Microsoft has introduced significant updates to the Start menu of Windows 11, addressing a long-standing issue that users have faced since the operating system”s launch four years ago. The new Start menu, which is gradually being rolled out, eliminates the need for an extra click to access a full list of installed applications.
Previously, users had to click the “All” button to see all their apps, but the redesigned menu now offers three different viewing options. The original Start menu featured a Recommended section, which displayed shortcuts to apps and files that Windows suggested, placed below pinned applications.
The updated menu includes the option to disable the Recommended section. Users can do this by right-clicking anywhere within the Start menu, selecting Settings, navigating to the Personalization options, and toggling off the settings for showing recently added apps, recommended files, and tips.
When the Recommended section is hidden, users will see a comprehensive list of all their apps directly beneath the pinned shortcuts. If the Recommended section remains visible, the complete list of applications will appear below it. The new layout allows users to display the app list in a grid format arranged alphabetically, in an alphabetical list, or grouped by categories, with the grid option providing the most detailed view.
To access the updated Start menu, users must be running build versions 26100.7019, 26200.7019, or newer of Windows 11. Ensuring that all updates are installed is essential, which can be confirmed by going to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button. Users can verify their Windows build number by pressing Windows+R to open the run dialog and typing in “winver”.
If users meet the build requirements but do not see the new Start menu, they can enable it using a third-party tool called ViveTool. After downloading ViveTool and extracting it to the C drive, users should open a command prompt as an administrator, navigate to the ViveTool directory, and execute the appropriate command to activate the new Start menu features. A restart will be necessary for the changes to take effect.
