Microsoft has begun rolling out its boldest Start Menu redesign since Windows 10, replacing the classic two-pane layout with a larger, single-page scrollable interface following January 2026’s cumulative update KB5074109. The revamped menu integrates Phone Link, Copilot hooks, and automated app categorization — changes not everyone requested. Customization remains frustratingly limited, with no resize option or official rollback available. User reactions are sharply divided, and there’s considerably more to this story worth uncovering.
Microsoft has officially commenced a broader rollout of a redesigned Windows 11 Start Menu, which is now reaching more devices through a staged Windows Update delivery following the January 2026 cumulative update KB5074109. The change is significant, and users are already expressing their thoughts on it.
The redesign underwent several months of development, evolving from late 2024 through 2025 before becoming generally available. Microsoft‘s phased approach means that not every device will receive the update at the same time, but the rollout accelerated considerably in the final week of January 2026. For most Windows 11 users, the new Start Menu is either already present or on its way shortly.
The rollout accelerated sharply in late January 2026, with most Windows 11 users already receiving the redesigned Start Menu.
The visual transformation is striking. The new menu is noticeably larger, taking up considerably more screen space than its predecessor. The previous two-pane layout has been replaced with a single-page, vertically scrollable design that divides content into three sections: Pinned apps at the top, a Recommended section below, and an All apps view underneath that.
You can think of it as Microsoft condensing an entire filing cabinet into one long, scrollable drawer. The Pinned section accommodates up to eight icons across two collapsed rows, while All apps are now accessible at the top level with three viewing options—Category, Grid, and List—rather than being hidden behind a separate scroll pane.
The Recommended section defaults to displaying recent files, although users can toggle this off, which simultaneously impacts File Explorer and Jump Lists. Microsoft presents this as a more personal, calmer experience, though whether users agree is another matter entirely.
The integration features reveal Microsoft’s broader ambitions. Phone Link is seamlessly incorporated into the Start Menu through an attached phone panel, merging smartphone content from Android and iPhone devices. Copilot hooks are also included, featuring a Share with Copilot button. Microsoft is clearly positioning the Start Menu as a platform, rather than merely a launcher.
However, customisation options remain limited. There is no resize option, and the automated category grouping cannot be manually edited. There are no layout alternatives within the settings. Users can expand or collapse sections and pin frequently used apps, but the structural framework is fixed. Users who wish to revert to the previous design will find that no official rollback option exists, requiring third-party tools to restore the old Start Menu.
For power users accustomed to granular control, this is a notable frustration. User reactions have been mixed to pointed. Some find the single-page consolidation genuinely useful, while others have raised concerns about its sheer size, with comparisons to Windows 8 resurfacing—a reference Microsoft likely hoped to avoid. Many users continue to express a preference for the Windows 7 Start menu style, citing its simpler and more straightforward design as the preferred standard.
Complaints regarding forced automation, lack of visual profile options, and unwanted integrations have circulated across user communities. The redesigned Start Menu underscores Microsoft’s ongoing ambition to merge the desktop and mobile experience under a single interface.
Whether that convergence feels seamless or overwhelming will likely depend on who is at the keyboard. The rollout continues.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s overhaul of the Start Menu in Windows 11 is more than just a visual update; it signals a commitment to smarter organization and AI-driven personalization. As users adjust to these changes, the Moreton Bay Computer Repairs team is here to assist with any questions or adjustments you may need. If you’re looking to optimize your experience with the new Start Menu or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Click on our contact us page to get in touch today!
