Windows 11's New Start Menu: iOS-Inspired Layout and Enhanced Features

Microsoft is set to reinvigorate the Windows 11 experience with a bold new twist on one of its most familiar features—the Start menu. In a recent blog post, the tech giant confirmed that the upcoming Windows 11 23H2 update (with hints of changes in 24H2 as well) will debut an iOS-like layout for the “All” apps view. This update isn’t a radical redesign of Windows 11’s flagship interface but represents a significant evolution that could change how you navigate your applications every day.

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What’s New in the Start Menu?​

The refreshed Start menu introduces two distinctive layout options for organizing all your apps:

• Name-Based Grid Layout
  This option arranges your apps in an alphabetically ordered grid. Each application is showcased as a tile, making it easier to locate and launch apps by simply browsing through a neatly organized visual grid. Imagine a streamlined version of the old basic list, but now with a more modern, tile-based presentation—an approach that may remind you of live tiles from previous iterations of Windows.
• Category View Layout
  The second option groups apps by category, much like the way iOS organizes applications. Larger icons and a spacious arrangement give the interface a cleaner look, ideal for users who appreciate a well-organized app ecosystem. Although you cannot create your own custom categories, it appears that Microsoft is leveraging a form of language model to group apps into predefined categories, ensuring that similar applications are placed next to each other for effortless discovery.

These dual options provide flexibility, catering to both the user who favors a rigorous alphabetical structure and the one who prefers a visually appealing, category-driven approach.

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A Side-by-Side Look: Old vs. New​

Let’s break down the key differences between the traditional and the new Start menu layouts:

• Traditional Layout:
• Features a vertical list of apps.
• Combines small icons with adjacent text labels.
• Lacks an encompassing organizational structure beyond simple alphabetical order.
• New Layout Options:
• Grid (Name-Based):
• Projects a tile-style interface with each app given its own icon.
• Offers a more engaging visual way to browse apps, akin to the aesthetics of live tiles.
• Category View:
• Organizes your applications into clearly defined groups (e.g., productivity, creativity, utilities).
• Presents larger icons and ample spacing, which not only modernizes the UI but also enhances readability.
• Takes inspiration from iOS’s categorization methods, providing a fresh perspective on how Windows handles app organization.

This evolution in design is subtle yet impactful. Moving from a basic list to a more dynamic grid or categorically grouped view can significantly enhance navigation speed and overall user satisfaction.

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Testing, Rollouts, and Availability​

While the new Start menu design has generated considerable buzz, it’s important to note that the feature is still in its testing phase among Beta Channel users. Microsoft’s blog post confirms that Beta testers can already explore the revamped “All” apps page—and early feedback will likely shape the final polish before a wider rollout.
Looking ahead, if you’re eager to experience the enhanced UI sooner rather than later, joining the Windows Insider Program is a great way to get a firsthand glimpse of these improvements. The planned rollouts for Windows 11 23H2 (with Windows 11 24H2 potentially following suit) mean that many users can expect a significant UI update in the coming weeks. This approach of gradual adoption allows Microsoft to fine-tune the interface based on real-world usage and community feedback.

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Beyond the Start Menu: Additional Enhancements​

The new Start menu isn’t the only change coming down the pipeline. Alongside the revamped “All” apps view, Microsoft is experimenting with other innovative features:

• Integrated Sidebar for Notifications and More:
  A fresh sidebar is being tested as part of the Start menu experience. This sidebar will consolidate notifications, messages, and even the status of apps running on your connected Android phone. This integration aims to bridge the gap between your desktop and mobile environments.
• Seamless File Sharing with Android Devices:
  Leveraging the existing Phone Link integration, the updated Start menu will allow you to send files directly to your Android phone. It’s a strategic move that underscores Microsoft’s focus on creating a more unified and interconnected user experience across different devices.

These features highlight Microsoft’s broader strategy to modernize its ecosystem. By blending multi-device integration with a refreshing new UI, Windows 11 is positioning itself as not just a desktop operating system, but a cohesive platform that supports the modern, mobile-centric user.

