Windows 11 Search UI Height Increased to Match New Start Menu Design

Windows 11 Search UI Height Increased to Match New Start Menu Design

With the rollout of the November 2025 optional update (KB5070311), Windows Search UI now features a height that aligns with the Start menu on Windows 11. This enhancement will also be part of the upcoming December 2025 Patch Tuesday, ensuring all users will benefit from the update.

Historically, the Search UI in Windows 11 has been noticeably smaller than the Start menu, creating a visual inconsistency, particularly problematic when transitioning from the Start menu’s search bar to Search. This discrepancy became more pronounced following Microsoft’s introduction of an updated, larger Start menu UI.

Windows 11 Start menu and Search UI
The size comparison of Windows 11 Start menu and Search UI before the update.

For clarity on the height differences, refer to the screenshot from my computer running Windows 11 with the October 2025 Patch Tuesday. A comparison between this visual and the updated UI after applying the November patch reveals a significant change.

New Start menu vs Search UI height updated
Comparison showing the new height of Search UI matching the Start menu.

While I appreciate the improved alignment of the Search UI height with the Start menu, there’s still a noticeable misalignment, as the Search UI appears slightly shifted to the right. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address and rectify this minor issue.

Microsoft Introduces ‘Device Insights’ to Enhance User Understanding

The “FAQ”section has been revamped to “Device Insights, ”located under Settings > System > About. This feature targets casual users, delivering straightforward feedback on hardware specifications for optimal performance with high-demand games and applications.

For instance, if my device is equipped with 8GB of RAM, the Device Insights feature indicates that is sufficient only for standard browsing and everyday tasks.

Initially introduced as “FAQ”during the Windows 11 preview builds, this section made its way to Windows 10, albeit not universally available. With the recent update (KB5070311), Device Insights is now officially launched.

Device Insights in Windows 11
Device Insights in Windows 11 provides a clear evaluation of system performance.

After testing it across various configurations on my PCs, I find that Device Insights effectively communicates your system’s capabilities in layman’s terms. For instance, a test device with 6.88GB of RAM falls within the 4-8GB range, with Windows labeling that setup as suitable for “basic tasks.”

It’s worth noting that Microsoft does not use AI to generate these insights; the comments are hardcoded into the operating system, with specific descriptions assigned to different hardware tiers. This feature provides insights into the potential performance of various Windows 11 configurations.

For instance, Microsoft asserts that PCs with 4-8GB of RAM are primarily fit for tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and emailing. They caution that running resource-intensive applications—like photo and video editing or gaming—would be challenging on systems equipped with 8GB of RAM or less.

Microsoft emphasizes that while 4GB is the baseline requirement for Windows 11, most new devices default to configurations of at least 8GB. However, it is increasingly clear that even 8GB RAM may not meet the demands of today’s software environment.

The recommended standard is now 16GB RAM, which Microsoft’s settings page subtly endorses. However, what implications does this have for graphics performance?

According to Microsoft, any GPU with less than 4GB of memory might struggle with demanding gaming or high-resolution video tasks, leading to subpar performance. They highlight that a high-end dedicated GPU can significantly enhance graphics quality, deliver smoother gameplay, and accelerate video processing, thus maximizing productivity.

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