Microsoft has finally started rolling out a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11, much to the relief of users of the world’s leading operating system.
Redesigned to offer a more modern and customizable experience, the long-awaited update is available to users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 of the platform and arrives as a non-security-related preview update called KB5067036.
The new Start menu features a refreshed design that prioritizes customization and improved visibility. Key new features include:
- “All Apps” scrollable list: A single, unified surface that allows users to navigate through all installed applications without opening a separate panel.
- Customizable sections: Users can disable or hide the recommended files/apps section and adjust/collapse the pinned apps grid to simplify their workspace.
- New layout views: Choose between the “Category” view, which groups apps by type, the “Grid” view, which displays apps alphabetically with larger icons, or the classic “List” view for a traditional alphabetical layout.
- Telephone link integration: Start now connects with the Phone Link app, displaying mobile content directly within the menu for seamless continuity between devices.
- Improved customization settings: More control over how app groups appear, layout density, and quick access areas, giving users the opportunity to tailor Home to their workflow.
The update reflects Microsoft’s ongoing effort to address long-standing criticism of Windows 11’s rigid usability and limited customization. The company has been under constant pressure from its user community to restore more flexible features from previous versions of Windows, which it addressed in its design blog by introducing the updated operating system in early 2025.
“Design is a conversation, not a monologue,” the company stated. “Yesterday we listened with all ears, today we talk with pixels; tomorrow we’ll take our turn and listen again. Install the latest version of Windows, click on that familiar logo, and tell us what sings, or what still needs tweaking.”
Greater ecosystem integration
This latest version of Windows signals a shift toward greater customization and tighter integration across the Windows ecosystem.
The redesigned Start menu is currently available through the optional non-security preview update for users who have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available” setting. Microsoft is taking a phased approach, meaning not all users will see the update right away. A broader rollout is expected during Microsoft’s regular Patch Tuesday release.
While Microsoft has not stated whether the new Start menu will replace the previous version permanently, documentation suggests that there is currently no built-in option to revert to the previous layout once the update is installed. However, users can adjust or disable individual sections, such as the Phone Link panel, through system settings.
For end users, the Windows 11 update is a welcome step towards a cleaner, more intuitive interface that allows for better navigation between desktop, mobile, and cloud-connected devices. The unified app list and improved search make daily tasks more efficient, while customization options allow users to reduce clutter and focus on the tools they use most.
The redesign also underpins Microsoft’s broader strategy of keeping Windows user-oriented. It hints at tighter integration between Windows, Microsoft 365, and AI-powered Copilot features to solidify the operating system’s role as the hub of both personal and professional productivity.
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