Microsoft unveils a new Start menu design in Windows 11 with responsive design and new display options.
Microsoft provides a first preview of the new Start menu in Windows 11. The menu gets a responsive design, which means it adapts to the screen size. Additionally, two new display options are available. The new Start menu is currently only visible in preview version 27965 of Windows 11. The preview version is now available for Windows Insiders.
Responsive Design
The new Start menu adapts based on the device’s screen size. On larger screens, more columns are visible by default with pinned apps, recommendations, and app categories. Sections like ‘Recommended’ are also collapsible, allowing users to free up more space for other elements.
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Users who don’t want to see recommendations can disable them through settings. When all recommendations are disabled, that section is automatically hidden, freeing up more space for installed apps.
Scrollable Menu
Another innovation is the scrollable Start menu where all installed apps are directly accessible, without users having to click through to a secondary page. Within the ‘All apps’ section, two new views are now available: category view and grid view.
In the default category view, Windows automatically groups apps based on usage and type. Popular apps appear at the top within their category. If a category contains fewer than three apps, they are placed in the “Other” category. In grid view, apps are arranged alphabetically and displayed in multiple columns for better overview.