Microsoft has introduced a revamped Start menu for Windows 11, rolling out in November 2025, featuring a larger layout and new functionalities.
New Features and Layout
The updated Start menu in Windows 11 is now divided into three sections: Pinned, Recommended, and All. The Pinned section allows users to save their favorite apps, while the Recommended section highlights apps suggested by Microsoft. The All section provides a scrollable list of all installed applications. Additionally, the menu integrates Phone Link, enabling users to access a connected smartphone directly from the Start menu.
User Feedback and Criticism
Microsoft states that these changes address user requests for a more functional layout. The new design includes options to group apps by category or organize them by name in a grid or list format. Supporters appreciate the smarter suggestions in the Recommended section, the persistent Pinned section, and the Phone Link feature. However, critics argue that the menu occupies too much screen space and lacks size customization. The Recommended section has also faced criticism for promoting Microsoft-selected content, and turning it off requires disabling other features like browsing history and recent apps.
Comparisons and User Preferences
Many users have expressed a preference for simpler, more straightforward menus, comparing the new design unfavorably to older versions like Windows 7. Despite the mixed feedback, Microsoft continues to evolve Windows 11 based on user input and technological advancements.
