Microsoft has officially announced a new Start menu experience for Windows 11, featuring a more customizable layout and deep integration with Windows Phone Link. The first hints of the new Start menu capabilities appeared about a month ago. According to leaks, the company is working on a unified layout that combines the all apps list with the main Start menu interface.
Image source: Microsoft
Now, the new Start menu has officially been unveiled as part of a larger wave of new features coming to Windows 11. The new Start menu includes three different views for the list of all apps, which has moved to the bottom of the window. Choose from the traditional list view, or new options like a grid or grouped categories.
On the right side of the Start menu, a single click of the button next to the search bar brings up the Phone Link interface, which shows your current battery level, connection status, and recent photos and messages.
The updated Start menu has received expanded customization options. By default, a list of pinned applications is now available. You can now hide the Recommended ribbon – in this case, pinned applications will be displayed immediately above the list of all applications.
«“The Start menu is getting personal — with more options to customize and organize your apps,” said Navjok Virk, director of Windows Experiences at Microsoft. “The new All apps category view is automatically sorted based on the apps and categories you use most, so you can quickly access all your favorites. And now your connected Android or iOS device is just a click away.”