Windows 11 Start Menu Update: Simplified & Streamlined for Better User Experience

The upcoming Windows 11 Start menu update may seem like a tweak at first glance—but in the world of Windows, even tweaks can redefine everyday interactions. In the latest developer beta build, Microsoft is cleaning up one of the long-standing annoyances by shifting its focus toward a more refined and user-friendly Start experience. This change moves away from the clutter of recommended apps and files and zeroes in on a simplified layout featuring a more robust presentation of pinned apps and a reimagined All apps view.

A Fresh Look: What’s Changing?​

Windows users have long known the Start menu as the digital doorway into the operating system, and despite its evolution through various Windows iterations, its design has often sparked passionate debates. The new update introduces several notable modifications:

• Pinned Apps Spotlight: Pinned apps now claim a prominent spot at the top of the Start menu. By default, users see a maximum of two rows, ensuring that only the most-frequently used and favorite applications get immediate attention. However, if you have a long list of essentials, you can expand the view to show your complete set of pinned apps.
• Streamlined All Apps View: The all apps list is receiving a much-needed makeover. Instead of a single, chaotic list, apps are now organized into well-defined categories such as Productivity, Creativity, Gaming, Utilities & Tools, among others. This categorization helps users quickly pinpoint the app they need without sifting through endless icons.
• A Scrollable, Spacious Experience: According to Windows expert phantomofearth, who shared insights on Bluesky, the updated Start menu lands on a larger and more spacious layout delivered on one scrollable page. This configuration allows both the pinned section and the enhancements within the all apps view to coexist harmoniously without the previous clutter.

By removing the redundant rows of recommended apps and files—which, for many, had become more of a nuisance than a help—Microsoft seems determined to address a long-standing criticism of the Windows 11 interface.

Why These Changes Matter​

For years, Windows enthusiasts have been vocal about the clutter and unnecessary elements within the Start menu. Underneath the polished surface of Windows 11 lies a battle for minimalist elegance versus functional abundance. The update can be seen as part of a broader trend towards decluttering interfaces to boost productivity.

• Enhanced User Experience: A cleaner Start menu means faster navigation. With the recommended section confidently relegated, users can focus on what they’ve manually curated. This is especially beneficial for power users who rely on a streamlined task flow.
• Customization and Control: Not everyone wants an overload of recommendations or a seemingly endless sea of apps. By enabling users to expand the pinned apps list only when needed and by grouping the all apps view into clear-cut categories, Microsoft is putting the power back into the hands of the user. The ability to turn off recommendations altogether is a nod to those who prefer maintaining a minimal workspace.
• Learning from the Past: The shadow of the Windows 8 debacle looms large in any conversation about Windows UI changes. Windows 8’s radical departure from the traditional Start menu sent shockwaves through the community, and subsequent versions had to tread carefully. The current update is important because it aims to blend the best of past successful iterations with modern design principles—ensuring that function meets form without alienating longtime users.

Key Observations:​

• The revised pinned apps section condenses daily use into two accessible rows, with the flexibility to expand if desired.
• An organized, categorized all apps view replaces a flat, unmanageable list.
• The new layout is entirely scrollable, emphasizing a spacious design that accommodates additional options without overwhelming the user.

Diving Deeper: The Expert’s Take​

The insights from phantomofearth on Bluesky encapsulate the sentiment of many Windows aficionados. “Hidden in today’s Dev/Beta CUs: a major update to the Windows 11 Start menu! It has a new, larger layout with everything on one scrollable page, with the ‘All’ list below recommendations – which can FINALLY be turned off!” he noted. This kind of community-driven feedback isn’t just personal opinion—it’s a pulse check from the very people who engage with the operating system daily.

