Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign:
Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft is working on a significant redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu that aims to address several long-standing user complaints while making the menu more customizable and efficient.

  What’s Changing?

The new Start menu includes several major changes:

The updated design is wider than the current version, combining the pinned apps section and apps list into a single, unified interface. Key improvements include:

• A scrollable single-page layout that accommodates everything in one view
• The ability to finally turn off the Recommended area, which typically displays recently opened apps and files
• By default, 16 pinned apps are visible, but users can expand to show 8 more, or enable a setting to show all pinned apps by default
• New sorting options for the “All apps” section with three layouts: Name Grid, Name List, and Category

The Category view is particularly interesting as it automatically groups apps under categories like Utilities and Tools, Productivity, Games, Social, Entertainment, Creativity, Information & Reading, and Other.

(Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign – Source: Windows Central)

  Why Is Microsoft Making These Changes?

The current Windows 11 Start menu has been frequently criticized for its lack of customization options. Users have complained that the apps list is in a separate view that requires manual clicking to access, and that the Recommended area cannot be turned off.

This redesign appears to be an attempt to address these issues while also appealing to Windows 10 users who are used to a Start menu that shows both pins and the apps list simultaneously.

  When Will It Be Available?

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the redesign, with Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebrations happening now and the Microsoft Build conference coming in May, an announcement is likely within the next few weeks.

The new Start menu is expected to arrive later this year, likely as part of Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.

  Important to Note

Once this redesign goes live, there will be no option to return to the previous Start menu design. It will become the default interface.

 Final Thoughts

The new Start menu design represents Microsoft’s efforts to make Windows 11 more user-friendly and customizable. The ability to disable the Recommended section and have a unified view of all apps addresses some of the most common complaints about the current design.

CinchOps will continue to monitor and test the new Windows 11 start menu and provide updates as they become available.

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