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Windows 11 Start Menu 25H2 update as one of Microsoft’s most visible interface shifts since Windows 11 launched. The Windows 11 Start Menu now occupies almost 90 percent of screen height on standard displays, compared to roughly half the screen in earlier builds. Microsoft structures the layout into three clear sections. The top shows Pinned apps. The middle displays Recommended items. The lower area presents a full All Apps list grouped into categories such as Productivity and Developer Tools. This design moves the Start Menu closer to a mobile style launcher, where vertical scrolling and category sorting drive app discovery.
Windows 11 Start Menu Layout and Customization Changes
The Windows 11 Start Menu in 25H2 introduces multiple layout views. Users can switch between Category, List, and Grid formats for the All Apps section. Category view clusters applications under functional labels. List view shows a traditional alphabetical structure. Grid view emphasizes icons over text. Microsoft says user research showed demand for faster access to installed apps and clearer organization. The company responds by placing the full app library directly inside the main panel instead of behind a separate screen.
The update also allows users to disable the Recommended feed in Settings. Earlier versions displayed recent files and suggested apps with limited control. That decision triggered criticism from users who preferred a cleaner layout. With 25H2, Microsoft adds a toggle that hides this section entirely. This change signals that Microsoft listens to feedback, but it also reflects a shift in balance. The company keeps algorithmic suggestions available, yet it gives users more authority over visibility.
At the same time, Microsoft declines requests for deeper structural changes. The company does not allow menu resizing. It does not restore taskbar repositioning to the top or sides of the screen. Microsoft argues that these options would disrupt animation flow and interface consistency. This stance confirms that design cohesion takes priority over legacy flexibility.
Phone Link Integration and Rollout Timeline
The Windows 11 Start Menu now integrates Phone Link more directly. Users can access connected smartphone content from within the Start panel. This integration reduces the need to open a separate app window. It supports message previews, notifications, and recent activity from a linked device. Microsoft aims to strengthen cross device continuity. The Start Menu becomes a central command area rather than a simple app launcher.
Microsoft began testing the redesigned Windows 11 Start Menu in preview builds in late 2025. The rollout expanded through optional updates before accelerating with the January 2026 Patch Tuesday release. Both Windows 11 version 25H2 and 24H2 receive the updated interface. This dual version distribution ensures broader adoption and reduces fragmentation across supported builds.
The expanded interface raises practical concerns. Users with lower resolution displays may find the taller panel intrusive. The larger footprint reduces visible desktop space while the menu is open. Power users who prefer compact menus may turn to third party customization tools, since Windows 10 style layouts no longer exist as a built in option.
In the near term, the Windows 11 Start Menu redesign will likely normalize as users adjust to its scale and structure. In the longer view, this update signals Microsoft’s direction. The company positions the Start Menu as a unified hub for apps, files, and connected devices. Whether users embrace this vision will depend on how well the larger interface fits daily workflows.
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