• User-Centric Improvements: The ability to interface with a layout that responds to how people actually use their devices is key. By limiting the pinned list to two rows by default, Microsoft is channeling user priorities more effectively.
• Balancing Tradition with Innovation: The revised Start menu avoids a total overhaul that might unsettle users. Instead, it builds on the familiarity of previous versions while integrating new organizational features that meet contemporary usage demands.
• Future-Proofing the Interface: With the update currently being tested among Windows Insiders, there’s ample opportunity to refine the experience based on real-world usage. These beta tests are vital for identifying any unforeseen issues before broader deployment.

Step-by-Step Insights for Windows Insiders​

For those who have already joined the Windows Insider Program and are keen to explore the new Start menu, here are some practical tips on leveraging the enhancements:

• Exploring the Expanded Layout:
• Open the Start menu and notice the reorganization. The top section now predominantly displays your pinned apps in a neat format.
• Experiment by expanding the pinned apps section to view all your favorites. This option is particularly useful on larger displays where additional space can be put to good use.
• Testing the All Apps View:
• Click on the all apps icon to browse through the updated list.
• Pay attention to the boxed categories. Navigate through sections like Productivity or Gaming to see if the breakdown reflects your app usage patterns.
• Customizing Your Experience:
• If the recommended section still appears, look for settings that allow you to disable it. The opportunity to streamline your Start menu according to your preferences is a critical part of the update.
• Adjust other settings related to the display or layout. These customizations can quickly become the foundation for a more efficient start-up routine.
• Feedback Loop:
• As an Insider, your feedback is invaluable. Use Windows Feedback Hub to share your impressions and any bugs or issues you encounter.
• Engage with community forums to exchange tips with fellow Insiders—sometimes the collective voice can help guide further refinements in subsequent updates.

Broader Impacts on the Windows Ecosystem​

The implications of a refined Start menu reach far beyond mere aesthetics. Here’s how these changes might impact the overall Windows experience:

• Productivity Boost:
  A tidy, categorized Start menu can significantly reduce the time needed to locate essential apps. Efficiency gains here, though seemingly minimal in isolation, add up over the course of a day—especially for professionals juggling multiple tasks.
• Enhanced Customization Options:
  With a new focus on user choice, those who prefer minimalism or maximum functionality have more control than ever before. Whether you rely heavily on Microsoft Office, creative software, or even niche utility apps, the Start menu’s flexibility ensures that your most relevant tools are always at your fingertips.
• Setting a Design Precedent:
  Microsoft’s choice to revert to a more familiar layout, rather than pushing another radical change, may influence other aspects of Windows 11’s UI in upcoming releases. The balance between innovation and tradition is delicate, and this update could serve as a blueprint for future enhancements.
• Lessons from Windows 8:
  The cautionary tale of Windows 8’s controversial interface overhaul cannot be overlooked. In that instance, Microsoft’s decision to remove the classic Start menu in favor of a touch-optimized, modern interface led to widespread criticism and confusion. By taking a more measured approach now, the company appears to be heeding those lessons, aiming for an evolution rather than a revolution.

Summarizing the Ecosystem Influence:​

• Streamlined access improves overall system navigation.
• Enhanced customization aligns with varied user workflows.
• A balanced approach helps avoid the pitfalls of past missteps.

Looking Ahead: What Can Users Expect?​

For the many Windows users who thrive on order and efficiency, this update promises a future where every click is just a bit more intuitive. And while it might appear that the changes are mostly cosmetic on paper, the underlying philosophy is one of user empowerment.

• Incremental Innovation:
  Rather than overhauling the entire Start menu, Microsoft’s decision to refine and streamline indicates an iterative design philosophy. This approach allows for continuous improvement, gradually adjusting to the evolving needs of the community.
• Community-Driven Refinement:
  The Windows Insider feedback will play a crucial role in finalizing these design tweaks. As users report their experiences and suggest further modifications, we can expect subsequent builds to fine-tune the balance between aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
• Potential Customization Enhancements:
  Future updates might even offer more granular options—for instance, allowing users to decide how many rows of pinned apps are visible by default or offering preset configurations based on user roles (e.g., student, professional, gamer).
• Integration with Other Windows Updates:
  This update does not exist in isolation. It is part of a larger strategy to refine Windows 11’s overall user interface. When combined with other Microsoft security patches and Windows 11 updates, these changes contribute to a more cohesive and responsive system environment.

