Microsoft confirms a major Windows 11 Start menu redesign for early 2026, featuring faster performance, clearer structure, and smartphone-like logic. Learn about key changes.
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Microsoft has officially confirmed that the Start menu in Windows 11 will undergo a major redesign. The company first previewed elements of the new design back in January, and now it's been revealed that the update will roll out gradually, becoming widely available to users in early 2026.
One of the key changes will be an increase in the menu's size and a revamp of its logic. Microsoft explained that the update isn't just about looks; it's also about performance. The company stated that the menu will work faster and has been adapted to evolving trends. The menu will get a clearer structure, with a search bar at the top, followed by pinned apps, then a recommendations section, and other elements. Microsoft has paid particular attention to the recommendations feed.
The company noted that the recommendations, which are personalized, learn in real-time, and users will have the option to hide them if they aren't useful. This is a significant departure from earlier versions of Windows 11, where disabling recommendations was impossible, a feature that often frustrated users.
Microsoft also highlighted that the new Start menu's logic will increasingly resemble a smartphone interface. The menu will be organized to prioritize the most frequently used functions and apps, aiming to eliminate endless scrolling, much like on a phone. The company believes this approach better aligns with modern PC usage scenarios.
The Start menu update is part of a broader strategy to improve Windows 11. Previously, Microsoft acknowledged that the system initially struggled to win over users. Pavan Davuluri, the head of the Windows division, emphasized the need to enhance Windows in ways that are meaningful to people.