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Technical Analysis and Broader Implications​

At its core, the updated Start menu is more than just a cosmetic change—it’s a thoughtful reimagining of how users interact with their desktops. Here are a few technical and practical aspects to consider:

• Enhanced Usability Through Visual Organization:
  The grid and category views can reduce cognitive load by making it easier to locate frequently used apps. Instead of scanning through a monotonous list, users can rely on visual cues and groupings, which can be especially beneficial for those with a high volume of installed applications.
• Potential for Increased Productivity:
  A well-organized Start menu can streamline workflows. For instance, creative professionals using apps like Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop may find it easier to access their tools if they’re grouped under a design or creativity category. Similarly, productivity apps can be clustered to provide quick access to tools needed for daily tasks.
• Modernizing the Windows Experience:
  By borrowing design elements from iOS, Microsoft signals its intent to evolve while staying relevant in a world where cross-platform design trends are on the rise. However, this design mimicry might not appeal to everyone—Windows enthusiasts who prefer a more traditional or distinctly Windows aesthetic might take some time to adjust. Is this a case of following trends too closely, or is it a strategic move to fuse familiar elements from the mobile world into the desktop experience?
• Feedback and Future Updates:
  Since the feature is still under testing, user feedback will be crucial. Early adopters in the Beta Channel will help Microsoft refine the interface, addressing any issues that arise and potentially influencing future updates. The constant evolution of the Windows interface is part of a broader trend where operating systems incrementally improve based on both technological advances and user demands.

For an in-depth discussion on Windows innovations and the subtle design tweaks that can sway user experiences, you might recall our previous report on broader Windows changes—check out the discussion at https://windowsforum.com/threads/353030 .

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What Does This Mean for Windows Users?​

The shift to an iOS-like Start menu layout is more than just an aesthetic change—it’s a signal of how Microsoft is rethinking its user interface strategy. Here’s a quick rundown of the potential benefits for everyday users:

• Improved Navigation:
  With clear visual groupings, finding your apps may become faster and more intuitive, especially for users with an extensive software library.
• Cross-Device Integration:
  Enhanced connectivity with Android devices means you can manage notifications and transfer files effortlessly, bridging the traditional gap between your PC and smartphone.
• Modern Appeal:
  A cleaner, more visually appealing Start menu aligns with current design trends, keeping Windows 11 looking fresh and modern without sacrificing its core functionality.

At the same time, it’s worth considering the potential challenges. Adjusting to a new layout can take time, and not every user may appreciate the shift away from the long-standing Windows aesthetic. However, incremental changes like these are common in the tech world; they may initially spark debate but often lead to a more refined and user-centric product in the long run.

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Final Thoughts​

Microsoft’s confirmation of the new iOS-inspired Start menu layout marks another chapter in the ongoing evolution of Windows 11. By offering a choice between a name-based grid and a category view, the update paves the way for a more visually engaging and efficient method of navigating your apps. The inclusion of integrated features such as a sidebar for notifications and direct file sharing with Android phones further underscores Microsoft’s commitment to an interconnected ecosystem.
As you prepare for the upcoming 23H2 (and possibly 24H2) rollout, consider joining the Beta Channel to experience these changes firsthand. Such early exposure not only grants you a sneak peek of the future of Windows 11 but also provides valuable feedback to help shape the final product.
So, what do you think? Will the new Start menu layout enhance your workflow, or do you prefer the simpler, classic design? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation—after all, the evolution of Windows is a journey we’re all on together.

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As previously reported at https://windowsforum.com/threads/353030, Windows continues to innovate with subtle yet impactful improvements that keep its user community on the cutting edge.

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Source: WindowsLatest https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/02/22/microsoft-confirms-windows-11s-new-ios-like-start-menu-layout-for-all-apps-view/[/I](https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/02/22/microsoft-confirms-windows-11s-new-ios-like-start-menu-layout-for-all-apps-view/%5B/I)