Final Thoughts​

Change is a constant in the evolution of Windows, and the Start menu update is a clear indication that Microsoft is listening. By focusing on what users value—immediate access to frequently used applications and an organized layout—the company is taking a measured step towards enhancing the operating system’s intuition and responsiveness.
Drawing from historical missteps like the Windows 8 debacle, this update shows a return to the fundamentals: simplicity, clarity, and efficiency. It’s a reminder that even the smallest changes in the layout or functionality of a core feature like the Start menu can have far-reaching effects on productivity and user satisfaction.
For those of us who remember the chaos of overcomplicated menus and clunky interfaces, this refined approach is a welcome relief. It emphasizes that while aesthetic changes are important, the true value of an interface lies in how well it serves its purpose—helping users get the job done with minimal distraction.

Key Takeaways:​

• The new Start menu design emphasizes simplicity, with pinned apps and a categorized all apps view replacing the clunky recommended section.
• Incremental changes based on Windows Insider feedback allow for a more stable and user-focused interface.
• Learning from past missteps, Microsoft is aiming to balance innovation with reliability in a way that enhances everyday productivity.

As Windows 11 continues to evolve, these kinds of thoughtful updates remind us why the Start menu remains the heart of the Windows experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a power professional, the promise of a cleaner, more improvable Start menu is indeed a refreshing prospect in today’s ever-changing tech landscape.
In the coming weeks, as this update rolls out more broadly, it will be interesting to see how these refinements influence not only user efficiency but also the overall aesthetic and functionality of Windows 11. For Windows enthusiasts eager to experience the change firsthand, the beta builds offer an early look into a more organized digital workspace—a subtle yet impactful shift that underscores Microsoft’s commitment to user-friendly innovation.
Stay tuned for further Windows 11 updates and remember: in the digital world, as on the desktop, every detail counts.

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Source: Trusted Reviews The Windows 11 Start menu is cleaning up a major annoyance

 

[ChatGPT]

It’s been a long, drawn-out battle between Windows users and that most revered—or reviled—of computer features: the Start menu. For years, Windows 11’s glossy but restrictive menu has annoyed power users, casual clickers, and start-up tinkerers alike. But change, much like a Windows update notification, comes when you least expect it and almost certainly at the most inconvenient moment. Now, Microsoft is testing a brand-new Start menu design that, if rumors and leaks are to be trusted, could finally give users what they’ve been demanding. Is this the renaissance of Windows usability, or just a shiny distraction before the next howler? Buckle your seatbelt, because we’re about to dive in—critically and comedically—into the new menu and the five glaring issues Microsoft must address if Windows 11 is to live up to its potential.

The Start Menu Reboot: Big Changes, Even Bigger Expectations​

Windows 11’s original Start menu, to put it gently, was a bit like a fruitcake: technically functional, but unwelcome at parties and mostly pushed aside for something better. Many questioned why Microsoft made it so limited, locking users out of customizing what should be the digital equivalent of their home’s front hallway. Instead, the menu forced everyone into the same aesthetic: a listless collection of recommended files and suggested apps, with the full App List sequestered behind a click or two.
Praise be—the new design looks set to fix almost everything that’s been irritating Windows users for the last several years. “Bigger” is the motif: bigger menu, more space for your actual apps, and—power to the people—you can nuke the Recommended section entirely. Want a list of every single program you’ve installed, ready to be summoned with a mighty click? That’s the new status quo, once the design ships.
This might sound like an epiphany from Redmond, but in all honesty, such changes merely bring Windows back in line with what users had before. Isn’t it odd to celebrate the return of basic customization and sensible default layouts? Well, that’s modern computing for you: sometimes, progress means undoing bad ideas from a year or two ago.
Assuming this redesign survives the gauntlet of insider flights and A/B testing and actually gets released to the public, it’ll be a huge sign that for once, Microsoft is heeding user feedback instead of pretending not to see the complaints. But why stop at the Start menu? Here are the five fixes that would truly make Windows 11 what it should have been from day one: a platform for users, not a billboard for Microsoft’s own ecosystem.

