Windows 11 Start Menu Update: New Categories Layout Rolling Out and Demand for Resize Button Grows

Microsoft has been gradually introducing the revamped Start menu for Windows 11, and if you haven’t yet experienced it, the recent KB5074109 update (released on January 10, 2026, as part of Patch Tuesday) may finally bring this change to your device. This mandatory update has allowed many users, including myself, to access the new features of the Start menu.

When I inquired about the timeline for a complete rollout of the new Start menu, Microsoft stated they had no definitive schedule to share. However, they emphasized that updates are rolled out progressively, guided by user feedback. This method of phased deployment also applies to various other components of Windows 11, including minor bug fixes and optimizations.

In addition to the Start menu updates, Microsoft has introduced features such as ‘Share with Copilot’ in the taskbar, as well as new battery icons. Nevertheless, as of January 14, 2026, these enhancements are not universally available, indicating the phased nature of rollout processes. Let’s delve into what the new Start menu has to offer.

Evaluating the New Start Menu

While the new Start menu may not represent a groundbreaking improvement over the initial layout in Windows 11, it provides a more user-friendly experience. The design has transitioned to a single-page layout, consolidating various elements into distinct sections for easy access.

You’ll find your pinned applications displayed prominently at the top, followed by an optional “Recommended”section, which can be disabled. Below that, all applications are organized either in a categorized format or a grid layout, enhancing navigational efficiency.

Why Does the Start Menu Appear Taller on Some Devices?

The perceived “extra height”of the new Start menu can largely be attributed to its design as a single-page interface. This layout accommodates pinned applications, a recommendations section (which retains space even when turned off), and the comprehensive app list within a unified view.

Start screen display at 100% scale and 1920x1080 resolution — Start screen displayed at 100% scaling and 1920×1080 resolution

To maintain consistent layout integrity, Windows imposes a minimum height requirement for the Start menu. This ensures sufficient room for headers, category listings, and any scrolling content, which explains why changes such as minimizing pinned apps or switching between layout options do not significantly alter its size.

Start menu size remains unchanged after disabling recommendations — Start menu size remains unchanged even after disabling recommendations

Regrettably, Microsoft currently has no intentions of introducing a resizable Start menu akin to what was seen in Windows 10, nor will users have the option to relocate the taskbar to different screen positions. The company asserts that these functionalities could disrupt the intended fluidity of the operating system’s animations.

Your thoughts: How do you feel about the new Start menu? Share your opinions!

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