UPDATED 5/7/2025: Microsoft is officially working on a new Start menu for Windows 11. It will consolidate the “All” menu with the “Pinned” page into a bigger, scrollable layout. Also, the menu will finally allow you to turn off the “Recommended” section, but not in an intuitive way.
The new unified and more customizable design for the menu you use every day was leaked in April 2025, but now, the company has officially announced that the Start menu will soon get an overhaul alongside a deeper integration with the Phone Link app, which also introduces a new sidebar next to the Start menu.
New Start menu for Windows 11
The new design includes a wider frame that can hold up to eight pins, up to three suggestions of files and apps, and up to eight apps or four groups in one row.
The “Pinned” section holds two rows of pins by default, and if you pin more apps, the section will show an option to expand all the pins.
If you want this section to show every pin at all times, you can turn on “Show all pins by default” on the “Start” settings page.
The “Recommended” section remains identical to the current version, but the system can now display up to six files or apps using two rows. You are not getting a collapsible button, but when you click the “Show more” button, you’ll be taken to another page listing all your recent files.
In this design, you can finally turn off the “Recommended” section to show only your pins and the “All” list by turning off the “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists” toggle switch from the “Start” settings page.
In addition, you will have to turn off the “Show recently added apps,” “Show most used apps,” and “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more” toggles.
The “All” section is perhaps the most noticeable addition, which means that you will not have to jump to another page to view all your apps. Furthermore, you can also change the view to grid, list, and category.
The menu still supports groups and all the previous features.
As a result of this new design, Microsoft is also updating the “Start” settings page, which no longer includes options to change the layout since you can now see the default two rows or all the pins with the new “Show all pins by default” option.
Aside from the new customization option for pins, all the other settings remain the same.
One complaint I’ve heard about the new design is the larger layout, as many users have said that it’s too big. Some other people called the new design just “ugly.” However, one thing to point out is that the bigger layout only appears on larger displays. For example, if you use a high scaling setting, the menu will retain the same size as the previous version.
It’s unclear when the company plans to roll out this new design, but a test version of the menu is expected to arrive very soon through the Windows Insider Program. One thing for sure is that it’s still a work in progress since it has some design problems. Also, the new layout doesn’t match the Windows Search interface, so the transition from the Start menu to Windows Search isn’t perfect.
One way that Microsoft could fix the transition from Start to Search is to make results appear in the Start menu, as was possible on Windows 7 and Vista.
Enable new Start menu using ViveTool
The latest preview of Windows 11, version 24H2, includes an early version of the new Start menu design. It is available through Dev and Beta Channels.
It’s important to note that Microsoft is still working on the feature, meaning that you will have to enable the feature manually with the ViveTool.
To enable the redesigned Start menu on Windows 11, follow these steps:
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the new Start menu layout.
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Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.
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Click the Extract all button.
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Click the Extract button.
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Copy the path to the folder.
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x
In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.
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Type the following command to enable the Start menu design and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719
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Restart the computer.
Once you complete the steps, the new design for the Start menu will appear on your setup.
If you want to undo the changes, you can follow the same instructions outlined above, but in step 10, run the vivetool /disable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719 command.
What are your thoughts about the new Start menu design? Let me know in the comments.
Update April 8, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
Update May 7, 2025: The new Start menu was first spotted in April 2025, but now, the company has confirmed that it’s working on a new menu design.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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