Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Microsoft has begun deploying an updated Start Menu as part of its October 2025 non-security release (KB5067036) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The package delivers a refreshed visual layout aimed at simplifying access and improving on-screen clarity.
The refreshed Start Menu centers installed apps on the main page and lets users toggle between a categorized layout and the traditional alphabetical list, offering greater choice. Sections such as “Pinned” and “Recommended” can be hidden for a cleaner desktop, and there is now an option to pin additional apps directly to the primary view for faster access.
The design adapts to different screen sizes by expanding to show more pinned or suggested items on larger displays. An enhanced Phone Link panel sits alongside the Start Menu to surface smartphone notifications and messages from Android or iOS without switching devices.
Alongside the Start Menu changes, the update brings subtle taskbar improvements: thumbnail animations are smoother and the battery icon now displays the percentage persistently. These smaller tweaks are intended to polish the overall user experience.
The redesigned Start Menu is being distributed gradually and is currently available to users enrolled to receive new features early via Windows Update. A broader rollout is expected with the upcoming November Patch Tuesday deployment.
Users keen to try the new interface sooner can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update settings to increase the chance of receiving the feature early.
With this release Microsoft continues incremental updates to make Windows 11 more configurable and efficient for a range of users.
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