Microsoft has finally begun rolling out the redesigned Start Menu for Windows 11, much to the relief of users of the world’s leading operating system.
The revamp aims to deliver a more personalized and modern experience. This long-anticipated update is now available for both Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 as an optional non-security preview update, identified as KB5067036.
The new Start Menu features a refreshed layout with a strong emphasis on customization and enhanced app discovery. Key new capabilities include:
- Scrollable “All Apps” list: A unified interface that lets users browse all installed applications without opening a separate panel.
- Customizable sections: Users can hide or disable recommended files and apps, and adjust or collapse the pinned app grid to streamline their workspace.
- New layout views: Choose between “Category” view to group apps by type, “Grid” view for alphabetically sorted apps with larger icons, or the classic “List” view with a traditional alphabetical layout.
- Phone Link integration: The Start Menu now connects directly with the Phone Link app, displaying mobile content right within the menu for seamless cross-device experiences.
- Enhanced personalization: Greater control over app groups, layout density, and quick-access areas allows users to tailor the Start Menu to their specific workflows.
This update reflects Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to address longstanding criticism about Windows 11’s rigid usability and limited customization options. The company has faced consistent pressure from its user community to restore the flexibility found in earlier Windows versions—a concern acknowledged in Microsoft’s design blog accompanying the OS update.
“Design is a conversation, not a monologue,” the company stated. “Yesterday, we listened intently. Today, we speak in pixels. Tomorrow, we’ll listen again. Install the latest Windows update, click that familiar icon, and tell us what resonates—or what still needs fine-tuning.”
Tighter Ecosystem Integration
The latest Windows release marks a strategic shift toward greater personalization and deeper integration across the Windows ecosystem.
The redesigned Start Menu is currently offered as an optional non-security preview update to users who have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” setting. Microsoft is deploying the feature gradually, so not all users will see it immediately. A broader rollout is expected during the company’s regular Patch Tuesday release cycle.
While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed whether this new Start Menu will permanently replace the previous version, current documentation indicates there’s no built-in option to revert to the old layout after installing the update. However, users can still disable or adjust individual components—such as the Phone Link panel—through system settings.
For end users, this Windows 11 update represents a welcome step toward a cleaner, more intuitive interface, enabling smoother navigation across desktop, mobile, and cloud-connected devices. The unified app list and improved search functionality streamline everyday tasks, while personalization options help reduce clutter and keep focus on the tools users rely on most.
The redesign also reinforces Microsoft’s broader strategy of keeping Windows user-centric. It signals a tighter integration between Windows, Microsoft 365, and AI-powered Copilot features, further solidifying the OS as the hub for both personal and professional productivity.
