Microsoft Defies Expectations With Bold Redesign of Windows 11 Start Menu
Microsoft has quietly but boldly overhauled the Windows 11 Start menu, merging pinned apps, recommended content, and all apps into one unified interface — and users cannot opt out. Rolling out with the December update across versions 24H2 and 25H2, the redesign offers 6- and 8-column layouts, with the larger option drawing unflattering comparisons to Windows 8's infamous full-screen Start screen. Customization remains limited, and community reception is sharply divided — there's considerably more to unpack here.
Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned Start menu to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and whether users requested it or not, it's on the way. Linked to the December update and gradually being released globally, the new design does not come with an opt-out option. Users will either have to adapt or seek workarounds — that's the situation.
The redesign is significant. Pinned apps are situated at the top, recommended content fills the middle, and all apps now reside directly in the main menu rather than being hidden behind a separate button. Microsoft has eliminated that extra click entirely, merging three distinct views — pinned, recommended, and all apps — into one unified space. The company states this change addresses long-standing scrolling complaints collected through Feedback Hub. Nearly a year of development reportedly involved dismissing dozens of more radical concepts before settling on this design.
Microsoft has collapsed three Start menu views into one — no extra clicks, no hidden menus, no going back.
Opinions diverge on size. The new menu offers 6-column and 8-column layouts depending on screen resolution and display scaling. The larger 8-column version has attracted the most criticism, evoking uncomfortable memories of Windows 8's full-screen Start screen — a comparison Microsoft likely did not want to see gain traction.
At 150% scaling, it compresses to something resembling the older menu but restricts users to two icon rows. There are hacks available to force the smaller 6-column version on larger displays, though there is no official support for this choice. Unlike Windows 10, there is no fixed-size setting, no configurable dimensions, and no toggle to revert to the previous layout.
The category grid view for all apps is particularly polarising. Microsoft automates the groupings, and early reactions suggest the algorithm doesn't always make logical choices. The layout resembles mobile phone app grids — think iOS home screen aesthetics applied to a desktop OS.
For a generation accustomed to switching between devices, this might feel intuitive. However, for users who have honed precise desktop workflows over the years, it feels like someone rearranged a familiar kitchen overnight.
Customisation options are limited but available. Users can remove the recommended section through Start settings, and the all apps view allows some layout adjustments per account. It's worth noting that removing recommended items also impacts File Explorer's recent files and Jump Lists.
On the other hand, the layout option from previous versions has simply disappeared. Microsoft frames the redesign as a way to honour the original Start menu promise — faster access, calmer defaults, and a more personal feel for a faster, noisier world. Users seeking to restore the previous look can turn to VIVE Tool as a third-party solution for managing feature visibility and reverting Start menu changes.
Whether this framing resonates depends entirely on the audience. Those most frustrated by this update are often the same individuals who meticulously customised every aspect of their previous setup. Dynamic changes post-update, which shift familiar layouts without warning, will test the patience of the user base. A Reddit thread has highlighted the divided community opinions on the redesign, reflecting the broader mixed reception the update has received across the Windows 11 user base.
The Start menu has always held significance for Windows users, and Microsoft is betting that this version can represent something new.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft's redesign of the Windows 11 Start Menu represents more than just a visual update; it's a fundamental change in their approach to daily computing. As users navigate this bold shift, the real challenge will be their response to it. Recognizing the potential impact of these changes, PC Repairs Ipswich is here to assist you in adapting to the new interface and ensuring your system runs smoothly. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support! Click on our contact us page to get in touch and let us help you embrace this evolution in computing.
