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Windows designers share concepts they explored for a new Start menu for Windows 11, before settling on one that does little to push the boat out. Last week, Microsoft announced that it will be bringing a new Start menu to Windows 11 later this year that combines the all apps list with the main Start menu page. The layout will also be more customizable, with more pinned rows and a removable Recommended feed. Now, the company has shared a blog post that details how the new Start menu came together, maintaining familiarity while also making it easier to access your apps. More interestingly, the blog post gives us a rare look at some other Start menu design concepts that the company explored during early planning and development. A full screen Start menu probably wouldn't have gone down well with users. (Image credit: Microsoft) These design explorations reveal that pretty much nothing was off the table. One of the designs attempts to merge the Windows 10 Start menu with Windows 11's, by bringing the all apps list to the forefront on the left side while keeping Windows 11's pinned and recent files on the right. Another design explores a spiritual successor to Windows 8's full-screen menu, with a "Start screen" that blurs the background and takes up a large chunk of the display area. It shows your pinned apps above a new "create" section for quickly launching Microsoft services like Designer, Clipchamp, or PowerPoint. There's an interesting "for you" area on this Start menu design. (Image credit: Microsoft) Curiously, many of these design ideas include both a "create" and a "for you" area, which would showcase your upcoming day, including meetings, tasks to complete, and recent files. Both of these areas are absent from the Start menu design that is ultimately shipping. One Start menu design even included an area dedicated to your phone. Microsoft is now shipping the Phone Link companion alongside the new Start menu, but one of the design concepts appears to have integrated it directly into the menu itself, instead of as a sidebar. This Start menu design includes dedicated tabs for Start, your apps, create, and your phone. (Image credit: Microsoft) Unfortunately, it looks like these more radical Start menu designs were discarded in favor of something simpler. The new Start menu that is shipping addresses most of my criticisms of the original Windows 11 Start menu, but I would be lying if I said I didn't prefer pretty much all the design explorations that Microsoft discarded over the one we're getting. What are your thoughts on these Start menu explorations? Let us know in the comments. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of April): 1,811 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Did you hear the news that Windows 11 is getting a shiny new Start menu? Earlier this week, alongside the announcement of the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, Microsoft revealed the much-reworked Start menu, plus some new features (some of which are slightly delayed). Now, in a new blog post on the Microsoft Design website, Microsoft revealed how it came to the new Start menu that will soon be available for Windows 11 users. Microsoft says it followed the following four "guiding stars" to make the new Start menu: Apps, at a glance: all your apps, including pinned, installed, and freshly discovered, should be "right there." Make it yours: the menu should reflect your preferences and workflow, showing what matters the most to you. Accelerate the day: speed things up by eliminating unnecessary clicks. Honor the icon: keep the menu familiar while also offering some new stuff. The design team prototyped a bunch of designs. Here are some of them with some interesting ideas, including a unique take on app categorization, a segmented Start menu, widgets in the Start menu (remember live tiles?), some seriously radical notions, and more: Microsoft adds that over 300 Windows 11 users helped the company in their studies, and some even joined live co-creation calls. As a result, the company implemented the following changes: What users asked What Microsoft made Easier app discovery A single-view Start menu with your pins at the top, recommendations in the middle, and dynamic app categories or the list of all apps below. No more switching between different views. Smarter suggestions Windows 11 now learns your preferences for more useful recommendations. Plus, the recommended section could be fully turned off (one of the most popular requests from users) More control You can select what you want to see more of: pins or recommendations. Clear mobile separation A separate pane for all Phone Link-related content. Here is the final result in action: The company also notes that the goal was to ensure the Start menu looks good and is well-optimized for devices ranging from a small Surface Go to massive 49-inch ultrawide displays. Microsoft does not say when the new Start menu will be publicly available for testing (not to mention the public release), but you can already toggle it on using feature IDs in recent Windows 11 preview builds. What do you think about the Start menu redesign? Do you like how Microsoft addressed popular criticism? Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of April): 1,811 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

A new Windows 11 Start menu is in the works, and our early hands-on experience proves it's addressing some of the current one's biggest criticisms. Last week, it was revealed that Microsoft is working on a brand-new Start menu for Windows 11 that addresses key issues many have had with it since its debut in 2021. An early version of the menu was spotted hidden in the latest Insider preview build, giving us an early first look at what's next for the Windows 11 interface. Since the OS launched four years ago, the Start menu has been a point of contention for many switching to Windows 11. It's significantly less customizable; you can't turn off or hide specific parts, and the menu itself is limited to three rows of six pinned icons on screen at a time. Additionally, it moved the All Apps list into a separate page, meaning your list of installed apps was no longer instantly accessible when opening Start. It requires an additional click to see. Windows 10's Start menu by comparison has everything on the same page, with the ability to have way more apps pinned and on screen at once. The new menu looks pretty great. (Image credit: Windows Central) My biggest issue with the Windows 11 Start menu is the Recommended feed, which I don't think I've ever actually used in the four year that Windows 11 has been on the market. Yet, for whatever reason, Microsoft doesn't let me hide it. I'm forced to look at it every time I open the Start menu. Well, it appears that Microsoft is finally getting around to addressing these issues. The new Start menu that was spotted in the latest preview build features a new, larger layout that shows more pinned apps, lets you hide the Recommded feed, and merges the all apps list with the main page. You can disable the recommended feed and just have a menu of pinned apps. (Image credit: Windows Central) It being larger is an interesting move, but it does mean you can now pin even more apps than before and have them all on screen at once. The new menu lets you pin 8 apps per row, and is no longer limited to just three rows. You can now set the menu to show all your pinned apps by default, regardless of how many rows you have. The All Apps list is now present at the bottom of the menu, meaning it's visible on screen right away, and you can look through it just by scrolling. If you hide the Recommended feed and unpin your apps, the only view you'll be left with is the All Apps list. This is something I know a lot of people have been asking for. You can set it to show just your pins and the all apps list. (Image credit: Windows Central) The new Start menu also includes the ability to show or hide the Phone Link panel on the fly with the press of a button without needing to open the Settings app. This is great if you quickly need to show someone something on your system, but don't want them seeing your phone's recent photos or notifications. Overall, this is a huge upgrade for the Start menu on Windows 11, and one that I think is directly related to Windows 10's fast-approaching end-of-support date. I think Microsoft is trying to appeal to Windows 10 users who need to make the switch to Windows 11 this year by bringing creature comforts from 10's menu to 11. MIcrosoft is yet to officially announce this new Start menu, though I suspect it will be made official in the coming weeks. Let us know your thoughts on the new Start menu in the comments below! Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of March): 1,357 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Windows 11's Start menu is one of the reasons many customers do not want to abandon Windows 10 and upgrade to Windows 11. However, it appears that Microsoft is finally ready to fix that with a seriously massive Start menu redesign. The just-released Windows 11 preview builds from the Dev and Beta Channels contain a big Start menu rework that fixes several complaints about its current implementation. Microsoft is finally ditching a two-section design in favor of a single scrollable view. Your pins and recommendations sit on top, while the All Apps list is right below them—simply start scrolling, and you are good to go browse all installed apps, no more clicking the "All" button. Another thing that will make a lot of Windows 11 users happy is the ability to turn off the "Recommended" section for good and keep only pinned apps and folders. This has been a big point of criticism during all these years, and Microsoft is finally adhering to customer feedback. The reworked Start menu was spotted by the eagle-eyed Windows Insider phantomofearth on X: You can turn on the new Start menu in the latest Dev and Beta builds by doing the following: Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Run Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719 and press Enter. Restart your computer. Microsoft has not announced it yet, as it is probably not ready for prime time by the company's standards. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of March): 1,357 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

