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Microsoft’s redesigned Windows 11 Start menu began as a preview for Beta Channel Insiders in June 2025. It brought pinned apps, recommendations and the installed-app list into one scrollable menu, with category and grid browsing. Microsoft later previewed more layout controls, but its official updates reviewed through September 25, 2026, do not establish when—or whether—this specific redesign will reach Windows users generally.
What changed in the Start menu?
Microsoft announced the redesign on June 9, 2025, for Windows 11 version 24H2 Beta Channel Insiders using Build 26120.4250 (KB5060820). The original Start menu placed pinned apps at the top, recommended apps and files in the middle, and installed apps below. Instead of opening a separate “All” page, users could scroll through these sections in one menu. Microsoft’s announcement described a gradual rollout, so not every eligible Insider was expected to receive it at once.
Browse installed apps by category or grid
The installed-app section offered category and grid views. Category view grouped apps automatically: a category appeared when at least three apps fit it; otherwise, apps remained in “Other.” Grid view listed installed apps alphabetically and used more horizontal space.
The layout adapted to the device
Microsoft’s 2025 examples showed different arrangements for larger and smaller devices. These are design examples from the announcement, not measurements of performance or adoption.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
| Example device size | Pinned-app columns | Recommendations shown | Category columns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larger | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Smaller | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Pinned and recommendation sections could collapse or expand depending on their contents and settings. To control recommendation types in the original preview, open Settings > Personalization > Start; Microsoft listed toggles for recently added apps, recommended files, websites from browsing history and tips.
What controls did Microsoft add later?
In Experimental Preview Build 26300.8553, released May 29, 2026, Microsoft documented additional Start settings. The options let users rename “Recommended” to “Recent,” independently show or hide Pinned, Recommended and All, choose small or large sizing alongside Automatic, and hide the account name and profile picture. Microsoft also described a redesigned settings page. The release notes say Experimental features use controlled rollouts and may change or never ship beyond Insider builds.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
A subsequent Experimental Preview, Build 26300.8697, described improved reliability when Start updates after apps are installed or removed, without requiring a sign-out or restart. That update was published June 19, 2026. See Microsoft’s notes for that build.
Is the redesigned Start menu generally available?
The official material reviewed does not confirm broad availability of this redesign or give it a general-release date. Microsoft’s latest dated build announcement in the sources here, published September 25, 2026, described a separate Start-menu Phone companion change in the Experimental channel: a scrollable side pane for viewing more recent phone activity. It did not announce a general release for the redesigned menu. Read the September 25 announcement.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Windows 11 version 26H2 entered the Release Preview Channel on August 27, 2026, ahead of general availability later that calendar year. Microsoft said 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share a servicing branch, and that many features had already arrived through monthly updates. The September 10 Release Preview notes for 24H2 and 25H2 did not identify the Start-menu redesign as a new feature in that release. These announcements do not prove that the redesign is absent from every retail device; they leave its broad-release status unresolved. Microsoft’s 26H2 announcement and the September 10 Release Preview notes provide the release context.
How to check whether you can try it
- Check your Insider channel and build. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to review your enrollment. The original redesign was announced for Beta Channel Build 26120.4250; the later layout options were documented in Experimental Preview Build 26300.8553.
- Check Windows Update settings. Microsoft described the initial Beta rollout as gradual, and the later Experimental options as controlled rollouts. Having the right channel or build does not guarantee the feature appears immediately.
- Review Start personalization settings. If the options have reached your PC, open Settings > Personalization > Start to look for recommendation controls and any available layout or section choices.
Insider features are previews, not release commitments. Microsoft warns that features may change, be removed or never be released beyond the program. Its original announcement also explains that rollout ramps over time.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
What about the Start menu’s Phone companion?
The original June 2025 announcement also described a mobile-device button beside Search to expand or collapse Phone Link content. At that time, Microsoft said support for connected Android and iOS devices was generally available in most markets and would come later in 2025 to the European Economic Area. That was a historical availability statement; it should not be treated as confirmation of current regional support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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