New Start Menu Feature in Windows 11 KB5053661 Beta Snaps Apps Together

Microsoft has unveiled the latest build for Windows 11 23H2 in the Beta channel for Insiders. Build number 22635.5025, identified under KB5053661, introduces several intriguing features for both the Start menu and File Explorer.

Among the highlights, the Recommended files feature is now accessible to all Insiders. Additionally, there’s a new functionality in the Start menu that groups recommended applications, anticipating users’ tendencies to snap them together.

This update also resolves a notable performance issue in File Explorer. Below is the comprehensive changelog detailing the new features and improvements.

New Features Gradually Rolled Out to the Beta Channel*

Recommended Files in File Explorer

The Recommended files feature is now live in File Explorer Home for all Windows Insiders utilizing personal Microsoft accounts, as well as local accounts. This enhancement offers quick access to important files based on user activity displayed in a carousel format with thumbnail previews. This includes frequently accessed files, recent downloads, and items added to the File Explorer Gallery. For users with a work or school account (Entra ID), this build provides additional recommendations. Please note that this feature has not yet been rolled out in the EEA (European Economic Area).Quick access folders remain available in the navigation pane for easy navigation to pinned folders.

File Explorer Home displaying Recommended Files.

Changes and Improvements Gradually Rolled Out to the Beta Channel*

[Start Menu]

A new experiment aims to suggest a snap group in the Recommended section of the Start menu, showcasing combinations of two apps deemed likely to be snapped together. Your feedback on this feature would be appreciated!

Visual representation of recommended apps that can be snapped together in the Start menu.

[Search on the Taskbar]

Enhanced support for web search providers in Windows Search for users in the EEA, improving overall discoverability.

Fixes Gradually Rolled Out to the Beta Channel*

[File Explorer]

Addressed an issue that resulted in slow closure times for File Explorer when utilizing the X button, an issue which may have affected additional title bar functions.

Known Issues

[Start Menu]

The following are acknowledged issues concerning the Start menu’s new grid and category views:

App icons may experience a delay in appearing in grid and category views after installation.

The context menu for “Start settings”intermittently flashes before the app’s context menu appears upon right-clicking.

Applications associated with Windows Tools are categorized into folders instead of being consolidated into a single app.

[File Explorer]