See the evolution of the Start menu from Windows 95 through 11. In celebration of Microsoft's 50th anniversary in 2025, it's an appropriate moment to look at the evolution of one of its most iconic features. Of course, I'm referring to the Start menu for Windows. The menu was originally introduced in 1995, and it has undergone significant transformations, adapting to user needs and advances in technology. The company has worked on many different menus over the decades. However, the Start menu available on Windows 10 is arguably (by far) the best approach as it combines modern ideas with a hint of classic elements and the best selection of customization options. Thirty years is a long time for any feature to be around, so let's look at how the Start menu has evolved over the years. Windows 95: The birth of the Start menu On August 24, 1995, Microsoft introduced the Start menu as a central hub for accessing programs, documents, and system settings with the launch of Windows 95. This innovation replaced the "Program Manager," offering a more intuitive and organized user experience. In contrast, the "Program Manager" was technically something we can refer to today as a folder containing a list of items with sub-containers to access the different programs with no real organization. Windows 3.1 Program Manager. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) An interesting fact is that the Taskbar (and Start button) also arrived alongside the Start menu with the release of Windows 95. The menu was simple, with a pop-up in a cascading format, providing access to programs, documents, and system settings. Also, it had a left-hand sidebar that contained the "Windows 95" text. Windows 95 Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) The "Programs" folder provided a hierarchical list of installed applications, making it easy to launch programs. The "Documents" folder displayed a list of recently opened files, allowing for quick access to frequently used documents. The "Settings" folder provided access to the Control Panel, which allows users to configure their system. This menu also provided quick access to the Printers and Taskbar settings. The Taskbar settings also included a few customization options for the Start menu, but the settings were limited. The "Find" option enabled users to search for files and folders on their computer. However, the search didn't occur in the Start menu. Instead, the option would open the "Find" app on Windows 95. The "Run" command allowed users to directly execute programs or open files by typing their names (just like we do today). The "Shutdown" option provided a convenient way to turn off the computer. Windows 98: Refinement and expansion Although the Start menu for Windows 98 didn't look significantly different from the original design, the menu incorporated a new "Log off" option for the new multi-user functionality. Windows 98 Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) In addition, Microsoft added an option to access the "Windows Update" service through Internet Explorer to scan and download the available system updates. Furthermore, the Start menu added a "Favorites" submenu to complement Internet Explorer's presence in the operating system. Windows Me: Minor adjustments Microsoft launched the Windows Millennium Edition (ME) in 2000, but the design of the Start menu didn't receive any significant changes. Windows Me Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) The menu was identical to the version in Windows 98; the only difference was the branding on the side that indicated the name of the operating system. This was the last time we had seen this version of this menu. It's important to note that the classic version of the menu was an option until Windows Vista. Windows XP: A new era Windows XP was launched in 2001, and it unveiled a redesigned Start menu with a two-column layout. The left column featured pinned and recently used apps, while the right provided access to user-specific folders ("My Documents," "My Pictures," "My Computer," and "Control Panel") and system functionalities. This design aimed to streamline navigation and enhance productivity. Windows XP Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) A prominent user account picture was displayed at the top of the left column, adding a touch of personalization. The left column dynamically displayed frequently used programs, making it easier to access commonly used apps. However, users could also pin apps to this section for quick access. The "All Programs" menu, accessible from the left column, provided a hierarchical list of all installed apps. The shutdown option was conveniently located at the bottom of the right column, making it easy to turn off or restart the computer. On Windows XP, Microsoft introduced the "Luna" visual style, which gave the Start menu a more modern and polished look with rounded corners and vibrant colors. Windows XP classic Start menu design. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) However, the operating system also allowed users to revert to the "classic" Start menu style for those who wanted a more traditional experience. Windows Vista: Enhanced search and organization In 2007, Microsoft launched Windows Vista, a version of the operating system that also included a new Start menu version with search integration, allowing users to locate files and programs quickly without having to jump to another experience. Windows Vista Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) However, the interface and elements of the new menu were pretty much identical to the design of Windows XP. The menu featured a two-column layout. The left column featured pinned and recently used apps, while the right provided access to user-specific folders and system settings. In this release, the user account menu was located at the top-right corner, and elements like "My Documents" and "My Computer" dropped the "My" suffixed. So, the items became "Documents," "Computer," etc. Windows 7: Just tweaks In 2009, Windows 7 was released with an updated version of the Start menu that was identical to the one available in Vista. However, it added "Jump Lists," offering quick access to recent documents and tasks directly from the Start menu. Windows 7 Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Also, the power options removed the "Lock" item and added it to the "Shut down" menu. Furthermore, on Windows 7, you were able to change the power button action, something that wasn't available on Vista. Finally, in this version of the operating system, Microsoft also removed the ability to switch to the classic Start menu. Windows 8 and 8.1: A bold departure Things changed drastically in 2012 when the company released Windows 8. This version ditched the Start menu for a Start screen that covered the entire desktop and removed the Start button. Windows 8.1 Start screen. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) This shift aimed to create a unified experience across touch and mouse-keyboard devices but received mixed feedback. This is one of the biggest mistakes Microsoft made for the operating system. This full-screen approach was a core element of Microsoft's vision for a touch-centric operating system. The Start screen was dominated by "Live Tiles," which represented applications and websites. These tiles could display dynamic, real-time information like weather updates, news headlines, and social media feeds. Also, tiles came in various sizes, allowing users to customize the layout and prioritize information. In addition, the Start screen introduced the "Metro" (later "Modern") design language, which is characterized by clean (flat interfaces), bold typography, and a focus on content rather than visual chrome. One of the many problems was that the Start screen was heavily optimized for touch input, with large, easily tappable tiles. This design philosophy aimed to provide a consistent and intuitive experience across touch-enabled devices. However, this change was a significant source of user frustration, particularly for those using desktop computers with a mouse and keyboard. Since this version of the operating system didn't include a Start button either, Microsoft added the Charms bar, a sidebar that appeared with a swipe from the right side of the screen or by moving the mouse to the upper or lower right-hand corners of the screen. This bar contained common functions like search, settings, and share. Windows 8.1 Charms bar. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) In a way, the Windows 8 Start screen represented a radical shift in the user interface, prioritizing touch interaction and live information. While it aimed to modernize the experience, it faced significant criticism for its departure from familiar desktop elements. Then, in 2013, Windows 8.1 was launched; this time around, the company didn't bring back the Start menu. However, the Start button was reintroduced, linking users back to the Start Screen. Windows 10: Merging legacy and modern design Windows 10, launched in 2015, brought back the Start menu, combining the classic menu with modern Live Tiles in a customizable two-pane design, similar to the menus for Windows 7 and Vista. This hybrid approach was aimed at desktop and touch users, balancing familiarity with innovation with a traditional left-hand column and a tile-based right-hand section. Windows 10 Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) The left column featured an alphabetical list of all installed apps, making it easy to find programs. The left rail included access to the profile settings and quick access to folders (such as Documents, Pictures, File Explorer, and Settings). In this section, you can also find the power options (Shutdown, Restart, Sleep). The right column displayed Live Tiles, allowing users to pin frequently used apps and receive dynamic updates. Using the context menu in the Start menu, it was possible to resize, rearrange, and group Live Tiles. You were also able to turn tiles on or off, giving you control over the information displayed. Windows 10 addressed the widespread criticism of Windows 8 by bringing back the familiar Start menu, and the hybrid design provided a balance between traditional navigation and modern tile-based access. Windows 10 full-screen Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Furthermore, this version offered (perhaps) the most control over the appearance and functionality of the Start menu I've ever seen on Windows. You even had an option to show a full-screen version of the Start menu. It's important to note that on Windows 10, Microsoft began to decouple search from the Start menu. Although you can start a search from the menu, in this version of the operating system, Windows Search has its own entry in the Taskbar and home interface. This also continues to be true on Windows 11. Windows 10 search results. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) On Windows 7 and Vista, the search occurred within the Start menu experience. Windows Vista search. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Windows 11: A centered and simplified design In 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, which also introduced a centered Taskbar and a revamped Start menu that brought a significant visual overhaul to the menu, and it's safe to say they've generated a range of reactions. One of the most noticeable changes was the centered Start button and Taskbar items, giving Windows 11 a more modern and streamlined look. Windows 11 Start menu. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Some have argued about this placement, as it deviates from the traditional left-aligned Start button. As a result, changing the alignment to the left is one of the first configurations that users usually apply to a new setup. Start menu left alignment. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) The Start menu itself features a simplified layout, with pinned apps at the top and a "Recommended" section below, displaying recently opened files and applications. Also, Live Tiles have been replaced with more traditional static icons, and this menu emphasizes rounded corners and a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. You can also pin as many apps as you want by creating scrollable pages in the menu, and you can even organize apps in groups. However, many users who were accustomed to the Windows 10 Start menu have expressed frustration with the lack of customization. A common criticism is the limited customization options compared to previous versions. For example, you can't resize the menu, remove the "Recommended" section, and it's no longer possible to show Live Tiles. Another aspect of the Start menu is that Microsoft has been using it to push even more advertisements. Although the company has been known to promote apps from partners, you only used to notice this in new installations. However, on Windows 11, the "Recommended" section is also used to promote apps from the Microsoft Store dynamically. Also, in the user menu, the company uses this area to promote its cloud services by luring users into backing up their files to OneDrive and Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Start menu with account manager. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) One thing you will notice about this menu is that it has a horizontal design, while the previous menus had a vertical design. Although the Start menu for Windows 11 lacks customization options, you will continue to find familiar elements, such as the box to access Windows Search, the profile menu, power options, the ability to show folders, and the "All" menu to access all your installed apps. Over the past three decades, Microsoft's Start Menu has continually been trying to adapt, reflecting the company's commitment to evolving with user needs and advances in technology. However, the company did not always get it right. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of February): 874 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

