According to Windows Central, Microsoft is officially rolling out a completely redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 that combines previously separate pages into a single, larger scrollable layout. The new design, scheduled for release with the November 2025 Security Update, features three main sections—Pinned, Recommended, and All—with the Pinned section displaying two rows of apps by default and up to eight pins per row. Notably, users can now hide the controversial Recommended section, though it requires disabling multiple options rather than a single toggle. The All apps section has been integrated into the main interface with new sorting options including Category, Name grid, and Name list views, while the layout automatically groups similar applications when at least three from the same category are detected. This represents Microsoft’s most significant Start menu redesign since Windows 11 launched in 2021.
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Microsoft’s Evolving Design Philosophy
This redesign represents Microsoft’s continued struggle to balance user familiarity with modern interface principles. The shift toward a unified scrollable layout reflects contemporary mobile design patterns where users expect continuous scrolling rather than segmented pages. What’s particularly telling is Microsoft’s decision to abandon several more radical prototypes, including a personalized “For You” dashboard and left-hand navigation pane concepts that the company’s design team explored. This conservative approach suggests Microsoft has learned from the backlash against Windows 8’s dramatic interface changes, opting instead for evolutionary improvements that maintain the fundamental Start menu structure while modernizing the interaction model.
The Ecosystem Integration Play
The inclusion of mobile device integration—showing a toggle for the mobile sidebar when a compatible device is connected—reveals Microsoft’s broader strategy of creating a cohesive ecosystem across devices. This isn’t just about improving the desktop experience; it’s about positioning Windows as the hub for a connected digital life. The automatic categorization feature, which groups similar applications, demonstrates Microsoft’s increasing reliance on AI and machine learning to organize content, though this raises questions about privacy and how Microsoft defines application categories. The company’s design documentation suggests they’re building toward more intelligent, context-aware interfaces that anticipate user needs rather than simply responding to commands.
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The User Control Dilemma
Microsoft’s approach to the Recommended section highlights an ongoing tension between user customization and business objectives. While allowing users to hide promotional content represents a concession to user feedback, the multi-step process to disable it suggests Microsoft isn’t ready to completely abandon this revenue and discovery channel. The inability to manually resize the new larger layout may frustrate power users who prefer compact interfaces, reflecting Microsoft’s trend toward opinionated design decisions that prioritize aesthetic consistency over granular customization. This follows patterns seen in other Microsoft products where the company increasingly dictates interface standards rather than offering extensive customization options.
Competitive Context and Future Implications
This redesign arrives as Microsoft faces increasing pressure from ChromeOS and macOS, both of which have refined their application launchers in recent years. The scrollable, categorized approach bears similarities to modern mobile app drawers, suggesting Microsoft is aligning Windows with dominant interaction patterns from other platforms. Looking forward, the simplified settings structure and integrated sidebar functionality suggest Microsoft is preparing for more ambitious ecosystem integrations, potentially including deeper ties with cloud services and mobile device platforms. The company’s design evolution points toward a future where Windows serves as the connective tissue between multiple devices and services rather than simply a standalone operating system.
Potential Implementation Challenges
The transition to this new Start menu design may face several practical challenges. Enterprise environments with standardized desktop configurations may resist the changes, particularly given the fixed layout size and altered settings structure. The automatic categorization system could create confusion if applications are miscategorized, and the reliance on machine learning for organization introduces potential reliability concerns. Microsoft’s phased rollout approach through Windows Update suggests the company anticipates potential compatibility issues, particularly with third-party customization tools and enterprise management systems that interact with Start menu components. The success of this redesign will ultimately depend on how well Microsoft balances innovation with stability in one of Windows’ most frequently used interface elements.
