For Windows 11 users, the Start menu has been a source of frustration since day one. The streamlined design removed many beloved features, leaving people clamoring for more control. Now, Microsoft is testing a significant update that addresses these pain points head-on. From organizing apps into folders to revamping the layout, these changes aim to make the Start menu both powerful and intuitive again. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming interface shakeup.
What is the most annoying aspect of the Windows 11 Start menu that Microsoft is finally fixing?
The biggest complaint has been the inability to organize pinned apps into folders. In Windows 10, users could drag an app icon onto another to create a folder, keeping the Start screen tidy. Windows 11 removed this capability, forcing everyone to rely on a flat, sprawling grid. Microsoft is now testing folder support in the Start menu. You’ll be able to drag one pinned app onto another to automatically form a folder. This restores a key organizational tool that power users and casual users alike have missed for years. The change is part of a broader effort to make the Start menu more customizable without sacrificing its modern look.
How will the new folder feature work in the Start menu?
When the update rolls out, you’ll be able to create folders by simply dragging a pinned app over another pinned app. A small folder container will appear, and you can add more apps by dropping them in. You can also rename the folder to something meaningful, like “Utilities” or “Games.” To open the folder, click or tap on it to expand and view the apps inside. This behavior mirrors the folder system already present on some mobile device launchers and the legacy Start screen. It provides a clean way to reduce clutter and group similar apps together, making it much easier to find what you need quickly.
What other Start menu improvements are being tested besides folders?
Beyond folders, Microsoft is experimenting with a few other quality-of-life changes. One is the ability to show the “All apps” list as the default view instead of the “Pinned” section. Currently, the Start menu always opens to a mix of pinned and recommended apps. The new toggle would let you prioritize the alphabetical app list, which many advanced users prefer. Another tweak involves the size and layout of the pinned area—you may soon be able to adjust the number of rows or columns. Microsoft is also testing the option to hide the “Recommended” section entirely, giving you a cleaner, more focused Start experience. These changes come from user feedback collected through the Insider program.
When can Windows 11 users expect these Start menu changes?
These features are currently being tested in the Windows Insider Preview builds, specifically within the Dev and Beta channels. As with any testing phase, there’s no official release date for the stable version. However, based on typical Microsoft rollouts, the changes could appear in a feature update later this year—possibly around the fall of 2025. Some smaller improvements might show up in cumulative updates sooner. Microsoft will likely refine the features based on Insider feedback before pushing them to all users. To get early access, you can join the Windows Insider Program, but be aware that preview builds may contain bugs and unfinished elements.
Are there any other interface changes coming to Windows 11 alongside the Start menu update?
Yes, the same testing builds include adjustments to the taskbar and System Tray. One notable tweak is the return of the “Never combine” option for taskbar icons, letting you see separate buttons for each window instead of grouping them. This feature was removed in the initial Windows 11 release and is highly requested. Microsoft is also revamping the right-click context menu to use less space and show common actions faster. Additionally, the File Explorer preview pane is being updated with a modern design. These changes, together with the Start menu overhaul, represent one of the most significant interface updates since Windows 11 launched.
Will these Start menu changes affect performance or reliability?
Based on early Insider reports, the folders and layout tweaks are designed to be lightweight and should not noticeably impact system performance. The changes are primarily UI adjustments that leverage existing rendering routines. However, because the features are in testing, you might encounter occasional glitches like jarring animations or disappearing icons in preview builds. Microsoft will likely optimize the code before the final release to ensure reliability. If you prefer a stable system, it’s best to wait for the official rollout. Once live, the update should integrate smoothly without degrading battery life or responsiveness on compatible hardware.