This is the redesign of the Start menu in Windows 11 that Microsoft is preparing.

Microsoft is preparing significant changes to one of the most distinctive elements of its operating system: the Windows 11 Start Menu.For years, this component has been essential for interacting with the system's various applications and tools, and now, everything indicates that its appearance and functionality are about to undergo a major transformation.

The settings being tested are looking for Simplify the interface, remove rarely used parts, and give the user more control over what they see when they open the menu.These modifications are part of an update that, although it is still in the evaluation phase for Insider program users, It could reach all computers compatible with the future major Windows 11 update., possibly versions 24H2 or 25H2.

A more compact and focused menu

Among the main novelties, The integration of all areas of the Start Menu into a single scrollable view is highlighted.Until now, the pinned apps, recommended items, and full program list sections were spread across multiple menu areas, which could hinder navigation or lead to a somewhat fragmented experience.

Microsoft's new proposal is betting on a cleaner and more continuous design, where the user can scroll down to see both their pinned and recent applications, or the full list, all without having to switch tabs or windows. This decision aims to facilitate immediate access to the most frequently used tools, without requiring unnecessary clicks.

In addition, a new option will be included in the system settings that will allow whether or not to display recommended files at the bottom of the menu. This feature has been criticized since the release of Windows 11, as many users felt the "Recommended" section offered little value and took up space that could be better used.

With this new possibility, Each person can decide whether to keep that section visible or simply hide it so that the menu focuses exclusively on pinned and installed applications, thus improving the clarity and simplicity of the environment.

More direct access to applications

An important change in this new version of the menu is the elimination of the need to manually expand the pinned applications sectionCurrently, when you open the Start Menu, only a few pinned apps are displayed, and you have to tap "Show all" to see the rest, which can slow down your interaction.

In the redesign, Microsoft will allow you to display all pinned apps from the beginning in the same view.There will also be a toggle so the user can decide whether they want to see only their favorite apps or combine them with the rest of their installed apps.

This type of decision puts the emphasis on personalization and giving the user more leeway over what appears on screen, a section that has been one of the main requests since the update to Windows 11, where many criticisms pointed precisely to the limited adjustability of the Start Menu.

A test update with a view to the future

The new features that are already available for some users are part of the current test build KB5055625, released within the Microsoft Insider channel. This means that They are still in the testing phase and may experience minor changes. before its arrival to the general public.

This build includes changes that They could be available in stable versions within the second half of 2025., according to Microsoft's usual rollout plans. While there's no official confirmation yet on a final release date, these features are expected to be part of upcoming major feature updates, such as 24H2 or 25H2.

Along with these modifications, small improvements have also been added related to File Explorer, such as the possibility of viewing recent files from the menu or from system shortcuts, which completes Microsoft's intention to make The Windows 11 experience is smoother, faster, and less reliant on multiple clicks or unnecessary sections..

The changes are presented as an intermediate step in the operating system's ongoing optimization process. The company appears to have listened to users, who, in many cases, had pointed out that the initial menu design was too far removed from the customs acquired with previous versions like Windows 10.

Based on that feedback, Microsoft has opted to return to a more functional style, without completely abandoning the modern aesthetic that characterizes its latest version of the system.Although testing and validation are still needed, initial impressions indicate that this is a welcome move.

All of these changes, taken together, create a new design approach that attempts to balance form and functionality. The idea is to make the Start Menu more intuitive and faster., reducing the number of steps to access what really matters to the user: their usual work or entertainment tools, without unnecessary interference or elements that distract attention.

Microsoft, aware that the Start Menu is the first thing many people see when they turn on their computer, seems to be focusing its efforts on offering a more polished experience focused on the real needs of everyday life.While still in testing, this revision proposes both an aesthetic and functional facelift that could mark a turning point in the way we interact with the operating system.