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Microsoft begins testing scrollable Start menu for Windows 11

Remember the redesigned Start Menu we reported about in April? Microsoft is currently testing it in the Dev Channel of the Insider Program.

In case you missed it, the Start Menu is being expanded for larger screens, i.e. it adapts to the size of your screen. Start will automatically resize to fit more apps and files, it will display 8 columns of pinned apps, 6 recommendations, and 4 columns of categories on larger devices. On smaller screens, you’ll see 6 columns of pinned apps, 4 recommendations, and 3 columns of categories.

Users can disable recommendations from Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle the following options.

  • Show recently added apps
  • Show recommended files in Start...
  • Show websites from your browsing history
  • Show recommendations for tips...

Microsoft is testing two new views in Start to browse your apps: Category and Grid View.

Windows 11 Start Category and Grid View

The Category view will be the default option, it will group your apps by type automatically for quick access. E.g. If your most frequently used apps include Outlook, Solitaire, they will be placed in their respective categories at the top. A Start category is basically a group that is formed when at least 3 apps from the same category. If an app doesn't belong to an existing group, it will be placed in the "Other" category.

Grid view is an alphabetical view that displays apps as a scrollable list. Clicking on the All button will take you to the full list of apps, and this works in both views. Microsoft says Start will remember your preferred view. The Start menu has a new mobile device button next to Search, which brings up the Phone Link panel.

The ability to choose which widgets appear on the lock screen, which was initially only available for users in Europe (EEA), is now available for all regions.

These changes are available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5641, in the Dev Channel.

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