Microsoft has expanded its redesigned Windows 11 Start menu rollout, citing years of user feedback demanding faster app access and a cleaner experience. Arriving via November’s KB5068861 Patch Tuesday update, the overhauled menu introduces three distinct sections — Pinned, Recommended, and All — reducing navigation friction considerably. The phased rollout means not every device receives it simultaneously. There’s plenty more to unpack about what changed, what didn’t, and whether the customization options actually deliver.
Microsoft has officially begun rolling out a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11, and after nearly a year of development, the update represents one of the most deliberate interface overhauls the company has implemented in years. The rollout started quietly with Windows Insiders in October 2025, then gained momentum through November’s Patch Tuesday update KB5068861, extending coverage to versions 24H2 and 25H2. A confirmation in January 2026 pushed it further, though the phased wave approach means not every device receives it simultaneously. Users keen to get ahead can toggle “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update settings.
So what changed, exactly? The redesigned Start menu is divided into three distinct sections: Pinned, Recommended, and All. The Pinned section defaults to two rows holding up to eight apps, though responsive design adjusts that figure based on screen resolution — smaller screens cap at six pins, while larger displays can accommodate eight.
The biggest practical shift is the All section, now accessible without extra clicks and organised into categories like Productivity and Developer Tools. Alphabetical list purists can switch to Grid View. It may sound subtle, but navigating your app library used to feel like scrolling through an endless grocery receipt. This redesign addresses that.
Navigating your app library used to feel like scrolling through an endless grocery receipt. This redesign addresses that.
Microsoft has been transparent about the reasons behind this redesign. The company spent nearly a year evaluating dozens of radical concepts before settling on this direction, drawing heavily from Feedback Hub submissions. The stated goals: faster access, better app discovery, and what Microsoft describes as a “calmer” experience.
Whether a Start menu can genuinely feel calm is debatable, but the intent to reduce friction is real and evident in the execution.
Customisation remains a mixed story. Users can disable the Recommended section entirely through Start settings, and the toggle covering recent files, File Explorer items, and Jump Lists provides some control over what surfaces.
Nevertheless, manual resizing of the menu is not supported, and automatic app categorisation cannot be fully adjusted. For a community that values personalisation, this is a genuine frustration — and the user reaction reflects it. Some report disorientation after booting into the new layout; others appreciate the direct access to All apps and the quieter Recommended section. The desire for a personalised interface is strong here: people want it to feel like theirs. Third-party applications such as Start11 have seen growing popularity among users looking for deeper customisation options beyond what Microsoft currently offers.
Technically, the update requires Windows 11 version 25H2 or build 26200.7462 and later, with 24H2 also covered via Patch Tuesday. Those wanting to force-enable it can use ViVeTool after creating a restore point.
The update also bundles extras: a refreshed taskbar battery icon displaying colour-coded health indicators, battery icons on the lock screen, Administrator Protection preview in Windows Security, and fixes for Task Manager and gaming handheld battery drain. The November 2025 update also introduces Phone Link integration directly into the Start menu, featuring a collapsible side panel and a new mobile device button beside the search box.
The Start menu has always carried symbolic weight in Windows. Microsoft is clearly betting this version will finally earn its place again.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s revamped Start Menu is more than just a cosmetic update; it addresses years of user frustration and demonstrates a more mature approach to Windows development. By expanding its rollout and clarifying its rationale, the company is moving away from imposing UI changes without user feedback. This evolution signals a commitment to listening to its users.
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