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Windows 11’s revised Start menu is better if you want more control over its size and which sections appear. It is not a universal upgrade: Windows 10 offered a full-screen Start layout and live tiles, features Microsoft has not said are returning in the new Windows 11 menu.
What changed in the new Windows 11 Start menu?
Microsoft’s September 22, 2026 preview release notes describe several changes to Start:
- You can choose Small or Large sizing, alongside Automatic (default).
- The section previously called Recommended is renamed Recent.
- You can hide your name and profile picture.
- Separate settings let you show or hide Pinned, Recommended, and All.
The notes use both the new “Recent” name and “Recommended” in describing the section controls. They establish the label change, but do not explain whether the section’s contents have changed. Microsoft’s September 22 update notes describe the released changes.
Is it better than the previous Windows 11 menu?
For people who wanted a simpler Start menu or more say over what it displays, the new version is a practical improvement: you can resize it and independently control visibility of its main sections. If you were already happy with the previous menu, these options may not make much difference to you.
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There is no cited head-to-head usability study establishing that the new menu is faster, more productive, or more satisfying. “Better” therefore depends on which options you value, not a demonstrated advantage for every user.
How does it compare with Windows 10 Start?
“Old Start” can mean either the previous Windows 11 menu or the Windows 10 Start menu. The Windows 10 comparison involves a more substantial design tradeoff.
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| Feature | New Windows 11 Start | Windows 10 Start |
|---|---|---|
| Size and screen use | Small, Large, or Automatic sizing, according to Microsoft’s September 22, 2026 notes. | Microsoft documents dragging the menu’s edges to resize it and an option to use full-screen Start. Windows 10 Start menu support. |
| Section visibility | Independent controls for Pinned, Recommended, and All, according to Microsoft’s September 22, 2026 notes. | Not stated in the cited Microsoft Windows 10 support page. |
| Recent content | The section formerly called Recommended is renamed Recent; the notes do not establish whether its contents are different. | Not stated in the cited Microsoft Windows 10 support page. |
| Live tiles | The update notes do not announce that live tiles are included. | Microsoft’s support documentation describes live tiles. |
If you relied on Windows 10’s full-screen layout or live tiles, the new menu is not documented as restoring those features. If you prefer adjustable sizing and independent section controls, the new Windows 11 options may suit you better.
How to make the Start menu smaller or hide sections
On a device that has received the menu update, open Settings > Personalization > Start to find the documented Start controls. The release notes describe the available choices rather than a click-by-click setup guide:
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- Choose Small, Large, or Automatic (default) for menu size.
- Use the separate controls to show or hide Pinned, Recommended, and All.
- Turn off the option to show your name and profile picture if you want to hide them.
The notes call the renamed section Recent in the menu description, but refer to it as Recommended in the section controls.
How to get the Windows 11 26H2 update
Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 26H2 on September 29, 2026. As of October 8, 2026, Microsoft says it is available to eligible devices running versions 24H2 and 25H2. Its controlled rollout means eligible devices may not all be offered the update at the same time; Microsoft may also apply a safeguard hold if it detects a compatibility issue.
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- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available if you want to be among the first offered updates.
- Check Windows Update for the 26H2 offer. This setting does not guarantee an immediate offer if the rollout has not reached your device or a safeguard hold applies.
See Microsoft’s Windows 11 2026 Update availability announcement for its rollout information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to make of early preview descriptions
In October 2025, Microsoft described an adaptive Start design in a Canary build, including different counts of pinned apps, recommendations, and categories for larger and smaller devices. Microsoft cautioned that Canary features are early development and may never ship. Those preview-era descriptions should not be treated as specifications for the released menu.
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