As much as I love Windows 11 and understand that Windows 10 is going away, I 100% agree with the overwhelming majority of users that Windows 11's Start menu is not good. Even though Microsoft is working on new Start menu layouts for Windows 11, they are no match to what we had in the Windows 10 era with its flexibility, customization, and overall convenience. Fortunately, there is no need to wait for Microsoft to fix its operating system. Third-party app Windhawk is a treasure trove of useful Windows mods, and one of them lets you have Windows 11's Start menu just as it should have been in the first place: Windows 10's convenience and Windows 11's fancy design. What I miss from the days of Windows 10 is how it allowed me to have the list of all apps and pinned tiles all on one screen with no need to switch between any views. On Windows 11, however, the Start menu defaults to an area with pinned apps and recommendations (that might soon go away), and opening the list of all apps requires making another click. With this mod, however, you can have all your app pins at the center, the list of all apps to the left, and recommended content to the right—no more extra clicks just to find that one app in the list. Here is what you need to have the same Start menu layout on your system: Download and install Windhawk from the official website. Find the "Windows 11 Start Menu Styler" mod and install it. Once installed, go to the "Advanced" tab and paste the code from the "Modern Start Menu" section on this page. If you want the Start menu without the Recommended section, use the code from the "Start Menu without Recommended" section. Click Save, then Load. Open the Start menu and enjoy the much more convenient layout. The best part about this thing is that it is highly customizable, and you can tweak literally every part, assuming you can figure out what each parameter and its value do. However, even as is, it is a much better alternative to the stock Windows 11 Start menu. That, of course, is if you trust third-party tweaks and mods. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of January): 487 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Windows 11 will turn four later this year, but one of its most controversial parts, the Start menu, remains mostly unchanged from the original release, leaving most of the most requested features and changes unaddressed. Luckily, it appears that Microsoft is working on fixing one annoying issue with the operating system's Start menu, and a future update will allow you to get to your apps with fewer clicks. In our recent "Top 10 features coming soon to Windows 11" article, we covered some big updates for the Start menu, including two new views for the "All apps" list. Microsoft wants to improve the idea further by letting you open the Start menu directly to the list of all apps, not your pins and recommended applications. Microsoft will also allow users to switch back to the standard variant, with the Start menu opening to pins by default. The code bits for that feature were spotted by @phantomofearth on X: If you want to get the same behavior right now, you can use third-party tweaks or applications like PowerStartMenu from the Microsoft Store or Windhawk. Of course, it would be much better to have this feature on the system level without relying on tweaks or additional applications. In case you missed it, Microsoft recently announced improvements to the Phone Link widget in the Start menu. It will soon be enabled by default, asking users to connect their Android or iPhone devices. The biggest change is that the widget now supports iPhones, allowing Apple users to have quick access to notifications and messages, device information, file transfer, and more. You can learn more about that change here. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ | 2025 (till end of January): 487 RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Windows 11 has plenty of cool features for Android users, from mirroring the screen to using your smartphone as a capable webcam. Sadly, many of those features are not available for Windows users with iPhones, but Microsoft is trying hard to implement as many of them as possible. In the latest Phone Link update for Windows Insiders, Microsoft is bringing Phone Link Start menu integration to those using iPhones. Phone Link Start menu integration is a special widget or companion that appears next to the Start menu when you connect your device. It displays general information about the smartphone, like the battery indicator, connection status, notifications, recent contacts, and more. There is also a button for sending files to your device. Until now, that pane has only been available to Android devices. Not anymore. If you have an iPhone, you can now have the same Phone Link pane with information about your device, quick shortcuts to calls and messages, recent contacts, and even the ability to send files (aka AirDrop on Windows), which was introduced in December 2024. The updated Phone Link pane for the Start menu with iPhone support is now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. You need to be on a recent Windows 11 preview build from those channels and have the Phone Link app updated to version 1.24121.30.0 or higher. Also, your computer must support Bluetooth LE (a Microsoft Account is also a requirement). The rollout is gradual, so it might take some time to reach your device. In addition to iPhone support, the updated Phone Link pane now appears by default when you open the Start menu, suggesting that you connect your Android or iPhone device and benefit from the integration. If you do not want to see it, click "Hide this pane." You can find the announcement post on the official Windows Blogs website. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

