This Windows 11 update significantly improves the functionality and appeal of the Start menu.
Microsoft may be about to implement changes to enhance the Start menu of Windows 11.
The Start menu has been a fundamental component in Microsoft Windows for nearly three decades. Although it was initially celebrated for its utility, it underwent somewhat questionable changes with the release of Windows 8. Despite the criticism, it made a comeback with Windows 8.1 and continued along this line with Windows 10 and 11. However, despite this improvement, the menu continues to face issues due to modifications that introduced recommendations and automatic lists, turning it into more of a search interface than a practical menu.
Microsoft seems to be working on a solution, as it is testing a revamped design for the Start menu in Windows 11, which aims to reduce the current clutter of applications and files. A user on the platform X, known for testing new features in Insider builds of Windows, shared a detailed glimpse of the new interface through a video. In this new version, a wider design is presented where everything is displayed on a single scrollable page, and recommendations can now be turned off.
The new interface combines the "Pinned" and "Recommended" application sections into a single area, adding a new section titled "All," which includes all installed applications. These applications can be organized alphabetically or in a grid grouped by categories. The new version of the Start menu also completely hides recommendations if desired, giving users greater control over its functionality.
While it is unlikely that the Start menu will regain the splendor of its version in Windows XP, improvements are expected to reduce the amount of unwanted ads. These changes are available in the latest Insider preview builds of Windows 11 for the Dev and Beta channels, although they cannot be accessed without being part of those channels. Microsoft has not yet made official announcements regarding when this new Start menu interface will be available for stable channels.
In another aspect related to accessibility, Windows 11 has implemented voice commands such as "Open Edge," and in the latest Insider version, efforts are being made to allow users to use more natural language when giving commands, thereby facilitating their interaction with the system. This means that users will be able to open the Edge browser with more intuitive variations in command phrases.
Recently, a curious glitch has also been reported in the latest version of Windows 11, which has caused the automatic uninstallation of the Copilot application on some devices. Microsoft is aware of the problem and has advised affected users to manually reinstall the application.
Lastly, more and more Windows 10 users are opting to upgrade to Windows 11, coincidences observed as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches on October 14. Current data shows that the usage of Windows 10 has fallen below 60%, while Windows 11 continues to gradually increase its market share.