Start menu in Windows 11: what’s new in updates 24H2 and 25H2

In Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, Microsoft introduced a revamped Start menu. It’s more unified, easier to use, and has new features like smartphone integration, expanded app display options, and flexible recommendations.

Single, unbundled menu

The Start menu used to be divided into “Pinned”, “Recommendations”, and “All Apps”. Now these blocks are combined into one scrollable ribbon. Users see more items at once, without switching between tabs.

In the Personalization > Start settings, there are new options to turn off recently installed apps, file recommendations, browser history sites, and system tips. This gives you more control over the interface.

New app list view

The “All Apps” section is no longer limited to an alphabetical list. Three modes are now available:

• alphabetical list;
• tile view;
• automatic grouping by category (“Work”, “Games”, “Communications”, “Creativity”, etc.).

Customize Pinned Programs

The pinned apps area has become more flexible. By default, two rows are displayed with a “Show All” button. In the settings, you can enable all pinned apps to be displayed at all times without unnecessary clicks.

On large screens, you can fit up to eight apps in a row. If you turn off recommendations, the Start menu will only show the pinned apps and the common list.

Smartphone Integration

The Phone Link sidebar for Android and iOS has been added to the menu. You can read messages, manage calls, view photos, and transfer files. You can also use the context menu to send to your phone.

Limitations and issues

The new interface is being implemented gradually: some users are still using the old version. Distribution is done through Enablement Package and A/B testing.

Known bugs: crashes when saving the selected “All Apps” view, incorrect category generation, limited gestures and drag & drop on touch devices. Microsoft has confirmed the bugs and is working on fixes.