Windows 11 Unveils Revamped Start Menu and Additional Features in Builds 26200.5641 and 26120.4250

Microsoft Launches Exciting New Features in Windows 11 Preview Builds

On the same day as Apple’s announcements, Microsoft has unveiled two significant preview builds for Windows 11 users, introducing substantial enhancements to the Start menu. Those engaged in the Dev Channel can access build 26200.5641 (KB5060824), while Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel are receiving build 26120.4250, both featuring similar updates.

Revamped Start Menu for Enhanced Usability

One of the standout features in this update is the redesigned Start menu. The new layout simplifies the process of launching applications by eliminating the previous two-page configuration in favor of a single, scrollable view. The interface now prominently includes user pins at the top, followed by a customizable Recommended section that can be entirely disabled, alongside a grid or categorized list of all installed applications.

This adaptive Start menu accommodates larger displays by expanding to showcase up to eight columns of pinned apps, with six recommended items and four category columns visible simultaneously. Additionally, a new button facilitates the expansion or collapse of the Phone Link pane, further enhancing the user experience.

For those interested in the development process, detailed insights into various Start menu designs considered by Microsoft during this update are available in a related article.

Start menu variants considered by Microsoft

Additional Enhancements in Build 26200.5641

The latest build also brings several new features and improvements:

The ability to select which widgets appear on the lock screen.
Screen Curtain for Narrator: This new feature blacks out the screen’s content, making it visible only to users utilizing the Narrator. Toggle this function easily with Caps Lock + Ctrl + C.
A refreshed welcome experience for Narrator guides users through the latest features and enhancements.

Streamlined Settings and Enhanced Navigation

An update to the Settings page merges the former sections for Searching in Windows and Search Permissions into a single Search option under Privacy & Security. Moreover, the gamepad keyboard now features improved navigation and focus handling, alongside functionality that extends to the lock screen for PIN entry.

Patching Existing Issues and Fixes

The update includes numerous fixes aimed at enhancing the overall experience for Windows Insiders:

General Fixes

This build resolves an issue preventing some users from typing in the Search function and utilizing features like the clipboard history and emoji panel.

Recall Features

Scheduled fixes are being rolled out to improve Recall functionality on Copilot+ devices, including addressing crashes experienced by some Insiders.

Taskbar Improvements

Resolved a sizing issue that caused taskbar icons to appear smaller than intended.

File Explorer Adjustments

Fixed an issue where restoring File Explorer search results did not show search strings correctly.

Windowing Resolutions

Addressed an issue where ALT + Tabbing out of fullscreen games could lead to other windows freezing.

Login and Lock Enhancements

Tackled an issue causing the lock screen to crash during previous flights.

Graphics and Display Fixes

Rectified a display issue where some screens turned unexpectedly green after prior updates.
Corrected numerous issues impacting the Settings window functionality and user interface.

Known Bugs and Ongoing Issues

Despite the improvements, several known issues persist:

Following a PC reset, your build version may incorrectly display as Build 26100 instead of Build 26120, though future updates will address this.
[NEW] Some Insiders may encounter rollbacks when attempting to install updates, accompanied by error code 0x80070005. A fix is in development.

Start Menu Issues

Touch navigation may lack reliability, currently not supporting the swipe-up gesture.
Drag-and-drop functionality is limited for certain features within the Start menu.
Duplicate entries may be visible in Start menu folders.

Xbox Controller Concerns

Some Insiders report issues with Xbox Controllers causing system malfunctions, with a proposed resolution noted for driver uninstallation via Device Manager.

Stay Updated

For continuous improvements, Microsoft recommends keeping your Copilot+ PC plugged in during the initial search indexing to enhance Windows Search capabilities. Users should regularly check their indexing status under Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.

To read the complete announcements regarding the Dev and Beta builds, access the links: Dev Build Announcement and Beta Build Announcement.

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