News + Trends

There will soon be more setting options for the Windows 11 start menu

11.2.2025

Translation: machine translated

In Windows 11, it takes another click after opening the Start menu to get to the list of all apps. This could change soon.

Windows 11 has been on the market for more than three years. However, according to some users, the Start menu still lacks settings options and functions. Microsoft has been working on improvements to the menu for some time. Apparently, for example, it will soon be possible to display the installed apps automatically categorised - for games, Office and entertainment, for example. It has now been announced that the list of all apps could also return directly in the start window of the menu.

What annoys users about the Windows 11 start menu

The Start menu has always been a source of great dissatisfaction. Windows 11 is no exception. Many users complain about the lack of setting and personalisation options. Currently, the simple start window shows a search bar, self-pinned programmes, a generated "Recommended" area and an editable shortcut bar.

The start menu is simple and has few personalisation options.
Source: Debora Pape

Use the "Pinned" area to create a favourites menu for your favourite programs. If you want to see all installed programmes in a list, you must first click on "All". However, some users want to see the All apps list as soon as they open the start window, as was also possible under Windows 10. Others are bothered by the fact that the right half of the menu window remains empty when you click on "All". They would like to see a grid view of the apps or a different, better utilisation of the available space.

You can find these and eight other wishes from users for the Start menu here.

"All apps" as a (possible) standard for the Start menu

As the magazine Neowin reports, the All Apps list could soon be more prominent again as part of the Start menu redesign. According to the report, the pinned programmes and the "Recommended" content will no longer be displayed and the list will be opened immediately instead. However, as not every user is likely to like this, it will be optional.

News + Trends
Microsoft introduces coloured battery icons in Windows 11
by Kim Muntinga

How would you like your ideal start menu to look? Write it to me in the comments!

Header image: Shutterstock/tomeqs

37 people like this article

Debora Pape

Editor

Debora.Pape@galaxus.de

Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.

News + Trends

From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.

Show all

48 comments

later

Your data. Your choice.

Search

There will soon be more setting options for the Windows 11 start menu

What annoys users about the Windows 11 start menu

"All apps" as a (possible) standard for the Start menu

Microsoft introduces coloured battery icons in Windows 11

48 comments

Top 10 categories

Go to

Microsoft introduces coloured battery icons in Windows 11

48 comments