How to Disable Windows 11’s Full-Screen Start Menu Redesign

Unveiling the Latest Changes in the Windows 11 Start Menu: A Comprehensive Overview

The Windows 11 Start Menu is undergoing significant transformations aimed at streamlining user experience through a decluttered design. The latest Beta build introduces exciting app layouts, coupled with a floating Phone Link panel. However, despite the improvements, the new design may take up more screen space than anticipated.

Major Developments in the Start Menu Design

Upon the initial release of Windows 11, users were met with a Start Menu that, while compact, included an unremovable Recommended section. This aspect is now being addressed in the latest update, allowing users to completely toggle off the Recommended section. The new settings offer greater customization, giving users more control over the menu’s appearance.

New Start Menu Personalization Settings in Windows 11

Interestingly, while the aim was to reduce the size of the Start Menu, the expansion of the All Apps section has ironically led to a bulkier appearance. Users with scaling settings set to 125% are noting that the Start Menu appears oversized, which might hinder accessibility and usability.

Windows 11 24h2 Start Menu New Layout with Combined Sections

Full-Screen Coverage and New Features

Recent experiments reveal a new integration of the Phone Link prior to its official roll-out. Users can access this feature via a new icon neighboring the Start Menu search bar, allowing for easy toggling of the Phone Link panel.

Larger Start Menu Interface in Windows 11 24h2 — Image: Phantomofearth

This responsive design is appreciated as it grants users enhanced control over how their Start Menu items are displayed. However, it also highlights the need for further refinements, particularly regarding the Pinned and All Apps sections, which could benefit from a more flexible layout.

Suggestions for Improvement

There is a strong call for Microsoft to implement options for users to switch between a unified and a more traditional layout that separates Pinned items from Apps. Customization could lead to a more user-friendly experience, such as adjusting the space allocated between these sections.

For a potentially enhanced layout, users might find value in options like a 50-50 or 70-30 split, which would simplify navigation. With the introduction of the new Name Grid layout, there remains an opportunity to efficiently utilize horizontal space. Current observations indicate that the change is still in flux, and users are likely to continue favoring the Category layout until more definitive updates are released.

In conclusion, these enhancements signal a positive direction for Windows 10 transplants dissatisfied with previous navigation inefficiencies. As development progresses through the Beta phase, users can remain hopeful for adjustments that refine their Start Menu experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the recent changes to the Windows 11 Start Menu?

The recent updates to Windows 11’s Start Menu include the removal of the unmodifiable Recommended section and the introduction of new customization settings, which allow for the full toggling off of the Recommended area.

2. Why is the Start Menu taking more space on my screen?

The expansion of the All Apps section in the new layout has caused the Start Menu to take up more screen real estate, leading to a bulkier appearance even at different scaling settings.

3. Will there be more options for customization in future updates?

It is expected that future updates will include enhanced customization options, allowing users to choose between different layouts and adjust space allocation between Pinned and All Apps sections to better suit their preferences.

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