Microsoft Is Redesigning the Windows 11 Start Menu Again
Microsoft is preparing another major redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu, aiming to address widespread criticism of the version currently rolling out with Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The updated design, recently spotted in an Insider preview build, introduces greater customization, improved performance, and a more flexible layout that lets users choose between compact and expanded views.
The redesigned Start menu is expected to debut with Windows 11 26H2, scheduled for release later this year.
Resizable Start Menu Coming
One of the biggest additions is the ability to resize the Start menu.
Microsoft is testing two preset layouts:
- Large – Displays more pinned apps and larger category sections for users who prefer a spacious interface.
- Small – Offers a more compact Start menu that occupies less screen space, making it better suited for laptops and lower-resolution displays.
The current Start menu has been widely criticized for being oversized, and this change gives users more control over how much of their desktop it occupies.
More Control Over What You See
The new Start menu also introduces additional customization options.
Users will be able to hide several interface elements, including:
- The Pinned Apps section
- The All Apps list
- The Recommended section
- Their account name
- Their profile picture
These options allow users to create a cleaner, less cluttered Start menu tailored to their preferences.
Performance Improvements
The redesign isn’t limited to appearance.
Microsoft is rebuilding the Start menu using native WinUI, which should improve responsiveness and reduce loading times.
The update will also benefit from a new Low Latency Profile feature. This technology temporarily boosts CPU responsiveness during frequently performed actions—such as opening the Start menu—making the interface feel faster and smoother.
Expected With Windows 11 26H2
According to the Insider preview build, the redesigned Start menu is currently undergoing testing and represents a more significant overhaul than the version introduced throughout 2025.
If development stays on schedule, these changes are expected to become available with Windows 11 26H2, which is anticipated to launch around October.
By giving users greater control over the menu’s size, layout, and appearance while also improving performance, Microsoft appears to be responding directly to one of the most common complaints about Windows 11’s user interface.