One thing quite a few Windows enthusiasts and fans like more than Windows itself is tweaking and modding the OS and its components if they are not quite onboard with it. The aesthetics and the placement of the Start menu on Windows 11 have generally been a point of contention among such enthusiasts. A bit of good news is that the company may be looking at redesigning the Start menu soon. Regardless, if you intend to have more options to tweak the Windows 11 Start menu, you can try out this Windhawk mod that allows users to customize it. This mod is dubbed Windows 11 Start Menu Styler and you can do some cool tweaking to the Start menu like removing certain undesired items. You need Windhawk version 1.4 or newer for this mod to work. The developer of the mod has explained how it works. They write: In terms of what a user can do, this mod allows the ability to remove the Search box, the Recommended section, the User profile button, and also the Power button. It also allows users to move pinned app lists. The list of things users can do as of now is given below: Detailed instructions on how to configure and modify the above are available on this page on the app's GitHub repo. For example, if you wish to remove the Recommended Section, you can place the following in the Target box: Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#ShowMoreSuggestions, Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#SuggestionsParentContainer, Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsListHeader After this, a user needs to enter "Visibility=Collapsed" in the Styles box in order to hide the Recommended section. You can view the necessary modifications in the image above. Source

In October 2023, we published a recap of the top 10 features Windows 11 users want for the redesigned Start menu. Number 6 was the ability to switch from list view to grid view in the "All Apps" list, which received over 1,500 upvotes in the Feedback Hub. Six months later, Microsoft finally appears to be ready to give users what they want. PhantomOfEarth, the ever-giving source of hidden stuff in Windows 11 preview builds, discovered that Windows 11 build 22635.3420 lets you change from list to grid view in the "All Apps" section. Like other unannounced features, this one requires a bit of tinkering using the ViVeTool app until Microsoft makes it official. How to enable the new Start menu layout in Windows 11 build 22635.3420 Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Run Command Prompt as Administrator and open the folder with the ViVeTool files using the CD command. Type vivetool /enable /id:48433541,48433706,48433719,48468527,48468541 and press Enter. Type vivetool /enable /id:47205210 /variant:2 and press Enter Restart your computer. If you are tempted to try the new Start menu layout on your system with the latest Windows 11 Beta build, note that the implementation is a bit raw, which is hardly surprising for an unannounced feature. For example, only the "Start settings" option is present when you right-click any application in the "All apps" list. Therefore, you cannot pin or uninstall programs using the context menu. In addition, there are no folders, so it is one big grid of all applications on your computer in alphabetical order. Microsoft will most likely iron those bugs out before shipping the new layout to Windows Insiders (assuming it will do so). Which layout do you like more? Grid or list? Share your thoughts in the comments. Source

The Start menu in Windows 11 is a controversial piece of design that scares away some Windows 10 users, especially in light of Microsoft botching UI customization apps and adding blatant ads. However, the company is also working on some user-requested improvements, especially for the "All Apps" section. Users recently discovered that Windows 11 Beta builds contain a hidden "All Apps" layout that swaps the current—and less than optimized space-wise—option with a mix of grid and list. It was first spotted in quite a raw state, and after some more good tweaks, build 22635.3566 brought more much-needed improvements. Now, besides having properly working context menus and alphabetical sorting, the new layout displays shortcut folders for apps that register in the Start menu with additional links, such as uninstall, help, and more. Also, Microsoft removed the lines next to each sorting letter, making the new layout slightly more subtle. However, just like in previous builds, the new "All Apps" layout in 22635.3566 is half-baked and not ready for prime time. Yes, it displays folders, but clicking one results in the Start menu crashing hopelessly. That is why Microsoft is not shipping the thing yet, so expect more changes and improvements in future builds. As a reminder, you can turn on the new "All Apps" view for the Start menu in recent Beta builds by executing a command using the ViVeTool app: Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Switch Windows Terminal to the Command Prompt profile with the Ctrl + Shift + 2 shortcut or by clicking the arrow-down button at the top of the window. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id:48433719 and press Enter. Type vivetool /enable /id:47205210 /variant:2 and press Enter. Restart your computer. Credit for the discovery and IDs goes to @PhantomOfEarth on X. Source

In this episode of "How to make Windows 11 more annoying," Microsoft is bringing new Start menu ads to all users. KB5036980, the latest non-security update for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, brings app "recommendations" directly to the Start menu. Now, recommended content on your Start menu includes files, recently installed apps, tips, and ads. Fortunately, you can turn that off. Microsoft describes the change as follows: You can turn off new Start menu app ads in Windows 11 builds 22621.3527 and 22631.3527 in the Settings app; here is how to do it: Press Win + I to open the Settings app or launch it using any other method you like. Go to Personalization > Start. Toggle off the "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more" option. Microsoft Store app "recommendations" are sadly not the only questionable change coming soon to your Windows 11 PC. Build 22635.3500 (currently available in the Beta Channel) introduces a new "Account Manager," which replaces buttons like "Sign out," "Change user," and "Lock" with a Microsoft 365 ad. Now, to sign out of your profile, you have to witness your subscriptions first, open a new submenu, and only then press "Sign out." It did not take too long for Microsoft to bring Start menu ads to all users (they will come to all as part of May 2024 Patch Tuesday updates), so expect the new "Account Manager" soon as well. You can also deal with all these "updates" by using a third-party Start menu alternative or tweakers. Just keep in mind that some of them will most likely stop working soon. Source

