Introduction

Microsoft is making waves yet again with Windows 11, initially designed as a fresh, aesthetic enhancement to Windows 10, but now morphing under the influence of generative AI. While many have come to associate Windows 11 with cutting-edge technology and features, the company is returning to its roots by refining core elements of the operating system's design.

New Start Menu Design

In a recent beta build, Windows tester known as phantomofearth has enabled a significantly overhauled Start menu—marking its first major redesign since the OS's debut over three years ago. According to reports from The Verge, this new layout is sure to grab users' attention.

The upgraded Start menu is larger and displays up to two rows of eight pinned apps by default, but users can easily expand this section to view even more applications. Below the pinned apps, the menu provides a scrollable list of all installed apps on the device, which is currently hidden behind an "All" button in the existing design. This list can be arranged in a vertically scrollable format, a horizontal grid, or organized by category, with the categorized view appearing to be the most space-efficient option.

User Control Over Recommendations

One of the most notable features for those frustrated by Windows' persistent reminders is the apparent ability to disable the "Recommended" section altogether. Instead, users can choose to see a comprehensive list of all installed apps. While some find the Recommended area valuable for showcasing newly installed applications or recently accessed files, others have criticized it for occasionally promoting Microsoft Store apps that are of little interest.

Enhancements to the User Interface

In addition to the Start menu, Microsoft is also enhancing the Windows 11 user interface in other critical areas. A recent beta release to Windows Insider testers introduced "taskbar icon scaling," allowing users to opt for smaller taskbar icons to accommodate a greater number of pinned or open applications. Currently, the taskbar adjusts by shrinking the search box and widget areas before tucking excess icons behind an ellipsis icon in an overflow section. Users now have the freedom to maintain the current taskbar layout or consistently use smaller icons to maximize available space.

Conclusion

Given that Microsoft is testing these updates in the Windows Insider Beta channel—the second-most stable phase in the rollout process—it's highly likely that these improvements will find their way into the standard public version of Windows 11 sooner rather than later.

While the Start menu alterations may be revealed in an upcoming Windows 11 preview build, there remains a possibility that these features could be shelved. Microsoft has a history of experimenting with hidden changes, sometimes leading to public releases, and other times abandoning features that don't quite make the cut. Keep an eye out for official announcements, as these tweaks could potentially enhance your user experience dramatically!

Is Microsoft finally acknowledging users' frustrations and transforming the Windows 11 interface? Stay tuned!