1. Clipchamp: Who Needs a Subscription to Export in 4K?​

First, let’s talk about video editing—the digital hobby that exploded during lockdown and refuses to slow down. Microsoft made big promises by bundling Clipchamp, sacrificing the ancient Photos app video editor for this “modern,” browser-based offering. On the surface, it’s a step up: Clipchamp is far more capable than its predecessor, and for basic edits—trimming party videos, adding cheesy overlays, and making TikToks for relatives—it works fine.
But then you dare to export a video in 4K. Suddenly, your ambitions are caged behind a $10 per month paywall. Want basic features, like high-quality output, that Mac users have enjoyed for free in iMovie for years? Sorry, time to cough up. Curiously, these premium features aren’t even bundled in with your (already pricey) Microsoft 365 subscription. That’s right: you pay once for productivity, and then again for pixels.
That brings us to two pressing gripes. First, Clipchamp is a web app. It’s not “native”—that is, compiled to run directly on your PC’s hardware. You’d think that in the age of ultra-thin laptops and cloud everything, that wouldn’t matter. But if you’ve tried to process a 4K video in a browser tab, only to feel your battery melting and laptop fan shrieking, you know just how rough that can be. Native apps consistently run faster and are more stable. Ironically, Windows users are now clamoring for what once was dismissed as "old-fashioned": a lightweight, powerful, desktop-first app that doesn’t require a monthly tribute.
Second, and arguably more irritating: Clipchamp is user-friendly to a fault. It’s so determined to be approachable that it refuses to give you meaningful control. Want proper color correction, keyframe animation, or advanced effects? You’ll quickly realize “simplicity” here is just marketing for “we hid all the good stuff.” Meanwhile, Apple’s iMovie, free and native, feels almost luxurious.
If Microsoft is finally listening on the Start menu, can we get a truly native video editor with premium features included, or at least respect for existing Microsoft 365 subscribers? Cloud software is great, but not when it rains on your parade.

2. Widgets: Please, Just Put Them on the Desktop​

Widgets are the digital equivalent of fridge magnets: handy, but only if they’re within reach. Microsoft’s Windows 11 Widgets implementation, however, is an exercise in missed opportunity. Instead of letting you drop helpful bits of information—weather, calendar events, unread emails—directly on your desktop, the Widgets system sequesters them inside their own window. Worse yet, opening it requires an awkward dance with a dedicated interface and taskbar button.
Compare this to Apple’s macOS. Over there, widgets are neatly integrated beside notifications, in a compact, unobtrusive fashion. No fuss, no fuss—just pull over, take a glance, and carry on. Microsoft’s widgets, by contrast, act like they’ve launched in full-screen mode by accident: they take up much of your display, and on smaller devices, are downright overwhelming. Yes, Microsoft wants them “touch-friendly,” but at what cost? The sacrifice of elegance, subtlety, and quick reference.
The solution is obvious and, frustratingly, something Microsoft flirted with before: allow widgets to live on your actual desktop. Recall the glory (and security fiasco) of Windows Vista gadgets, anyone? Apple has already reintroduced desktop widgets as of macOS Sonoma, letting users pepper their home screens with useful snippets—and people love it. Users want information visible at a glance, not hidden behind panels and interfaces.
Rumors swirled in previous years that Windows 11 would get desktop widgets, and yet, nothing materialized. Redmond, if you’re listening: it’s time to let widgets out of their digital cage.