The recently released Windows 11 Canary build 26212 quietly introduced support for so-called "Start Menu Companions"—widget-like apps for the Start menu to show up next to your pins or the All apps list to display glanceable information, such as weather, stocks, etc. Microsoft has not mentioned Start Menu Companions in the official release notes for build 26212. They were discovered by Albacore (@thebookisclosed on X), and here is a sneak peek of what may soon be available for testing in the Windows Insider Program: There is not much information about the new Start Menu Companions, considering the feature has not been announced by Microsoft yet. Still, Albacore shared more details about the thing: Start Menu Companions look and feel like the resurrection of live tiles, which Microsoft killed in late 2021 when announcing Windows 11 and its, let's be honest, lackluster Start menu. It will be interesting to see if developers will pick the idea up. Meanwhile, we have to wait for Microsoft to announce all the details and let users test Start Menu Companions first. What do you think about Start Menu Companions in Windows 11? Source

Last week, Microsoft released Windows 11 build 23545 for testing in the Dev Channel, with the biggest change being a series of much-needed File Explorer performance improvements. Traditionally, the build also contains unannounced and hidden changes easily discoverable by sharp-eyed enthusiasts and tinkerers. As it turned out, Microsoft is testing the idea of adding folders to the Recommended section in Windows 11's Start menu, giving users access to more recently added applications and suggested files. The release notes do not mention the change, and enabling it requires a third-party app called ViVeTool. The Recommended section is not the most well-received change in Windows 11, and many users have long been asking Microsoft to let them turn it off for good (you can do that using an app we recommended in our "Top 10 apps to fix Windows 11's inconveniences" article). However, if you find it useful on your machine, here is how to try its upgraded version in Windows 11 build 23545. Note: Back up important data before modifying your operating system using ViVeTool or similar apps. Download ViVeTool from GitHub and unpack the files in an easy-to-find folder. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Switch Windows Terminal to the Command Prompt profile with the Ctrl + Shift + 2 shortcut or by clicking the arrow-down button on the tab strip. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id:46045587 and press Enter. Restart your computer. If that did not work, repeat steps 2-4, type vivetool /enable /id:44470355,42105254,39146010, and press Enter. Restart your computer again. What do you think about the idea of having folders in the Recommended section? Let us know in the comments. Credit for the finding goes to @PhantomOfEarth on X (Twitter). Source

In early 2023, Microsoft started to test Start Menu promotions in its Windows 11 operating system. These have since then landed in release versions of Windows 11 and will launch on Windows 10 systems next month. The badges are displayed when users select the profile icon in the Start Menu. They provide "quick access to important account-related notifications" according to Microsoft. Logged in Windows users see notifications asking them to back up their files or "protect their memories". Users logged in with a local account may see an error badge instead, which is a devious attempt to gain the attention of local account users, as Microsoft is trying to get them to switch to a Microsoft account instead. Local users see messages such as "sign in to your Microsoft account", "use Microsoft 365 for free", or "keep your account safer" when they click or tap on the profile icon. Soon, Windows 10 customers will get these badges as well on their systems. Microsoft launched the change in the latest Release Preview build for Windows 10. These changes are usually introduced on the fourth Tuesday of the month as an optional update and then on the second Tuesday of the following month for all devices running Windows 10. Now You: good option to notify users or desperate attempt at pushing Microsoft accounts and paid upgrades? Source

Earlier in the month, we covered some unofficial, third-party Windows utilities that promise to make Windows better. These included tiny11 builder, which now supports ESD in addition to WIM, an updated Wintoys that has also gotten multiple improvements lately, and Winpilot Adblock that, as the name suggests, claims to block all annoying ads that have become a part of Windows 11. There are also those who don't like the Search bar on Windows 11. Perhaps it is the way it looks or the ads there. If you are in that category and are looking for a small, lightweight app to hide the Search bar, you can do so using TranslucentSM, where the SM stands for Start Menu, and the initial idea behind the app was to enable tweaking the Windows 11 Start menu's opacity levels. Windows 11 Windows 10 The latest version, 0.6.9, of the app rectified an issue such that the hide Search bar option now works on Windows 11 24H2 as well. Aside from that, there has been a flurry of releases from the developer of the app. The Recommended section, which is like the main hub of a lot of the ads and promos, can also be hidden. And the app works on Windows 10 as well. The changelogs for the recent releases are given below: If you find this utility interesting, you can download it from its official GitHub repository. Do keep in mind that this is a third-party app, and hence, you should, as always, proceed with a bit of caution. Source

What a centered Start Menu means for users in Windows 11 Windows 11 was leaked earlier this week and new features of the upcoming operating system are showcased on social media sites and blogs. One screenshot, which you may have seen published everywhere, shows the new centered Start Menu and taskbar layout of the operating system. It appears that users of the operating system may align the Start Menu to the left and right as well. The classic version has the Start button displayed on the left side, and the icons that are pinned and the programs that are open next to it on its right side. A centered Start menu and taskbar is not entirely new. Programs like CenterTaskbar or FalconX provide similar functionality to users who install the software programs. A core difference between these third-party applications and Microsoft's Windows 11 taskbar design is, that the Start button is centered as well in Windows 11. One of the ideas behind displaying the icons on the taskbar in the center is that it improves accessibility. Instead of having to move the mouse cursor all the way to the left, icons are now reachable in the center. One of the main differences between a centered and a left- or right-aligned layout is that the centered icons are not in fixed positions. When you open a new program, all icons are realigned on the taskbar to keep them in the centered position; this means, that the Start button will not be in a fixed position either, as it will wander from its position on system start to the left whenever programs with taskbar icons are opened, and to the right when programs are closed that are not displayed permanently on the taskbar. Windows 11 users who open just a few programs during a workday or at home may not see a lot of movement, but this is not the case for users of the operating system who open and close lots of programs. Granted, this is not a critical change that is going to delay taskbar operations by much, but it may still impact a user's workflow negatively. Windows 11 users who prefer the left-aligned taskbar layout can restore it easily, at least in the leaked build. We will know more next week when Microsoft will reveal the next version of the Windows operating system officially. Now You: what is your preference in regards to the taskbar? Left, centered or right? Small or large buttons? Bottom position, sides, or top? What a centered Start Menu means for users in Windows 11

Don’t like the new Windows 11 Start Menu? You can easily bring back the old Windows 10 version Probably the most controversial element of the new Windows 11 OS is the new Start Menu, which brings a more tablet-like home screen to the OS. Of course, we know Windows 11 is merely Windows 10 with some lipstick, and if you have grown accustomed to the old Windows 10 Start Menu, it is pretty easy to re-enable it in Windows 11. All you have to do is: Open Regedit Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ Create a new DWord called Start_ShowClassicMode Set its value to 1. If this sounds like gobbledygook to you, you should probably not be using a registry editor. You can also move the Start button using the option in Settings under Personalization > Task bar, at which point the OS will be virtually indistinguishable from Windows 10, save for a few more rounded corners. via Rafael Rivera Don’t like the new Windows 11 Start Menu? You can easily bring back the old Windows 10 version

