Microsoft Revamps Windows 11 Start Menu: How The Bigger Layout Will Make Your Life Easier

Microsoft is experimenting with a significant overhaul of the Windows 11 Start menu. With this software giant is aiming to address one of the most common user complaints. The redesigned layout, which is currently being trialled in recent preview builds, introduces a larger interface and greater flexibility. It offers users more control over how the menu looks and functions.

The update was revealed by Windows watcher phantomofearth, who shared insights into the revamped Start menu in a post on X (formerly Twitter). A video accompanying the post shows the new layout in action.

The post was captioned, “Hidden in today's Dev/Beta CUs: a major update to the Windows 11 Start menu! It has a new, larger layout with everything on one scrollable page, with the "All" list below recommendations - which can FINALLY be turned off! Pinned list is now limited to 2 rows, but can be expanded.”

Watch the video here:

This development is important as the ‘Recommended’ section — a major pain point for many Windows 11 users — can finally be disabled, reported The Verge. The feed, which highlights recently used apps and files, has been seen by some as unnecessary clutter, especially for users accustomed to the cleaner Windows 10 interface.

In the updated version, the Start menu consolidates pinned apps, the all apps list and optional recommendations onto a single scrollable screen. Users will no longer need to click through to separate sections to access different features. In addition, the all apps view now supports both category and list formats, catering to individual preferences.

Another practical improvement comes in the form of expanded app pinning capabilities. Where previously users were limited to just three rows, the refreshed menu can now display up to eight apps per row, with options to add more rows as needed.

Microsoft has begun testing this redesigned Start menu in the 24H2 preview builds of Windows 11, but notably, the changes have also been backported to the 23H2 versions. This move indicates a broader rollout is on the horizon, potentially reaching all Windows 11 users within the next few months.

With this update, Microsoft appears to be responding directly to community feedback and aiming to create a more user-centric experience on its flagship operating system.