Redmond, Washington — Microsoft is set to roll out a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 this month, featuring a new, wider format that allows users to disable the recommended feed of files and applications. This update not only freshens the menu’s appearance but also represents a significant departure from its current iteration.
In a recent blog post, the tech giant shared concept designs that showcase a variety of potential layouts, highlighting the extensive creative process behind the redesign. Among these concepts is a version with an even more rounded shape, enhanced with widget-like features and a dedicated “For You” section that aggregates Teams meetings, recent YouTube videos, and frequently accessed documents. Another concept proposes a side-separated “For You” area while the main menu prioritizes app categories, emphasizing a more structured user experience.
Additionally, one prototype envisions a comprehensive landing page for the Start menu, incorporating shortcuts, applications, and dedicated sections for accessing Android phones and personalized app lists. Some designs even suggest a Start menu that utilizes the entire vertical screen, presenting organized sections that users can scroll through easily.
The Windows design team praised the inventive process, stating, “We sketched out a plethora of layouts, letting ourselves go wild and discover new things before applying the editorial pen.” Their aim was to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity, respecting decades of user habits while enhancing functionality.
To ensure that the changes resonate with users, Microsoft engaged over 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts in testing various prototypes. These user interactions included observational studies, where the design team analyzed eye-tracking heat maps and collected real-time feedback to gauge the effectiveness of new features.
A significant focus of the revamped Start menu is to facilitate easy access to applications, enhance customization options, and maintain quick navigation without fundamentally altering the design that users have grown accustomed to. This extensive overhaul will allow users to eliminate the recommended feed, a feature many have sought to remove, and integrates a phone companion panel for swift access to recent calls, messages, and files.
The redesign is currently being tested with Windows Insiders and is expected to be rolled out to all users in the coming months. As Microsoft continues to iterate based on user feedback, the new Start menu promises to enhance the Windows experience by making it more intuitive and tailored to individual preferences.