Microsoft Launches Redesigned Start Menu for Windows 11 Canary Insiders

Microsoft has unveiled a significant update for Windows 11 users in the Canary Channel with build 27965. This update officially introduces the anticipated redesigned Start menu, previously accessible only to those in the Dev and Beta Channels. Besides this key enhancement, users will notice substantial modifications to. NET Framework 3.5, which is now available as a standalone installer, moving away from its prior status as an optional component on Windows. Furthermore, this release includes a new command-line text editor called Edit, alongside various fixes related to the taskbar and system tray, among other improvements.

Changelog Highlights

Revamped Start Menu for Windows 11

The updated Start menu simplifies app launching with its scrollable format. Featuring “All”prominently on top, users can access their apps without manual navigation to secondary pages. Two distinct views—category and grid—facilitate browsing through installed applications in the “All” section.

The default Category view neatly organizes apps into groups based on usage. For instance, if Outlook and Solitaire are frequently used, they will appear prominently in their respective categories. Categories will only form if a minimum of three apps exists; otherwise, those apps are categorized under “Other.”

In contrast, the Grid view lists apps alphabetically while providing a broader horizontal layout for enhanced visibility. Additionally, the system remembers your last selected view to ensure a seamless app-launching experience tailored to your preferences.

Adaptive Start Menu Design

The Start menu now optimizes its size according to your device’s screen dimensions. For larger screens, expect a more expansive display featuring up to 8 columns of pinned apps, 6 recommendations, and 4 columns of categories. Conversely, smaller devices will showcase 6 columns of pinned apps, 4 recommendations, and 3 columns of categories.

Responsive sections in the Start menu enhance usability; for example, if there are few pinned apps, the Pinned section adjusts to a single row, allowing other sections to occupy more space. You can customize your experience further by disabling recommendation toggles found under Settings > Personalization > Start. If no recommendations are available, those sections will automatically collapse, streamlining your view of installed apps.

Enhanced Cross-Device Integration with Phone Link

The latest update continues to bridge devices seamlessly, allowing users to manage mobile content directly through the Start menu. A new mobile device button next to the Search box permits easy expansion and collapse of mobile device features. This integration caters to both Android and iOS users in most markets, with plans to extend it to the European Economic Area in 2025.

Notable Changes and Updates

.NET Framework 3.5 Transition

Microsoft has transitioned. NET Framework 3.5 from a Windows Feature on Demand to a standalone installer. Users dependent on this framework are encouraged to migrate to more recent versions. For critical applications requiring. NET Framework 3.5, the standalone installer can be downloaded here. Detailed lifecycle information for. NET Framework products is available in the Lifecycle FAQ.

New Command Line Tool

A new command-line text editor named Edit is now included with Windows. To edit a file in the Terminal, simply type edit followed by the filename. Edit is open source and its comprehensive features are documented on GitHub.

Resolved Issues

Taskbar and System Tray Fixes

Issues related to the taskbar failing to autohide in previous updates have been rectified.

Video Playback Improvements

The update resolves a problem where some videos and games appeared unexpectedly red.
Additionally, playback issues with protected content in specific Blu-ray, DVD, and digital TV applications using Enhanced Video Renderer and HDCP enforcement have been addressed.

Known Issues

File Explorer Glitches

A known issue is currently being investigated, where File Explorer may crash during file transfers to network drives.

Settings Crashes

There are reports of Settings crashing when accessing drive information under Settings > System > Storage, including issues when right-clicking on a drive in File Explorer.

Lock and Login Screen Problems

Investigations are underway regarding the absence of media controls displayed on the lock screen in this build.

Sleep and Shutdown Issues

Users are reporting malfunctions with sleeping and shutdown features following the latest Canary builds, which are currently being examined.

For further details, you can explore the full release notes for build 27965 here.

Source & Images

Microsoft Launches Redesigned Start Menu for Windows 11 Canary Insiders – Build 27965