Microsoft removes Window 11 hack to enable Windows 10 Start Menu Microsoft removed a registry hack in the latest preview build that allowed Windows 11 users to revert to the "Classic" Windows 10 Start Menu. When the Windows 11 preview build was leaked in June, one of the most significant and most controversial changes was a new floating Start Menu centered in the middle of the Taskbar. This new Start Menu was taken from the now-shelved Windows 10X and includes a redesigned interface with the removal of app groups and Live Tiles. Windows 11 Start Menu For those who did not like the new Start Menu, it was possible to use a Registry hack to revert to a "Classic Mode," the Windows 10 Start Menu. To switch to the Windows 10 Start Menu, users could create the 'Start_ShowClassicMode' value and set it to 1 under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced registry key. Once you created the registry value and restarted the Windows Explorer process, the old Start Menu would be available again, as shown below. Windows 10 Start Menu in Windows 11 On Thursday, Microsoft released Windows 11 build 22000.65 to Insiders on the 'Dev' channel. Unfortunately, after installing the new cumulative update, users could no longer use the Registry hack to bring back the old Start Menu. BleepingComputer has also independently confirmed that the Registry hack no longer works, but it is unclear whether Microsoft will enable it again in the future. BleepingComputer has reached out to Microsoft to learn more about this change but has not heard back at this time. Thx to Jacob for the tip. Microsoft removes Window 11 hack to enable Windows 10 Start Menu

Windows 11 is scheduled to release around the end of this year, with many hints pointing towards an October time frame. However, for those eager to get their hands on the operating system ahead of its general rollout, Microsoft has released several builds in its Windows Insider channels. Although the OS is still under active development, we have started taking a closer look at some of its features and capabilities, and how they compare to those present in Windows 10. In the past week or so, we have talked about Windows Search and Widgets in Windows 11 in detail, and today, we'll be taking a look at a rather iconic component, namely the Start menu. As usual, it is important to note that since these are pre-release builds, the features that we talk about haven't been finalized yet, and may change leading to the general launch in a few weeks. That said, it is still worth it to dive into the aesthetics and the user experience, and speculate about how Microsoft can further enhance it. For the purpose of this hands-on, we'll be taking a look at Windows 11 build 22000.160 released just a few days ago versus a publicly available and up-to-date Windows 10 (version 21H1 build 19043.1165). Start menu in Windows 10 Before we take a look at the Windows 11 Start menu, it is important to refresh your memory a bit about the one present in Windows 10, especially if you don't use it much. It can be launched using the Windows logo on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. It shows all your apps on the left pane while Live Tiles of pinned apps are shown on the right. Depending upon developer support, these tiles refresh to show you updated information. The tiles can be categorized into groups (see "Productivity and "Explore" groups), and can also be further combined into folders (see "Play" folder), in which similar apps can be stored in a single tile. The sidebar on the left contains buttons for your PC account, Documents, Pictures, Settings, and Power. It's fairly simple to use and understand in most use-cases. Start menu in Windows 11 You'll immediately notice two major changes in the Start menu present in Windows 11. First, the Start menu is now closer to the center of the screen rather than left-aligned, because this is the default experience that Microsoft has been pushing with Windows 11. However, you can quickly rectify this and have it left-aligned if you are so inclined by heading over to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. The second, and arguably more, significant change you'll notice is that the company has done away with Live Tiles completely. These have now been replaced with a scrollable list of pinned apps, as can be seen in the screenshot above. The apps cannot be grouped at all, but you can unpin them, move them to the top, or change their location. While the company hasn't made it clear yet about why Live Tiles were removed, it was likely because of low usage and dwindling developer support. Given that Microsoft has been actively pushing the Live Tiles UI since the Windows 8 and Windows phone days, this is a significant shift in strategy from the company. While I barely use the Start menu, let alone Live Tiles, this change does not impact me, but fans of Live Tiles will likely be miffed. You'll also notice that the Start menu hovers slightly over the taskbar rather than being adjacent to it, which is a common design trend we have noticed in other Closer Look pieces too. Start menu settings in Windows 11 If you're an avid user of the Start menu in Windows 10, you'll probably wonder where the sidebar options went in Windows 11. You'll notice that only the PC account and Power buttons are shown in the bottom pane by default. However, if you head over to Settings > Personalization > Start (screenshot above), you'll notice that Microsoft has made the Start menu quite configurable in Windows 11. Depending upon your preferences, you can choose to hide the recently added and most used apps in the top half of the Start menu as well as the files being shown in the "Recommended" section in the bottom half. Similarly, you can now pin more buttons next to the Power button, including Settings, File Explorer, Document, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and Personal folder. This makes the Start menu considerably more powerful for its power users. All apps section in Windows 11 Start menu Provided that you're showing apps and File Explorer items on the Start menu, you can click on "All apps" (screenshot above) or "More" respectively to view the full list of apps and recommended files. At this point, you'll also notice the search bar present in the various sections of the Windows 11 Start menu. This was not present in Windows 10. However, as we noted in our in-depth look at Windows Search, this is currently not dependent on Windows search. If you click on any of the search bar in the Start menu, it will default to Windows Search with a jittery animation. I'm pretty sure this is not the intended behavior and come the general release of Windows 11, we'll likely see independent search bars where, for example, the search bar at the top of "All apps" in the screenshot above will only filter through the apps rather than the entire OS. Overall, I quite like the simplified look of the Start menu and the greater degree of control that users will have over it. I have never given a second glance at Live Tiles so their absence does not bother me at all either. I'll probably never used the pinned apps too since the only time I use the Start menu is when I press the Windows key to use the Windows Search. That said, for Start menu power users, there are significant changes in store here. Provided that Microsoft fixes the Search integration, this will be a fairly new experience, especially for those accustomed to Live Tiles. Closer Look: Start menu in Windows 11

