Microsoft is pushing the boundaries with its latest Windows 11 update tailored for testers in the Dev Channel, particularly featuring a revamped and more flexible Start Menu. The Insider Preview Build (26200.5641) presents an organized layout and expedites the way users can access their favorite apps and settings.
What’s New with the Windows 11 Start Menu?
The Start Menu has always been a focal point of user feedback and discussion. Although customization was possible before, the newly redesigned Windows 11 Start Menu is everything a user could hope for—offering enhanced space and adaptability.
Following comprehensive testing that began in April, this updated menu allows Windows Insiders to personalize their interface to better suit individual preferences. Exciting changes are on the horizon.
Enhanced Accessibility to Apps
Finding your favorite applications just got easier. With the new design, the Start Menu is scrollable, and “All Apps”is now prominently featured at the top. This marks a significant shift from the previous version, where navigating to secondary pages was necessary to locate apps.
Customizable Layout Options
Users now have the exciting option to select between two distinct layouts: Category and Grid. This flexibility aligns the Start Menu with your working style or aesthetic preferences. The default Category arrangement groups your frequently used apps based on their functions, whereas the Grid format presents apps in an easy-to-scan alphabetical layout.
Ample Space for Organization
This update allows the Start Menu to adjust according to your screen size. On larger devices, expect to see up to 8 columns of pinned applications, 6 recommendations, and 4 category columns. Conversely, smaller screens will accommodate 6 columns of pinned apps, 4 recommendations, and 3 categories.
Effortless Navigation with Scrollable Functionality
The scrollable menu feature facilitates quick access and smoother transitions when navigating pinned apps and recommendations, significantly enhancing user experience.
These improvements are a substantial upgrade from earlier versions of the Windows 11 Start Menu, which often seemed unresponsive to user needs. Microsoft assures that this redesign aims to enhance productivity by streamlining system navigation. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Dev Channel, you’re invited to explore these newly announced features today.
My First Impressions of the New Start Menu
While it’s just an early observation, the updated Start Menu represents a significant upgrade. The enlarged layout simplifies the search for frequently used applications and settings, eliminating the tedious need for endless scrolling.
My preference leans towards the Category layout, as it allows quicker access to specific apps, whether I’m focused on work, studying, or winding down.
Although I’m typically skeptical of “forced”recommendations, the good news is that Windows allows this feature to be disabled through the Settings menu. The adaptive menu section collapses to showcase more of my preferred applications.
Overall, this update appears to enhance the application-launching experience significantly. It seems that Microsoft has attentively responded to user feedback and made the Start Menu more customizable.
Though currently exclusive to testers, I’m optimistic that once it becomes available to the broader Windows 11 user base, it will positively integrate into our established workflows seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I access the new Start Menu features in Windows 11?
If you’re a Windows Insider enrolled in the Dev Channel, you can access these new Start Menu features by downloading the latest Insider Preview Build (26200.5641).
2. What customization options are available in the new Start Menu?
The new Start Menu allows you to choose between two layouts: a categorized grouping that organizes your apps by use and a grid layout that displays them alphabetically for quicker access.
3. Will the new Start Menu be available to all Windows 11 users?
While currently only available to testers, Microsoft plans to roll out these new Start Menu features to all Windows 11 users in future updates pending feedback from insiders.
Related Articles:
Microsoft continues to struggle with fixing Windows Vista startup sound in Windows 11
18:11
Windows 11 Update Changes: No Restart Required by Default for Office PCs
10:18
Microsoft Confirms Ongoing Issues with Chrome Browser on Windows Systems
10:15
Leave a Reply ▼