The redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu has received a mixed reception, praised for its aesthetics yet criticized for its functionality. One major drawback is the inability to create categories or rearrange applications, leaving users feeling restricted. Additionally, many users have expressed that the Start menu appears oversized, expressing a desire for resizing options. Microsoft has acknowledged this feedback and indicated a willingness to consider changes for future updates.
Assessing the Size of the New Start Menu
Upon launching the Start menu, it’s evident that it occupies a significant portion of the screen—nearly 70% for some users. This varies depending on individual screen resolutions and default display settings. Recent tests by Windows Latest have highlighted how different resolutions and scaling influence the visual experience of the new Start menu.
For instance, using a 14-inch laptop, I find the extensive coverage of the Start menu frustrating. However, tweaking the scaling settings can mitigate this issue somewhat by shortening the overall size. For instance, my laptop’s native resolution is set at 2880 x 1800, which is optimal, yet I have adjusted the scaling from the suggested 200% to 150%.This adjustment, however, results in a smaller appearance for all items on my screen.
A comprehensive comparison reveals that on a 14-inch display set to a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with 100% scaling, the Start menu takes up substantial width:
In low-resolution settings (specifically 720p at 100% scale), the Start menu expands to nearly cover the full width of the display, especially when the Phone panel is enabled:
Conversely, users with 4K monitors often find that they must adjust scaling upwards to ensure text is legible:
In contrast to the previous version, Windows 10 allowed users the flexibility to manually resize the Start menu regardless of display resolution or scaling settings.
User Feedback: A Demand for Resizing Capability
The absence of a manual resizing option for the new Start menu has not gone unnoticed by users. This has led to mounting frustration, with over 4, 000 votes on feedback submissions highlighting the desire for this functionality. While acknowledging that the redesign offers enhancements, many users believe that the size of the Start menu requires adjustment.
“I recently started using the new Start menu, and I believe it really needs resizing options, especially compared to the version before, ”commented one frustrated user.
Microsoft has heard these concerns and stated that they are closely monitoring user feedback. Currently, the company asserts that the Start menu is functioning as intended, with dynamic resizing of sections based on user preferences; for example, the pinned area may compress into a single row if there are few pinned items.
However, the primary issue remains that while the sections may shrink, the overarching Start menu does not adjust in size, still necessitating a significant visual footprint.
“With the new design, sections within the Start menu are responsive, allowing for more or fewer displayed pinned and recommended entries. Users can also choose to keep their pinned items expanded by default through Settings. We aim to alleviate some of the sizing concerns, but we welcome ongoing feedback, ”a representative from Microsoft stated.
At present, it appears unlikely that a resize feature will be implemented soon. Microsoft argues that the new Start menu is fundamentally designed without resizing functionality in mind. However, this feature may still be considered for future updates.
Additionally, the option to relocate the Start menu to other areas of the screen has also been ruled out by Microsoft, citing concerns over design integrity and usability.
What are your thoughts? How do you think the Start menu could be enhanced further? Please share your ideas in the comments section below.
Note: The updated Start menu is gradually becoming available to users, particularly following the December 2025 update.
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