If you’ve been hesitant to embrace Windows 11 due to dissatisfaction with its Start menu, recent developments may pique your interest.
Emerging Features from the Beta Channel
Tech enthusiasts have recently discovered a new “category” view within the Start menu, reminiscent of the familiar layout found in Windows 10. This feature, while not fully customizable—users won’t have the option to create personalized categories like “awesome stuff”—will automatically organize applications into predefined groups such as “entertainment” and “music.”
This intriguing find was shared by Twitter/X user @phantomofearth, who explored the latest Windows 11 beta, specifically Build 22635.4082, available in the Beta Channel. The discovery suggests that these enhancements could soon be accessible to a broader audience.
However, there’s a caveat: the category view is currently activated through specialized tools that enable hidden registry entries. Microsoft has yet to officially acknowledge this feature, as noted by Neowin. The rigidity of the current Start menu has drawn criticism, and the introduction of categories represents a significant step toward greater flexibility.
In addition to the category view, the latest beta also introduces media controls on the lock screen. This means that users can manage their media playback without needing to unlock their PCs, a handy feature for those without a Windows Hello camera. For users equipped with such technology, the system will likely recognize them and unlock the device seamlessly.
As Windows continues its journey toward the anticipated release of Windows 11 24H2 this fall, the potential inclusion of Start’s Categories could enhance the user experience significantly.