The Windows 11 Start Menu Revolution: A Game-Changer for Users!
Get ready for a fresh and improved Start Menu experience! Microsoft is rolling out a significant redesign, its first since 2021, and it's packed with exciting features. But here's where it gets controversial: some users might find it a bit overwhelming, especially on low-resolution PCs. Let's dive in and explore the new Start Menu and its potential impact.
The Scrollable Start Menu: A Game-Changer
The new Start Menu is now scrollable, meaning you can access all your apps in one place without jumping between pages. This is a huge upgrade, as it simplifies navigation and keeps everything within easy reach. Imagine having all your favorite apps and programs right at your fingertips!
Two UI Options for the All Apps List
Microsoft has introduced two user interfaces for the All Apps list, giving users more control over how they view their installed apps.
By default, the Categorized View is enabled. This groups apps by type, with your most frequently used apps at the top of each category. It's a clever way to organize your apps, but it might not suit everyone's preferences. The categories are created and maintained locally using a JSON file, which adds a layer of customization.
When a category has at least three apps, it's created; otherwise, those apps remain in the "Other" category. This ensures a clean and organized app list.
For those who prefer the classic approach, there's the Grid View. It maintains the traditional A-Z order, but with a wider layout, allowing you to scan more apps at once. This view is perfect for those who like to keep things simple and straightforward.
Adaptive UI: One Size Doesn't Fit All
The new Start Menu is adaptive, meaning it adjusts to your screen size. On larger screens, you'll see a more expansive menu with eight columns for pinned apps, six recommendations, and four columns for the "All" categories. This provides a spacious and intuitive layout.
On smaller screens, the menu adapts accordingly, offering six columns for pinned apps, four recommendations, and three columns for the "All" categories. This ensures an optimal user experience regardless of screen size.
If you only pin a few apps, the Pinned area collapses to one row, making way for other sections to move up and provide more visibility.
Customizing Recommendations: A Personalized Touch
One of the notable changes is the ability to remove the Recommended feed. If you prefer a more minimalistic approach, you can turn off recommendations for recently added apps, recommended files, websites from your history, and tips. This gives you control over what appears on your Start Menu, ensuring a more personalized experience.
When recommendations are turned off, that section hides itself, allowing you to see more of your installed apps. It's a great way to declutter and focus on what matters most to you.
A Much-Needed Upgrade, but with a Catch
While the new Start Menu is a significant improvement, it does come with a potential drawback. On PCs with low resolution, it can cover a substantial portion of the screen, up to 60-70%. This might impact the overall user experience, especially for those with smaller screens.
If you encounter any UI issues with the Start Menu, Microsoft recommends adjusting the scale settings from Settings > System > Display. This can help optimize the menu's appearance and functionality.
Additionally, many users have expressed a desire for the ability to create their own categories. Currently, most apps are grouped under the "Other" category if they don't meet Microsoft's criteria for categorization. However, it's likely that Microsoft will introduce more customization options in the future, giving users greater control over their Start Menu.
How to Get the New Start Menu
The new Start Menu UI will begin rolling out with the November 2025 Patch Tuesday update. The rollout is expected to be gradual and may take a few years to complete. This new UI is included in Build 26200.7019 and 26100.7019 or newer, but it won't be enabled by default. So, keep an eye out for the update and decide whether you want to embrace the new Start Menu experience!
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So, what do you think about the new Start Menu? Are you excited to try it out, or do you prefer the classic approach? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this controversial yet exciting update!