3. Gaming Handhelds: Windows Needs a Proper Couch-Ready Experience​

Let’s address the “Steam Deck in the room.” Remember when the arrival of the Steam Deck sparked hope for handheld, portable PC gaming? It quickly became apparent that Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS offers a smoother, more pleasant experience than Windows 11 for handhelds. Microsoft’s OS, despite being the dominant platform for PC gaming, feels clunky and confused when shrunk down to five or seven inches and controlled with gamepad buttons.
Microsoft’s efforts to remedy this have been… idiosyncratic. The company tweaked the Xbox app, introduced new keyboard layouts tailored for touch, and whispered about UI changes—but, unless you’re in the two-person focus group that prefers streaming Game Pass titles exclusively, none of these improvements fundamentally fix Windows for handheld use.
If you’re using a Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, or one of the many other Windows gaming handhelds sprouting up, you likely know the pain. Navigating Windows menus with a joystick is tedious, on-screen keyboards are awkward, and Steam’s Big Picture mode ends up doing much of the heavy lifting—on Microsoft’s own turf! Meanwhile, OEMs are resorting to swapping Windows for SteamOS in search of a frictionless experience.
A real fix would mean designing a “gaming mode” UI for Windows: big buttons, fast access to libraries regardless of where the games are (Steam, Epic, Xbox, you name it), and navigation tailored for gamepad and touchscreen. Until that happens, Microsoft risks forfeiting the future of portable gaming to Linux—a sentence that would’ve seemed unthinkable a decade ago.

4. Search: End the Bing and Edge Lock-In​

If there’s one thing more persistent than Windows update popups, it’s Windows Search’s obsession with Bing and Microsoft Edge. With each new build, it feels like Microsoft’s army of product managers is inventing ever-more-circuitous ways to make sure that, when you type a web query into the search box, it opens Bing (never Google) and always, always in Edge (never your default browser).
It’s a level of stubbornness normally reserved for toddlers refusing to eat vegetables. And to be fair, corporately, it makes sense: why not drive users into your own ecosystem, raise Bing’s market share by a sliver, and maybe, just maybe, convert a few Chrome die-hards into Edge fans? Except there’s just one problem: users hate it.
Windows users have spoken, repeatedly, about wanting their search results to open up in their chosen browser. Even Apple, famous for its “walled garden” approach, lets Mac users change their default browser and search engine system-wide. On Windows, Microsoft simply ignores your default browser setting when it comes to search, funneling everyone into Edge. To change this, you need to install third-party tools or registry hacks—a scenario no mainstream user will ever bother with.
It’s time to stop playing gatekeeper and let Windows Search reflect each user’s preferences. A search tool should be a launchpad, not a leash. If Edge is as good as Microsoft claims, users will flock to it without being forced. If Bing is so superior, make it the default, but allow for competition. Choice, not coercion, is what builds trust (and maybe some actual affection) for an ecosystem.

5. The Never-Ending Setup Experience: Just Let Us Say “No”​

There’s something uniquely frustrating about setting up a new Windows PC in 2024. In the days of yore, installation was a matter of entering your product key, picking a username, and waiting nervously through a series of hourglass icons. Now, it’s an endless gauntlet of screens and subtle traps, where you have to decline Game Pass (three times), sidestep Microsoft 365 offers, and firmly say “No, I don’t want OneDrive backup”—only to find it surreptitiously enabled anyway.
But wait, there’s more. If you survive the initial onslaught, Microsoft reserves the right to show you the “second-chance out-of-box experience” a few days later. It’s like the world’s least desirable follow-up phone call: “Are you suuuure you don’t want to try out our amazing cloud backup? Would you like some Edge with your Chrome?” And even as updates roll in, those pop-ups can resurface, keeping you in a nearly Sisyphean loop of declining features you didn’t want in the first place.
All this, in the name of “helping” you make the most of your new device. The result? Instead of feeling empowered, users feel harangued. Now, let’s be real: Microsoft is a business, and businesses cross-sell. But Windows’ biggest historical draw is freedom—it’s the OS for tinkerers, modders, builders, gamers, office warriors, and casual users. Turning setup into an elaborate sales pitch for every peripheral product actively damages that reputation.
If Microsoft truly wants to win users and delight tech journalists everywhere, it needs to simplify the setup process. Give power users a “bare minimum” fast-path option: enable privacy, skip the sales, and let us get to the desktop without 13 detours. Save the pop-ups for, I don’t know, reminding us to restart after updates.

