Introduction
Microsoft has recently made a significant update to the Start menu in Windows 11, addressing a long-standing user complaint regarding accessibility to all installed applications. This update, which has been four years in the making, allows users to view their apps more conveniently without needing to click through additional menus. The new Start menu is being gradually rolled out to users, offering enhanced functionality and personalization options.
Improvements to the Start Menu
The revamped Start menu introduces three distinct methods for users to access their installed applications without the previous requirement of clicking the “All” button. The original design of the Start menu included a Recommended section that displayed a selection of apps and files chosen by Windows. This section was located beneath the pinned apps, which often cluttered the interface.
Customization Options
One of the notable features of the new Start menu is the ability to disable the Recommended section. Users can do this by right-clicking within the menu, selecting Settings, and navigating to the Personalization options. From there, they can toggle off the settings for showing recently added apps, recommended files, and tips. This customization allows for a cleaner interface where users can see a comprehensive list of all their applications directly beneath their pinned shortcuts.
Viewing Options
With the new Start menu, users have the flexibility to display their applications in various formats. They can choose to view their apps in a grid layout, which is the most information-dense option, or as a simple alphabetical list. Additionally, there is an option to group apps by category, which is the default setting if users do not select the grid view. This variety in presentation caters to different user preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.
How to Access the New Start Menu
To utilize the new Start menu, users must ensure they are running specific builds of Windows 11, namely build 26100.7019 or 26200.7019 or later. To check their current build, users can access the run prompt by pressing Windows+R and entering the command "winver." If the new Start menu does not appear automatically, users can enable it manually using a utility called ViveTool. This involves downloading the tool, unzipping it, and executing a command in the command prompt as an administrator to activate the new features.
Conclusion
The introduction of the updated Start menu in Windows 11 reflects Microsoft's ongoing efforts to refine user experience and address feedback from its user base. By simplifying access to applications and providing customization options, Microsoft aims to enhance productivity and satisfaction among its users. This update not only exemplifies the company's responsiveness to user needs but also highlights a broader trend towards more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces in operating systems.