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 operating system has a Start Menu that is barely usable in its current form. Windows 11 will be the third operating system in succession with a Start Menu redesign. Windows 8 introduced the fullscreen Start interface and Windows 10 live tiles among other features such as different tile sizes for shortcuts. Windows 11's start menu comes with just a single new feature: a short list of recently opened files and installed apps. In fact, one of the main characteristics of the start menu is the removal of features. The Live Tiles of Windows 10 are gone, but that is just one of the many features that Microsoft removed. The default Windows 11 Start Menu displays a search at the top, 18 pinned tiles above the fold, more when you scroll, and recommendations below that. A link to "all apps" is available to display all Start entries in alphabetical order. You find options to lock the system, switch to another account, sign-out, or change the power state of the PC at the bottom. Folders, that can hold multiple icons, are gone. Groups, which you could use to organize Start Menu shortcuts, are gone. The option to display the all apps listing and the pinned items on the Start Menu at the same time is gone as well. Different tile sizes are not supported anymore either, and you cannot expand the Start Menu's size anymore. What you can do, is use drag & drop to move pinned icons in the Start Menu around, or use right-click operations to remove pinned items. Applications can still be added to the interface by right-clicking on them in Explorer or elsewhere and selecting the pin to start option. The Pinned and Recommended areas of the Start Menu have fixed sizes. While you may hide all recommendations or reduce the number of pinned items below 13 or 7 to free up rows, doing so does not make room for other content in the Start Menu. You are left with empty space that has no function whatsoever. Ultimately, what you get right now is a launcher with 18 shortcuts, the option to scroll to display more, an option to display the all apps listing, and a short listing of recently used programs/files and new applications, which you may expand as well. Since the Windows 11 Start Menu is so limited, one has to wonder why it should be used at all. You could put the shortcuts on the desktop or taskbar, and launch them from there without ever opening the Start interface. You could also rely on search for that, even though Windows Search is far from the best option when it comes to search on Windows. As far as the recently used or installed listings are concerned, these may work in work environments, but since the listings default to just three items each, they may not be that useful in home environments. As soon as you open more than three files during a session, you won't see all files opened during that session under recent anymore. Since all file types may be listed there, it is just the matter of opening three photos, video files, text files or any other file type to push out items from the recommended section. Windows 11 does display a "more" button in that case, which you may activate to display a larger listing of opened files sorted chronologically. Lack of customization options The Windows 11 Start Menu lacks customization options. While that may reduce issues that users may experience when using Start and is thus beneficial for Microsoft, it at the same time reduces the usefulness of the Start Menu. Even basic options, such as the removal of the Recommended section if you turn it off, is not supported. There is a slim chance that Microsoft is going to change that before the final reason, but if past decisions are anything to go by, it is more likely that the Start Menu of the preview builds will be the menu that users get when the operating system is released to the public. Closing Words Windows users who rely on the Start Menu may replace it using third-party apps such as Start11 or Open Shell, among others that will be released in the future. These bring back classic start menus to Windows 11, which you can customize to your liking. The Windows 11 Start Menu is barely usable

The default Start menu in Build 22000.132 The changes implemented with the Windows 11 Start menu have been quite a hot topic since the first builds became available for Windows Insiders. The fact that it has been dumbed down quite a bit into a glorified 'Recents' jumplist has people already looking for alternatives and solutions. Just over a week ago, Stardock launched Start11 to bring back the Start menus of previous Windows versions, however the Windows 10 style with its Live Tiles was notably absent from the Beta. A Neowin reader, Dot Matrix, decided to share his own vision of what the Start menu could look like in Windows 11, and even went so far as to submit it as a suggestion on the Feedback Hub. As you can see above, the Start Menu returns to a Windows 10 layout with 'All apps' on the left and groups of pinned apps on the right. Instead of Live Tiles, we see the icons of the apps. Dot Matrix goes on to say "there's no more "recommended" section. That can go to hell." I can see where he's coming from. It's cool and all, but it is not very privacy orientated. In many ways, it's worse than Jumplist suggestions, which can be turned off in previous Windows versions. It can also be turned off in Windows 11 but it is a global setting, so if you disable it, you will get a half-empty Start menu and no Jumplist or File Explorer recommendations. (Why not split off those options, Microsoft?). Here we can see a full screen version of the Start menu which could be invoked through a tablet mode. All in all, it is already more useful than what is currently shipping with Windows 11, even if all the whitespace gives me a bit of a headache. And finally, as is shown above, what about moving the entire Widget pane and the spiritual successor to Live Tiles back into the Start menu instead of a flyout pane? Widgets pane in Windows 11 Personally, I think the widgets pane in Windows 11 is not well thought-out. Microsoft is saying that to get 'at a glance info' for weather and news, open the pane from the taskbar, completely missing out on an opportunity to pin these widgets on the desktop itself. As our screens get larger and wider (I have a 5180x1440 Ultrawide screen), it makes sense to be able to place widgets directly on the desktop. A news alert? Unless you purposely decide to check the widgets pane, you aren't going to see it, you have far more chance of seeing it if it is pinned on the desktop. Microsoft took a great idea with Live Tiles and implemented it poorly in Windows 10, insofar that they are now discontinued altogether. Anyway, I am rambling. If you like these Start menu concepts and think Microsoft should expand on it, all you can do is upvote it on the Feedback Hub right here. You can also give some feedback on these concepts in the comments below or directly in the forum thread. Concept: Here is a better Windows 11 Start menu, based off the Windows 10 one

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 operating system changes the Start menu drastically in some areas, but keeps other features as they have been in previous versions of Windows. If you take a look at the Windows 11 Start Menu, you see a list of apps and links displayed at the top. Some of these are pinned, others are added automatically by Windows 11. Below that is the Recommended section. It displays recently added apps and recently opened files, but may also be used by Microsoft to display recommendations to the user. In fact, on a brand new Windows 11 system, you may see the "Get Started" recommendation in the section. Some Windows users may find these recommendations useful, others don't. Just like on Windows 10, it is possible to disable the Recommended section on Windows 11 to hide the section in the Start Menu. Microsoft kept the options in the Settings application under Personalization. On Windows 10, you find the options under Settings > Personalization > Start. There you may disable the following content: Show recently added apps. Show the most used apps. Show suggestions occasionally in Start. Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar and in the File Explorer Quick Access. Disable Recommended items in the Start Menu Select Start > Settings > Personalization. Look for Show recently added apps and turn it off. Look for Show most used apps and set it to off. Look for Show recently opened items in Start Jump List and File Explorer and turn it off. Changes take effect immediately. Just open Start, while Settings remains open, to test the change. Note that Recommended is still displayed, but you should not see any content anymore under the section once you have made the change. Unfortunately, there is no option to hide the section entirely to use it for something else. You may disable some of the options only, e.g. if you are interested in getting a list of recently installed applications, then you may keep that option enabled while disabling the other options. Just toggle the preferences again if you want to restore one or all of the listings in the Start Menu. Closing Words The Windows 11 start menu lacks customization options, even more so than the Windows 10 Start Menu. Some users may use the recommended section actively, others, who may not use it at all, are stuck with it nevertheless. While it is possible to hide the items of the section, it is not possible to hide it entirely to make room for more apps or links in the Start Menu. How to hide Recommended items in Windows 11's Start Menu

