Microsoft Unveils Redesigned Start Menu in Latest Windows Insider Builds

Microsoft has rolled out new preview builds for Windows Insider users, showcasing significant updates to the Start Menu, aimed at enhancing user experience in Windows 11.

In the most recent releases for both the Developer Channel and the Beta Channel, Microsoft emphasized the revamped Start Menu, which is designed to simplify navigation within the operating system.

One of the notable features of the updated Start Menu is a scrollable area for accessing the complete app overview. Previously, users needed to click on 'All' to view all applications; the new design integrates this functionality directly into the Start Menu, allowing for easier scrolling without the need to navigate through multiple levels.

The new standard category view organizes apps for quick access based on usage frequency, positioning the most frequently used applications at the forefront. If there are at least three apps that fit a specific category, they will be grouped accordingly; otherwise, they will appear under the 'Other' category. This grid format provides a more spacious layout compared to the traditional list view, while maintaining alphabetical sorting.

Additionally, the Start Menu has been optimized for larger screens, allowing it to display more applications and files. For instance, on larger displays, the Start Menu can feature up to eight columns of pinned apps, six recommendations, and four category columns. Conversely, smaller devices will show six columns of pinned apps, four recommendations, and three category columns. The design adapts responsively, shrinking the sections if there are fewer pinned apps, thereby elevating the other sections. Users can toggle this feature, as well as the recommendations, on or off in the settings.

Another enhancement in the Insider previews is the seamless integration of smartphones through the Phone Link feature. This cross-device compatibility is available for both Android and iOS devices in most markets, with plans to extend accessibility to the European Economic Area later in 2025.

Further updates in the preview version of Windows include customizable widgets for the lock screen, with options like weather, watchlists, sports, and traffic information. Improvements have also been made to the speech output, Windows search functionality, and the game controller layout of the Windows touch keyboard. The updates address several bugs, although some known issues persist, such as prolonged startup times on AMD and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs following updates.

The latest Insider build for Windows 11 in the Dev Channel is 26200.5641, while the Beta Channel version has been updated to 26120.4250.