Microsoft Explored 5 Variations of the Start Menu for Windows 11 Before Final Selection

Recently, Microsoft’s design team unveiled their scientific methodology behind the redesign of the Start menu for Windows 11 on their official Instagram page. The post showcased some compelling variations of the Start menu, several of which attracted more attention than the current iteration implemented in the Windows 11 25H2 update.

However, the response from users was less than favorable, with many complaints about intrusive ads in the Start menu, diminished performance, and glitchy animations. Additionally, numerous users expressed their preference for the blocky aesthetic of Windows 10. Following the surge of negative remarks, the comment section was subsequently disabled, a decision that appears to be consistent across various posts on their page.

Prototypes of the Start menu redesign by Microsoft. Source: Microsoft

Interestingly, many users noted that the prototype designs appeared more aesthetically pleasing than the current version. Approximately a year prior, the Windows Design team had showcased five distinct prototype Start menus in a blog post, elaborating on their rationale for the current design.

Current Windows 11 Start menu layout. Source: Microsoft

With all Windows 11 PCs now updated to feature the new Start menu, the design team found it fitting to reiterate their redesign philosophy on Instagram, and as a result, the prototype menus have garnered renewed interest.

Exploring Five Start Menu Prototypes Designed for Windows 11

The Windows design team went through an extensive process, evaluating numerous layouts before arriving at the current design. Here are the distinct prototype Start menus they shared, each of which reflects potential iterations that could have redefined the Live Tiles in Windows 10 had they continued.

Prototype #1

This prototype features an organized grid layout for app categories, contrasting with the current alphabetical arrangement. It also includes a “For you” section on the left, featuring widgets for Teams, PowerPoint, and Copilot, alongside a Create button at the bottom right.

Prototype #2

The second design retains the “For you” feature but opts for a horizontal arrangement of widgets. While there’s no visible power button, this is typical for prototypes where certain features are still being conceptualized. Notably, the ability to pin widgets, like Spotify, is introduced, a capability many users wish the current menu had.

Prototype #3

Prototype #3 resembles an app interface with its visually appealing layout. It offers various options such as Start and My Apps, as well as links for Phone integration and a Create button. Its smart widget display and horizontally scrollable sections suggest a future where personalized user interfaces, driven by AI, might become standard.

Prototype #4

A clean and minimalistic design characterizes this prototype, featuring sections for pinning apps and a scrollable grid for recently accessed items. Its layout houses categories like Recent apps, Accessibility, and Games in drop-down menus, facilitating quick navigation.

Prototype #5

This final prototype shares similarities with the second, featuring a scrollable layout equipped with sections for pinned apps, a Create area, and a personalized “For you” section, all designed to enhance user engagement and productivity.

These mockups collectively highlight a longing for the interactivity of Live Tiles, transforming the experience of the Start menu beyond mere app icons.

The Philosophy Behind the Current Start Menu

The Windows design team recognized user desires for improved app discovery, enhanced suggestions, and greater control over pinning and recommendations. In response, Microsoft created a unified layout integrating Pinned apps and recommendations, while offering customizable views to hide or reveal additional suggestions—capabilities absent in the previous menu iteration.

For the testing of the new Start menu, Microsoft utilized “live co-creation calls” for user feedback, alongside eye-tracking technology and extensive usability studies across a varied range of display sizes from compact 12-inch screens to 49-inch ultrawide monitors. This rigorous approach framed the existing Start menu that many users have had mixed feelings about.

Microsoft's heatmap study results — Heatmap used by Microsoft in user reaction studies. Source: Microsoft

While it is disappointing that the current Windows 11 Start menu lacks widget functionality, it is clear that Microsoft has yet to prioritize interactive elements for even their primary applications. This is surprising given the growing trend of interactive widgets across platforms like Android, iOS, and macOS.

Current Discover feed in Widgets in Windows 11 — Current Discover feed in Windows 11 Widgets. Source: Microsoft

Looking ahead, enhancements in speed and functionality are expected as Microsoft aims to further refine the Start menu, potentially rekindling sentiments reminiscent of the nostalgia for older versions like XP and 7. This, alongside a comprehensive update on new features, might restore some users’ faith in Microsoft’s commitment to improving the Windows experience.

Source & Images