Microsoft’s Secret Layout Tweaks
- Microsoft is experimenting wiht a redesigned Start menu in recent Windows 11 Insider Preview builds.
- The updated Start menu was initially implemented in Dev Channel Build 26200.5518. According to reports, the features have been backported to the 23H2 Build 22635.5170, available to Windows...
- Upon activation, the new Start menu reveals more than just cosmetic tweaks.
Table of Contents
- Windows 11 start Menu Redesign Hidden in Insider Builds
- Windows 11 Start Menu Redesign: Your Questions Answered
- What’s new with the Start menu in Windows 11?
- How can I access this redesigned Start menu?
- What are the key changes in the updated Start menu?
- what’s different about the app list view options?
- Will the new Start menu feature AI-powered groupings?
- Why is Microsoft making these changes to the Start menu?
- What is feature ID 44774629?
- Is Microsoft planning to bring back Live Tiles?
- When will the redesigned Start menu be available to all users?
- What improvements are expected with the new Start Menu design?
- Will the new Start menu allow for manual sorting of apps?
- What does the future hold for the Windows 11 Start menu?
Microsoft is experimenting wiht a redesigned Start menu in recent Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. While not officially enabled, tech enthusiasts have uncovered the hidden feature, revealing meaningful changes to the user interface and functionality.
The updated Start menu was initially implemented in Dev Channel Build 26200.5518. According to reports, the features have been backported to the 23H2 Build 22635.5170, available to Windows Insiders. The changes remain hidden, requiring manual activation, suggesting internal testing or a preview for advanced users.
Upon activation, the new Start menu reveals more than just cosmetic tweaks. the layout is larger,and the “All apps” list no longer has its own dedicated page,indicating a substantial shift in how users navigate their applications.
Expanded Space and Enhanced Structure
The visible modifications suggest a Start menu designed to display more content at a glance. The area for pinned apps and groups has been widened, while recommendations are smaller and can be disabled entirely. Microsoft has added space underneath for the “All Apps” list, which users can access by scrolling down.
Users will have the option to choose their preferred view for the app list. In addition to the classic,alphabetically sorted list,a grid view will be available. This grid view displays apps side-by-side as larger icons, also sorted alphabetically.A new category view organizes apps into store categories,presented as folders.
These changes could pave the way for more intelligent institution or AI-powered groupings, even though such features are not currently visible. Apps from the internet and some correctly categorized store apps are often grouped into a “more” category.Manual sorting is not yet supported.
The updated Start menu continues to operate under the existing Shellui but with new layout parameters. Activation occurs via feature ID 44774629, suggesting Microsoft is testing various iterations internally, potentially in preparation for an A/B test with Insiders.
Addressing criticisms and Looking Ahead
The current Start menu design has faced criticism for being too rigid and lacking flexibility. While a return to the live tile era is unlikely, a more modern and customizable interface could better engage users in the long term.Testing the larger layout is highly likely a step in this direction, notably regarding accessibility and touch control.
Microsoft is rethinking the Start menu, at least incrementally.Those who believed the Start menu was a finished product can anticipate further iterations in the future.
Microsoft is currently testing a redesigned Start menu within recent Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. while not yet officially available to all users,this hidden feature,wich tech enthusiasts have uncovered,offers a glimpse into potential modifications and improvements to the user interface and overall functionality.
The redesigned Start menu is not yet enabled by default and requires manual activation.You’ll need to be a Windows Insider to potentially see these changes. The source material mentions the features were implemented in the Dev Channel Build 26200.5518 and backported to the 23H2 Build 22635.5170.
The new Start menu features several key modifications that aim to enhance the user experience,including:
- Larger Layout: The area designated for pinned apps and app groups has been expanded.
- Enhanced Structure: The “All apps” list no longer has its own dedicated page, optimizing app navigation.
- customizable App List Views: Users can select from an alphabetically sorted list, a grid view (with larger icons), and a category view.
- Proposal Adjustments: Recommendations are smaller and can be disabled which enhances personalization.
- Potential for Future Grouping: The design opens the door to future clever grouping or AI-powered organization.
what’s different about the app list view options?
The redesigned Start menu introduces multiple methods for viewing your apps. You’ll have three main options:
- Classic List View: The standard alphabetically arranged list.
- Grid View: Displays apps side-by-side with larger icons, also sorted alphabetically.
- Category View: Organizes apps based on their store categories which are organized into folders.
while not currently visible, the changes in the new Start Menu design could facilitate AI-powered groupings or more intelligent organization in the future. The current iteration groups apps from the internet and some correctly categorized store apps into a “more” category. Manual sorting is not yet supported.
The current Start menu in Windows 11 has drawn criticism for its perceived rigidity and lack of customization options. This redesign appears to be a response, with the goal of creating a more flexible and user-friendly experience. Enhanced accessibility and improved touch control are also driving factors in the development of the new Start Menu.
What is feature ID 44774629?
Feature ID 44774629 is the internal ID used by Microsoft to activate the new Start menu layout during internal testing. This suggests Microsoft is testing variations of the design, possibly in readiness for an A/B test with Windows Insiders.
Is Microsoft planning to bring back Live Tiles?
The source material indicates that a return to the live-tile era is unlikely. The redesign focuses on a modern, customizable interface, but not with Live Tiles.
There’s no concrete release date for the redesigned Start menu. As it’s currently hidden within Insider builds, its availability to the general public hinges on Microsoft’s internal testing and future announcements. The mention of A/B testing implies a potential for wider rollout in the future.
here is a summary table of the main advantages noted by Microsoft in the new Start Menu:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Larger Layout | Allows for better visibility of pinned apps and groups. |
| Enhanced Navigation | Streamlines app revelation compared to dedicated pages. |
| Customizable Views | Offers enhanced app list viewing methods. |
| Smaller Recommendations | This offers personalization and can also be wholly disabled |
| Future Potential | Could integrate AI-driven app category options. |
currently, manual sorting of apps within the redesigned Start menu is not supported. The system primarily relies on alphabetical listing, grid view and category views.
Microsoft is incrementally rethinking the Start menu. Those who thought the Start menu was a finished product can expect further iterations in the future. The larger layout and other design adjustments will likely be refined over time, as Microsoft gathers feedback from Insiders and finalizes its new interface.