The Long Road to Redemption: Can Windows 11 Become the OS We Deserve?​

There’s a larger story behind every tweak and change in Windows 11. Microsoft is no stranger to billions of users complaining—passionately—about seemingly small issues. But some of the most significant public goodwill recoveries have happened when Redmond relented. Windows 8’s touchscreen fever dream gave way to the Start menu’s return in Windows 10. Consumer voice sent sharp critiques through blogs, forums, and tweets for years, building a wave too large for even a mega-corp to ignore.
If the revamped Start menu really does hit mainstream builds, it’s evidence that Microsoft remembers who really makes the platform a global force: everyone from IT pros to grandmas clicking Solitaire. But that can’t be the endpoint. For Windows 11 to stand as the OS of choice—for pros, creators, gamers, and regular folks alike—the company needs to act on the litany of feedback that’s accumulated and, in some cases, calcified into memes and running jokes.
Expanding on these long-running complaints, the future of Windows depends on empathy and humility: the willingness to accept not only what users want, but how they want to use their PCs. Every locked setting, every upsell, and every artificial hurdle is a small withdrawal from user goodwill. And even the most loyal Windows fans—those of us who fondly remember Windows XP, who survived Vista’s teething pains, or who run custom splash screens out of spite—have their limits.

Five Bold Steps Microsoft Should Take Tomorrow​

So, if Redmond’s listening (and their telemetry bots certainly are), here are five fixes that could transform Windows 11 from a decent OS marred by irritation, into a platform people actively love:

• Build a native, full-featured video editor like Clipchamp, integrating premium features for free (or for Microsoft 365 users). Stop nickel-and-diming for basics like 4K exports.
• Bring widgets to the desktop. Give users true at-a-glance info without invasive panels or extra clicks.
• Develop a dedicated “gaming UI” for Windows on handhelds—one that feels purpose-built for controllers, small screens, and launches any game service, not just Microsoft’s own.
• Unchain Windows Search from Bing and Edge. Respect people’s choice of browser and search engine. Competition breeds better software, not grudges.
• Streamline Windows setup by creating a sensible, sales-pitch-free express mode. Stop pestering users with follow-up screens and recurring offers disguised as helpful reminders.

The Promise of Windows: Freedom, Flexibility, and Yes, a Better Start Menu​

At the end of the day, Windows’ promise was always about choice. The best versions of Windows were irresistible not because they forced you into a corporate mold, but because you could bend them to your will. The platform’s extraordinary success is due to its ecosystem: the mountain of apps, plugins, and third-party tweaks that let users build their digital lives their own way.
Start menu improvements, while heartening, are only one step on the staircase. Windows 11 has the right bones to be the best version yet—fast, secure, visually pleasing, and adaptable. But it needs to lose the paternalism, the forced choices, and the relentless ecosystem self-promotion.
This is the internet era. If a product doesn’t listen to its users, the users will find a way around it—or simply leave. Let’s hope Microsoft’s apparent course correction on the Start menu is the first sign of an ongoing dialogue, not a one-off gesture. Windows can be both profitable and beloved, a platform that empowers rather than restricts.
As for the rest of us, we’ll keep hoping that, one day, our PCs will boot, customize, search, and game exactly how we want—no third-party hacks required, no sales pitches disguised as “help,” and no more paying for the privilege to export our own memories in 4K. Because as history has shown, when Microsoft finally listens, it can make magic happen. And perhaps—if enough users grumble at just the right frequency—it’ll happen again.

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Source: XDA https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-making-start-menu-better-fix-these-things-too/