The new Windows 11 Start Menu design, part of the November 2025 update, represents one of Microsoft’s most significant interface changes since Windows 11 launched. Although this version is officially set to roll out with the November update, users can already preview it through an optional Windows Update available under Windows Insider or preview builds.
Expanded and Unified Start Menu Layout
The redesigned Start Menu is larger and more dynamic, merging the previous “All Apps” view and pinned app grid into a single interface. Instead of switching between separate pages, everything now exists within one unified menu, allowing for smoother navigation and quicker access to both installed and frequently used apps. The layout is divided into three distinct sections — Pinned, Recommended, and All — each with its own function and visual structure.
- Pinned Section:
This area now shows two rows of icons by default (up to eight apps), but users can reveal more by clicking “Show All.” Folder creation and renaming remain supported, so you can group related apps (for example, Office apps, browsers, or utilities). The animation and spacing have also been refined, giving a more modern and spacious appearance. - Recommended Section:
The Recommended section highlights recently opened apps and files. It displays up to two rows or six items at once, but one of the biggest changes is that users can now fully disable this section. By turning off all recommendation options in Settings → Personalization → Start, the section disappears completely, freeing up more space for pinned apps — a long-requested feature from Windows users who prefer a cleaner Start Menu. - All Section:
The All section organizes installed apps into categories automatically. For example, productivity tools might appear under “Office,” browsers under “Web,” and system utilities under “Windows Tools.” Apps that don’t fit a predefined category are placed under “Other.” However, these group names are automatically assigned and cannot be renamed or customized, keeping consistency across devices.
Enhanced Search and Connectivity Features
The search box remains positioned at the top of the Start Menu, providing quick access to both local and online results. However, its size and design are not yet fully integrated with the new Start layout. Microsoft noted that this part is still under development, with further UI adjustments expected in upcoming cumulative updates.
If you connect a mobile device to your PC (for example, using Phone Link), a new sidebar toggle now appears beside the search box, offering quick access to synced notifications, messages, and recent photos — expanding the Start Menu’s role as a command hub for both desktop and mobile experiences.
Settings and Customization Changes
The Start Menu settings page under Settings → Personalization → Start has been reorganized to reflect this new layout. Options related to layout selection (such as “More Pins” or “More Recommendations”) are no longer available. Instead, the system now uses a fixed three-section layout, with toggles primarily for showing or hiding recommendations, recent items, and recently added apps.
This simplification means users no longer have to manually adjust the proportions of the Start Menu, as Microsoft’s design automatically scales the sections based on screen size and display settings.
Design Philosophy and User Feedback
The video also explored earlier concept designs that Microsoft tested during development. Some prototypes used grid-based layouts similar to Windows 10’s live tiles, while others experimented with minimalist rows or taskbar-integrated popouts. Ultimately, Microsoft’s final design focuses on accessibility, speed, and consistency, aiming to simplify daily navigation without sacrificing personalization.
The new Start Menu balances visual clarity with usability — offering enough flexibility for power users (through folder organization and pinning) while maintaining simplicity for casual users.
Summary
Overall, this update makes the Windows 11 Start Menu more unified, customizable, and efficient. The ability to disable recommendations, the expanded pinned section, and the streamlined “All Apps” experience help users organize and access content faster. Although some customization limits remain (like non-editable categories), the overall approach feels cleaner, more stable, and better aligned with the modern Windows 11 design language.
