Microsoft confirms that the scope of the new Win11 Start menu push has expanded and explains why it was redesigned

IT Home February 1 News, Microsoft revealed to the technology media “Windows Latest” that the all-new Windows 11 Start Menu has been fully rolled out with the January system update. If users still do not see this interface, they can enable the “Get the latest updates…” switch in Windows Update, which can accelerate the delivery of new features. For devices that have not yet received the update, the new Start Menu will also appear gradually over the next few days to weeks.

Microsoft stated: “The redesigned Start Menu is now available on more devices and will be gradually rolled out to more users.” The rollout of this update began last week.

Microsoft has been developing this new Start Menu for nearly a year. After rejecting dozens of radical design proposals, the current version was finalized. The new Start Menu is not fundamentally different from the existing version, but if you already dislike the current Start Menu, you are unlikely to favor this new interface.

Why adopt this Start Menu design?

Microsoft says its original intention was to retain the core positioning of the Start Menu while adapting it to the faster-paced, more information-rich current environment.

Microsoft explained that the team carefully studied all user feedback in the Feedback Hub and drew two main conclusions: First, the Start Menu is the starting point for Windows 11 operations, and its speed in operation and response must be faster; Second, the interface needs to be more personalized and tranquil, which is why recommended content is enabled by default.

The new interface also features a clear hierarchical structure: at the top is the search bar, followed by pinned shortcuts, then recommended content, and finally the list of all applications.

The search bar is placed at the top for quick retrieval, allowing users to directly locate applications, files, or images. Microsoft also explained that adding the recommended information stream is due to user demand for intelligent recommendations. Microsoft stated: “These personalized recommendations learn your usage habits in real-time. If you find them useless, you can also hide them.”

To disable the recommended information stream in the new Start Menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start, and turn off the following switch: “Show recently opened files in Jump Lists on Start and the File Explorer.”

Additionally, Microsoft moved applications that were originally in the “All Apps” list to the main Start Menu interface, because user feedback requested easier access to applications.

IT Home notes that Microsoft also openly admitted that the design team hopes the application list in the Start Menu can resemble a mobile interface, which is also why some users feel the new interface is similar to iOS.

Microsoft stated: “All applications are elevated to the primary interface, offering three view modes, including a grid view sorted by categories, prioritizing your most frequently used applications, providing an experience close to that of a phone, eliminating the need for long scrolling.”

Finally, Microsoft adjusted the “Phone Link” panel to be an optional panel that supports side slide-in and out, and it automatically hides when not in use. Microsoft described in a document: “A slim ‘Phone Sidebar’ can slide in from the edge of the screen, accessible at any time when needed, and hidden seamlessly when not in use.”