Microsoft is testing a redesigned Start Menu for Windows 11, aiming to declutter the interface and provide users with greater control over its functions. The updated design merges Pinned and Recommended sections into a single view and introduces an “All” section for installed apps.
Discovered by X user @phantomofearth, the new Start Menu features a vertically scrolling layout, allowing users to access all apps on a single page. A key addition is the ability to completely hide recommendations, addressing a common user complaint.
Key changes in the new design:
- Merged sections: The Pinned and Recommended sections are now combined into a single view.
- “All” section: A dedicated section lists all installed apps, accessible in an alphabetical list or a grid with categorized folders.
- Vertical scrolling: The Start Menu now scrolls vertically, providing access to all apps on a single page.
- Hidden recommendations: Users can now hide the Recommended section entirely.
These changes are currently available in Windows 11 Insider preview builds (26200.5518 in the Dev channel and 26120.3671 in the Beta channel). Microsoft has not yet announced when the new Start Menu interface will be available for stable channels. An announcement may be coming at Microsoft’s Copilot event, coinciding with the company’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
