Windows 11 Start Menu Changes: New Interface, Suggestions Item Hidden

Microsoft is rolling out a new design for the Start Menu on Windows 11, expected to be included in the 25H2 and 24H2 updates. The most notable change is the consolidation of pages into a single, larger scrollable layout and the ability to completely hide the controversial "Recommended" section.

Key changes in the new Start Menu design.

This update not only brings aesthetic changes but also significantly improves the user experience through structural and functional adjustments.

Unified and flexible scrolling layout

The new Start Menu eliminates separate pages, replacing them with a single scrollable interface divided into three main sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All." This layout is larger and automatically adjusts to screen resolution; however, users cannot manually resize it.

Additionally, the Start Menu will display a toggle switch for quick access to the mobile sidebar if a device is connected via the Phone Link app.

The ability to completely hide the "Suggestions" section.

Responding to user feedback, Microsoft now allows users to completely hide the "Suggestions" section. Instead of a single toggle button, users need to go toSettings > Personalization > StartAnd turn off all options in the "Recommended" section. This will remove the area displaying recently used files and applications, as well as applications promoted from the Microsoft Store.

Organize apps more intelligently.

The "All" section is now integrated directly into the main interface instead of being a separate page. Users can choose between different layout styles, including:

• Category:The new default view automatically groups similar applications into folders. The system needs to detect at least three applications of the same type to create a new group.
• Name grid:Display the applications as a grid in alphabetical order.
• Name list:Display applications in a traditional list format.

Details of functional areas

Each section of the new Start Menu has been refined to optimize space and accessibility.

The "Pinned" section

This area displays two rows of applications by default, each row capable of holding up to eight applications. Users can click the "Show more" or "Show less" options to adjust the number of applications displayed. Features such as creating application group folders remain unchanged.

The settings page has been updated.

The Start Menu settings page (in Settings > Personalization > Start) has also been adjusted to match the new design. The old layout options have been removed, replaced by three main settings groups: "Suggested," "All," and "Other," making it easier for users to customize aspects of the new experience.

Update roadmap and how to get early access.

Microsoft plans to officially roll out the new Start Menu as part of the November 2025 Security Update. However, this is a phased rollout, meaning not all users will receive it immediately.

Users can receive the update earlier by going toSettings > Windows UpdateTurn on the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option and then check for updates. This feature is available in Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, starting with builds 26200.7019 and 26100.7019 (requires installing update KB5067036).