Microsoft Announces Broader Rollout of Redesigned Windows 11 Start Menu and Explains the Rationale Behind the New Design

According to a statement from Microsoft to Windows Latest, the much-anticipated redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu is now being broadly deployed as part of the January update. If you haven’t yet received the update, activating the “get latest updates…” toggle in Windows Update may expedite the process. Otherwise, users can expect the new Start menu to appear within the next few days or weeks.

Microsoft confirmed, “The redesigned Start menu is now available to more devices, and more users should begin seeing it gradually.” This rollout has been in action throughout the past week, marking a significant change in the Windows experience.

List of installed apps in Windows 11 Start menu

After nearly a year of dedicated development, Microsoft’s redesign of the Start menu has finally reached its conclusion, with the company opting for a familiar interface rather than radical changes. Those who have not favored the existing menu may similarly feel indifferent about this new iteration.

Understanding the Choice of Start Menu Design

Microsoft aimed to preserve the core functionalities of the Start menu while adapting it to meet the needs of a faster-paced digital environment. The redesigned Start menu is intended to provide users with a quick access point within Windows 11.

One of the key features is a more personalized and calm user interface, with recommended items visible by default. This structure is designed to enhance the user experience and efficiency in navigating the system.

The organization of the new menu reflects a clear hierarchy: starting with a search bar, followed by pinned shortcuts, recommended items, and then other applications and features. The search functionality is paramount, enabling users to swiftly locate their desired apps, files, or images.

The addition of the “recommended” feed stems from user requests for smarter suggestions, offering personalized recommendations that adapt in real time. Users can also opt to hide these recommendations if they feel they are not beneficial.

If you prefer a streamlined Start menu without suggested items, you can easily disable this feature by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start and switching off the toggle for:

“Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.”

Show recommended files in the Start menu

In response to user feedback, Microsoft has also transitioned the applications from the “All” category to the forefront of the Start menu to enhance app discovery. The new app layout is designed to be reminiscent of mobile interfaces, making it easier for users to navigate through their most-used applications without long scrolling.

As noted by Microsoft, the app organization includes a category grid view to display frequently used apps prominently, streamlining navigation within the OS.

Feature rich Start menu setup in Windows 11 after the new Start menu update

Moreover, Microsoft has introduced an optional Phone Link panel—a subtle feature that can glide in from the edge and disappear when not in use, enhancing user accessibility without being obtrusive.

Despite the various enhancements, it’s important to note that reverting to the previous Start menu design isn’t straightforward; it necessitates manual intervention through a third-party open-source tool, which may not remain functional indefinitely.

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