Microsoft has begun widely rolling out a redesigned Start menu for Windows 11 users as part of its 25H2 update, introducing a larger, mobile-inspired interface that takes up significantly more screen space than previous versions.
The new Start menu is structured into three sections: Pinned apps, Recommended items, and a complete All Apps list organized by categories like “Productivity” and “Developer Tools.” The interface covers approximately 90 percent of screen height on standard displays, compared to 50-60 percent previously. Users can choose between Category, List, and Grid view layouts to customize their app discovery experience.
A key addition is enhanced Phone Link integration, allowing users to access connected smartphone content directly from the Start menu. The redesign also lets users hide the Recommended feed through Settings, addressing previous concerns about mandatory recommendations.
The gradual rollout began in late 2025 through preview builds and optional updates, with the January 2026 Patch Tuesday update accelerating distribution to mainstream users. Both Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 will receive the update.
Microsoft developed the redesign based on extensive user research, with feedback indicating demand for faster app discovery and greater customization. However, the company has rejected requests for resizable menus or taskbar repositioning, arguing these would compromise animations and user experience flow.
The expanded menu size has raised concerns for users with lower-resolution displays or limited screen space. Additionally, the classic Windows 10 Start menu layout is no longer available as a built-in option, though third-party tools remain available as alternatives.
