Windows 11 Is Reworking the Start Menu — Smaller, Faster

If you grumbled when Microsoft stretched the Start menu last year, you're not alone. Many users felt the new layout took up too much screen real estate. The reaction was loud, clear, and apparently persuasive.

Now, Insider code and reports point to another rethink. Microsoft is testing a fresh Start menu that aims to be more flexible — and less intrusive. Think of it as trimming the fat while sharpening the engine under the hood.

The most visible change: size options. Instead of one oversized design, the Start menu will offer at least two preset sizes. One mode prioritizes pinned apps and broader category views, useful on big monitors. The other condenses the interface for smaller screens or anyone who prefers a compact look. It is not a cosmetic tweak alone. You will also be able to hide entire sections — pinned apps, the full app list, and suggestion panels — and even remove the user name and profile picture for a cleaner, distraction-free panel.

Under the surface, the menu is being rebuilt with native WinUI. That rewrite is meant to make interactions feel snappier and more consistent across Windows. Microsoft is also experimenting with a feature called Low Latency Profile, which nudges CPU frequency higher during repetitive UI actions — like repeatedly opening the Start menu — to cut lag and improve responsiveness.

These changes surfaced in recent Windows 11 Insider builds and have been reported by outlets tracking the preview channels. The company appears to be packaging the updates for the 26H2 release. Expect wider availability when the update ships in October.

If you want a Start menu that behaves like it belongs on your screen rather than dominates it, this redesign could deliver exactly that.

Will this satisfy longtime critics or simply placate them for a while? Watch the Insider rings and try the build when it lands — the proof will be in how it feels on your machine.