Microsoft has unveiled a completely redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 that will be available to users in 2025. The new design combines all sections into a single scrollable interface with enhanced customization capabilities.
G. Ostrov
Microsoft is fundamentally redesigning the Windows 11 Start menu, bringing users long-awaited changes that will become available throughout 2025. The new menu is actively being tested in the Dev Channel and promises to address many issues with the current version.
Key Innovations
Unified Scrollable Interface
The main change is the combination of all Start menu sections into one large scrollable interface. Pinned apps, recommendations, and the full list of programs are now located on a single page, significantly simplifying navigation.
New App Viewing Modes
Microsoft has added three options for displaying apps in the "All Apps" section:
- Name List — traditional display option
- Name Grid — compact grid representation
- Category — grouping apps by type, similar to folders
Ability to Disable Recommendations
One of the most anticipated improvements is the ability to completely turn off the "Recommended" section. Users can finally keep only pinned apps and the full list of installed programs.
Phone Link Integration
A new sidebar allows viewing notifications, messages, and apps from Android devices directly from the Start menu. There's also the ability to send files to an Android phone directly from the menu.
Benefits of the New Design
Improved Performance
Microsoft focused on improving Start menu stability and speed, fixing numerous bugs that affected system reliability in previous versions.
Personalization
The new design provides users with more options to customize the interface to their needs. Pinned apps are now limited to two rows but can be expanded when necessary.
Better Organization
App categorization and new viewing modes allow for more efficient workspace organization, especially for users with many installed programs.
Availability and Development Plans
The new Start menu is currently being tested by Windows Insider program participants in the Dev Channel. Gradual rollout to all Windows 11 users is expected throughout 2025 via system updates.
These changes are part of Microsoft's broader strategy to improve the Windows 11 user experience, including AI integration into various system components.
Official information about Windows 11 is available on the Microsoft Windows website.
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