Windows 11 Start Menu Gains More Customization Options

Windows 11 users can now customize the Start Menu to resemble an Android app drawer. The recent update by Microsoft offers a cleaner, more organized interface.

Customization Steps and Features

Several steps enable this transformation. Users can turn off mobile device display via Settings > Personalization > Start. Disabling options like 'Show recently added apps' and 'Show recommended files' reduces clutter. Switching to 'Grid View' in the Start Menu displays apps alphabetically, akin to Android's app drawer format.

Further customization involves unpinning all apps from the Start Menu. This maximizes space for the grid layout, enhancing organization.

Market and User Implications

The update signifies Microsoft's responsiveness to user preferences for more personalized experiences. It aligns with broader trends towards cross-platform design uniformity. This flexibility appeals to users seeking a unified interface across devices.

Overall, this move shows a modest, but meaningful shift towards greater customization in Windows 11.

Update: 17 Jun 2026