Windows 11 Is Finally Testing A New-Look Start Menu For PC Users: What It Offers

Last Updated:April 10, 2025, 15:04 IST

Windows 11 Start Menu could definitely use some design tweaks to let you access more apps on the big screen and this test version is looking into that.

Windows 11 Start menu has its critics but a new change could help

Microsoft is testing a revamped Start menu for Windows 11 that offers a more customisable and intuitive user experience. A leak on the social media site Bluesky by tipster phantomofearth revealed that the new layout was found in the current Windows 11 releases. The upgrade has been backported to 23H2, indicating that a larger distribution may be imminent, and it is now being tested internally within the 24H2 builds.

What does the new Start menu have to offer? The new layout, which combines features into a single scrollable page, is seen in the leaked video. Users can now navigate seamlessly without having to switch between views thanks to the “All apps" list that now appears directly beneath the suggested section.

Disabling the “Recommended" feed is one of the main updates; customers who felt that the current layout was cluttered had long asked for this feature. Disabling suggestions allows users to simplify their Start menu and concentrate only on installed and pinned programs or apps.

Users have the option to enlarge the pinned section, which was originally restricted to two rows in the revised interface, allowing them to customise it to suit their needs. Additionally, there are up to eight pinned apps per row in the new Start menu as opposed to the previous three-row restriction.

The redesigned Start menu is more aesthetically pleasing and useful. The “All apps" section now offers users the choice to see apps in a list or category form. It offers a more user-friendly surfing experience, particularly for people who have the most installed programs.

Windows 10 users who experienced difficulty switching to the default Start menu layout in Windows 11 are the target audience for the new layout. To better align the design with user expectations and workflows, Microsoft is providing greater control and freedom.

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced a release date, the updated Start menu appearing in both the Dev and Beta channels indicates that broader testing is underway. A stable rollout could likely take place in the coming weeks or months as part of future Windows updates.

The update demonstrates Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to improving the Windows 11 experience through user feedback, with a particular focus on increased efficiency, accessibility, and personalisation.

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News tech Windows 11 Is Finally Testing A New-Look Start Menu For PC Users: What It Offers