- Microsoft introduces a new Start menu with a unified design that allows you to turn off recommendations.
- The new design is rolling out with the Patch Tuesday update scheduled for November 11, 2025.
UPDATED 11/11/2025: Windows 11 has a new Start menu that Microsoft is rolling out with the 2025-11 Security Update (KB5068861) (26200.7171) . It will consolidate the “All” menu with the “Pinned” page into a bigger, scrollable layout. Also, the menu finally allows you to turn off the “Recommended” section, but not in an intuitive way.
The new Start menu is rolling out gradually, but you can always enable it manually using the ViveTool .
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. However, the menu now resizes automatically based on the screen resolution.
Start menu new design / Image: Mauro Huculak
The “Pinned” section shows two rows of pins by default, and if you pin more apps, it will show an option to expand all the pins.
Start menu showing all pins / Image: Mauro Huculak
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.
Start menu Recommended section / Image: Mauro Huculak
In this design, you can finally turn off the “Recommended” section to show only your pins and the “All” list by turning off the options available under the “Recommended” settings in the “Start” settings page, including:
- Show recently added apps.
- Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.
- Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.
- Show websites from your browsing history.
New Start menu without Recommended section / Image: Mauro Huculak
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.
Start menu with All menu / Image: Mauro Huculak
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. The page has also been redesigned, and it’s divided into three sections, including “Recommended,” “All,” and “Other.”
Settings app Start new settings / Image: Mauro Huculak
Aside from the new customization option for pins, all the other settings remain the same.
New menu (left), Old menu (right) / Image: Mauro Huculak
One complaint I’ve heard about the new design is the larger layout, as many users say it’s too big. Some other people called the new design just “ugly.” However, one thing to note is that the larger layout only appears on larger displays. For example, if you use a high scaling setting, the menu will retain its size from the previous version.
Start menu different sizes / Image: Mauro Huculak
The new Start menu design is rolling out immediately, and you will see it in the near future after installing the November 2025 Security update.
It’s worth noting that this wasn’t the only design. Microsoft has tested different menus before settling on this one.
Update November 11, 2025: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.
