The revamped Start Menu in Windows 11 has made its debut among Windows Insiders on the Canary Channel, bringing with it a suite of changes that strike a balance between novel design elements and improved functionality. This refreshed interface retains the typical top-ranking pinned and recommended apps while introducing a scrollable 'All' section that now accommodates two distinctive views: Category and Grid.
Within the Category view, apps are grouped by type, offering a more organized browsing experience that simplifies navigation through the diverse catalog of installed applications. Alternatively, the Grid view arranges apps alphabetically, while grouping them by initial letter, providing users a familiar yet efficient means to access their programs.
Notably, the Start Menu is now designed with responsiveness in mind, adapting to larger displays by showcasing up to eight columns of pinned apps, complemented by six recommendations and four columns dedicated to categories. This enhancement promotes ease of access and ensures that the interface remains fluent and user-friendly, even on expanded screens.
Personalization and Integration
Customization remains a focal point, as users are afforded the option to hide recommended apps and files through Settings. Meanwhile, the Phone Companion feature persists via a convenient new expand/collapse button located in the upper right corner of the Start Menu. Despite limited cross-device integrations available for Android and iOS within the European Economic Area until later this year, Microsoft ensures that users can still experience a degree of connectivity, emphasizing seamless access across devices.
The Windows Insider Canary channel introduces this redesign progressively, ensuring a smooth transition for users adjusting to the new visuals and functionality. Accompanying the fresh Start Menu is the automatic installation of the lightweight Edit command-line text editor, a handy addition to the Windows toolkit. At the same time, legacy users may note the removal of the .NET Framework 3.5, although it remains accessible as an optional Windows component to cater to any specific legacy needs.
This evolution of the Start Menu exemplifies Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining the user experience by introducing modern advancements while ensuring that familiar features remain accessible, adaptable, and in tune with user expectations.