The redesigned Start menu is arguably one of the most divisive features in Windows 11. However, Microsoft believes that it is a great piece of engineering and provides an amazing user experience, something that it regularly advertises to consumers. However, it is interesting to know that a former Microsoft executive who is quite authoritative in this domain isn't a fan of Windows 11's Start menu either. As spotted by WinFuture.de, Microsoft's ex-Director of User Experiences Jensen Harris - who spent five years in this role out of the over 16 years he spent at the company in total, leaving in 2014 - has slammed the UX of Windows 11's Start menu on Twitter, saying that he is "shocked" by the design: The Twitter thread is quite long and if you want, you can view it in full by clicking the embedded tweet above. However, we will explain some of his grievances directly in this article. Harris claims that the banner advertisement for the Bing Wallpaper app looks like a virus, has a dated background color choice, and the text is misaligned too. Additionally, the left side of the banner has a rounded corner while the right has straight edges. The former executive went on to say that: The bigger issue here though: why are there banner ads in the Start menu? Is the amount of $ made by this wallpaper app worth cheapening the experience people have in this very high-touch piece of UI? It erodes trust—I wasn't even searching for "wallpaper." Which brings me to: Great UI should help people achieve a task with minimum friction. But the next section down (referring to the "Switch to the browser recommended by Microsoft" section) is expressly designed to introduce friction into my experience. It's the largest UI in the Start menu, and it's designed specifically to distract me away from achieving my intended task. Moreover, the "Open results in browser" hovering button at the bottom is covering two buttons below it. There are other inconsistencies that Harris has highlighted too: Harris then dived into the history of the Start menu and how the previous iterations were built with so much thought and effort put into the intricacies of the design: Design matters. Details matter. Especially in UI as iconic as the Windows Start menu. I remember the team creating a special ligature in the Segoe UI font (used in Windows) to make "S" and "t" align beautifully for the word "Start". That's how important Start was to Microsoft. Microsoft has many brilliant designers who care deeply about the work they do—I worked with many who are still there! It just comes down to a question of what you prioritize. User experience needs to be architected with as much intensity as you architect your tech investments. Finally, Harris has concluded his thread by saying that he's not a fan of the Start menu being moved to the center too as it also goes against the recommendations of Fitt's Law. That said, our readers should know that you can left-align the Taskbar/Start menu, if you want. Overall, it's clear that Harris isn't a fan of the revamped Start menu and he is making his feelings known to the public. Obviously, he doesn't hold a position at Microsoft anymore so he can't directly influence the design process at the company, but it's interesting to see that a person who is more of an authority on Windows 11's design than regular consumers isn't a fan of the new UX either. Do you agree with Harris or do you think that the Windows 11's Start menu isn't as bad as he claims it is? Let us know in the comments section below! Via: WinFuture.de Microsoft's ex-User Experience chief is "shocked" by poor design of Windows 11's Start menu

Microsoft reduced the functionality of several core operating system areas when it launched the Windows 11 operating system. One of these was the redesigned Start Menu, which I called barely usable in 2021. Microsoft removed quite a bit of functionality from the Windows 11 Start Menu. Folders, groups, the ability to display all apps and pinned items at the same time, live tiles, and options to resize the Start Menu were all removed in Windows 11. The Windows 11 start menu separated pinned programs and recommended; Windows 11 users who preferred to disable the recommended items were left with a blank area that was of no use whatsoever. Room for pinned locations was limited, which made the removal of folder and grouping options precarious, as these could have improved the lack of room somewhat. In a hurry? Here are the main changes: Folders return. Drag and drop a pinned item on another to create a folder. An animation provides hints in this regard. You may rename folders, rearrange apps inside folders and remove pinned apps from folders. Start Menu layouts are available. More Pins expands the Pinned section, while More Recommendations expands the recommendation section of the Start Menu. The Start Menu in Windows 11 version 22H2 One of the goals of Windows 11 version 22H2 seems to be redemption, or at least, to bring back some of the features that were dropped in the initial release of Windows 11. Whether Microsoft had the intention to bring back these features all along, or decided to restore them based on user feedback is unknown. Windows 11 users who open the Start Menu of Windows 11 version 22H2 for the first time won't notice many differences right away. It looks and feels like the original Windows 11 Start Menu on first glance. Some may even miss the functionality that Microsoft restored, unless Microsoft plans to provide guidance on those. One of the main points of criticism leveled at the original Windows 11 Start Menu was that Microsoft removed the ability to group pinned items. The improved Start Menu supports the creation of folders. All it takes is to drag one pinned item over another to create a new folder or to add it to an existing folder. Dropping pinned items on a folder may be difficult at first, as Windows may mistake the attempt for one that moves a pinned items to a new position in the Start Menu. A click or tap on a folder opens all included items in an overlay on the screen. From there, it takes another click or tap to execute one of the included programs. A click or tap outside the overlay area hides it again so that the full Start Menu becomes visible again. The default name of a newly created folder is always folder, even when users create multiple folders. The name of a folder can be changed with a click on the "edit name" field when it is expanded. Once done, the new name is displayed in the the Windows 11 Start Menu. Folders have a few limitations. You can't drop a folder onto another to create subfolders or merge the two. There is also a limit of four pinned icons that each folder displays in the Start Menu, even if more pinned icons are stored inside. The icons of the first four pinned items are displayed as the folder icon in the Start Menu. You may reorder them to display different icons. Another limitation is the inability to delete folders right away. You need to move each pinned item out of the folder first; the folder itself disappears into thin air once the last pinned item is removed from it. Start Menu Layouts Another criticism leveled at Microsoft was that the Windows 11 Start Menu had a fixed layout that could not be changed. Users who disabled the recommended section could not use the lower half of the Start Menu because of that. Microsoft introduces Start Menu layouts in version 22H2. Three different layouts are supported: one of them is the default half-and-half layout, the other two give pinned items or recommendations more room in the Start Menu. The "more pins" layout gives pinned items most of the available room. Recommended is reduced to a small section at the bottom. Users who would have preferred an option to remove the recommended section entirely will be disappointed, as no such option exists in Windows 11 version 22H2. Still, the new "more pins" layout unlocks more room for pinned items on the Start Menu, which means less scrolling for some users. The "more recommendations" layout prioritizes recommendations over pinned items. It expands the recommended section of the Start Menu and limits the pinned section to two rows. Options to show recently used apps and opened items need to be enabled in the Windows 11 preferences. It may take some time before recommendations are displayed in the Start Menu. The pinned and recommended group titles in the Start Menu have a context menu now. Right-click on pinned to get a direct link to the Start Menu settings in the preferences app. A right-click on recommended displays the same link and an option to refresh the listing manually. Windows 11 refreshes recommended content automatically in intervals. Closing Words Microsoft restores some functionality to the Start Menu in Windows 11 version 22H2, which it removed in the original Windows 11 release. Folders give users more options when it comes to arranging and managing pinned items. The Start Menu layouts address another point of criticism, but some users, especially those who disable recommendations, may argue that the changes do not go far enough. Microsoft could have added a switch to remove Recommendations entirely from the Start Menu to expand the pinned section even further. Other missing features, including the ability to resize the Windows 11 Start Menu or create groups won't make a return in Windows 11 version 22H2. While there is still a chance that Microsoft may introduce them again in a future update, it is certain that Live Tiles won't make a comeback in Windows 11. Now You: what is your take on these changes? Windows 11 version 22H2: Start Menu changes