Microsoft has made the new Start menu developed for Windows 11 accessible to testers. This new design, offered as part of the Windows Insider program, includes significant changes compared to previous versions in terms of both ease of use and personalization options.

Windows 11’s Start menu has changed

The first notable change in the new Start menu is that all applications are now directly accessible at the top level of the menu. While previous versions required a separate page for applications, this update eliminates the need for a transition.

Users can easily view long application lists by scrolling horizontally or vertically. The menu structure is automatically rearranged according to the screen size. While there are eight pinned applications, six recommended content, and four category columns on large-screen devices, these numbers change to six, four, and three, respectively, on small-screen devices.

Microsoft is offering two new view options on the Start menu with this update. In the first, category view, applications are grouped according to their purpose or type of use. This view provides an organized usage experience for users who want to see applications of the same type together.

The second option, the grid view, lists applications in alphabetical order and offers a more classic menu structure. In both views, users can close the “Recommended” section and view more applications in the menu.

A new mobile device button added to the menu with the update is also noteworthy. This button allows the “Phone Connection” interface to be expanded and collapsed next to the Start menu. This feature makes integration with mobile devices more visible and accessible.

In addition, widgets on the lock screen now offer more control. Users can add and remove these widgets and change their location. The new Start menu is currently only accessible to test users. It has not yet been announced when Microsoft will release the stable version update.