
While AI-powered categorization is promising, it carries inherent risks. Incorrect or inconsistent grouping of apps could leave users confused or frustrated, particularly if they rely on discovering rarely used applications or use niche professional tools not easily classified by consumer-centric algorithms. Microsoft must prioritize robust user controls, transparent logic, and simple overrides if the AI sorting is to be widely accepted.Privacy Concerns
The AI and recommendation engine for the Start menu is built, at least in part, by gathering data about app usage, document access, and possibly cloud activity. Though touted as privacy-respecting and user-configurable, any increased “intelligence” from Windows will necessarily raise concerns about data collection and user profiling. Transparency, opt-out mechanisms, and strict privacy safeguards must be enforced and clearly communicated to users—from individuals to large organizations.Mobile Integration and Apple Ecosystem Lockdown
The promise of integrating Android and iPhone experiences natively within Windows is significant, but practical limitations abound. Apple’s walled-garden approach means iPhone support will almost certainly be less feature-rich than Android—something that may frustrate cross-platform users. Additionally, mirroring features are currently restricted to Android, with no clear timeline on expanded support. Microsoft faces an uphill battle ensuring feature parity and a smooth experience across wildly different devices and platforms.Performance and Reliability
As more intelligence and real-time data flow into the Start menu, questions arise about possible slowdowns, memory usage, or unexpected glitches. Insider builds are, by nature, not as polished as final releases, and initial reviews have noted occasional lags or inconsistencies. Microsoft will need to heavily optimize these systems and allow easy rollback if a new feature impedes performance, especially on older or entry-level hardware.Competitive Context: Windows vs. Apple and Google
It’s impossible to analyze these changes in isolation. Apple’s own interface philosophies, recently elaborated at WWDC 2025, continue to prioritize simplicity, seamless hardware-software integration, and privacy by design. Google’s Chrome OS and Android have likewise emphasized fast, adaptable launchers that aggregate search, app access, and cloud content.By expanding its Start menu and strengthening phone connectivity, Microsoft acknowledges and responds to these ecosystem rivalries. The addition of an always-accessible sidebar is particularly interesting, suggesting that Windows wants to become not just a hub for PC-based work but a true nerve center for all digital life—regardless of device brand.
Community, Feedback, and the Insider Advantage
Microsoft’s long-running Windows Insider program is pivotal to the rollout of these Start menu innovations. By giving millions of testers early access (often with togglable, hidden features), Microsoft collects both usage data and subjective feedback. The program serves a dual purpose: it mitigates risk (catching bugs and vetting ideas before mass release) and seeds buzz among Windows enthusiasts and advocates. Community influencers often unearth hidden features, publicizing them via Twitter threads or in-depth YouTube demos before Microsoft officially reveals them.Of course, this insider-out approach has drawbacks: leaks and rumors often outpace official communications, occasionally leading to backlash or disappointment when anticipated features are cut or overhauled. Still, the transparent dialogue between Microsoft and its power-user base appears to be paying dividends, making the Windows platform more responsive and resilient.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Start Menu?
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of these reforms is their modularity. Rather than a “one-and-done” redesign, the Start menu is becoming an adaptable platform in its own right, shaped by both Microsoft’s strategic goals and real-world user feedback.In the short term, expect more experimental features and refinements to roll out to Insiders. In the medium term, as telemetry builds and user patterns emerge, the best ideas are likely to filter into consumer and enterprise editions via official Windows Updates. The flexibility already baked into the new Start layout means further AI enhancements, contextual surfacing of cloud files, or even cross-OS widgets could appear in future builds without forcing a return to the drawing board.
Potential User Benefits
- Greater control over app discovery and workflow
- Enhanced productivity through surface-level customization
- True cross-device experiences, especially for Android users
- Future-facing design that can scale with new technologies and form factors
Potential Challenges to Watch
- Ensuring all users (not only enthusiasts) can understand and benefit from the new features
- Avoiding user confusion from constant change or feature churn
- Balancing innovation with stability and privacy
- Navigating the limitations imposed by outside platforms (especially Apple)
Conclusion: More Than Cosmetic
The convergence of Start menu redesigns in Windows 11 is more than a cosmetic refresh—it’s a strategic overhaul with ramifications for productivity, device integration, and even digital identity management. While the headlines may focus on wider columns and new sidebars, the underlying story is one of a platform flexing to accommodate an ever-growing spectrum of devices, use cases, and user expectations.For now, the clearest path to experiencing these changes is through the Windows Insider Dev Channel, where the boundaries of what Start can be are being actively redefined. For the wider community, patience is key. Expect the most stable and widely adopted features to appear in upcoming major Windows 11 updates, after months (or even years) of public testing and iterative polish.
For Windows enthusiasts—and indeed, for anyone interested in the future of desktop computing—this evolving Start menu is a window onto how Microsoft is responding to the hybrid, AI-driven, and hyper-connected world we now inhabit. By keeping user agency, adaptability, and integration at the fore, there’s every chance that the next era for the Start menu will be its most impactful yet.
Source: PCWorld Windows 11's Start menu redesigns are all coming together
