Four years after the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft has addressed one of the most significant complaints regarding its Start menu: the necessity of clicking the “All” button to access a complete list of installed applications. The highly anticipated update features a revamped Start menu, which now provides users with three different viewing options for all their applications, eliminating the need for that extra click. This new functionality is gradually being rolled out to users.
The original Start menu showcased a selection of shortcuts to apps and files curated by Windows, placing them in a Recommended section located below the pinned apps. Conversely, the updated Start menu introduces the option to disable the Recommended section entirely. Users can achieve this by right-clicking anywhere within the menu, selecting Settings, navigating to the Personalization options, and toggling off the settings for Show recently added apps, Show recommended files, and Show recommendations for tips.
If you opt to hide the Recommended section, a comprehensive list of all your applications will appear directly beneath your pinned shortcuts in the Start menu. Should you choose not to hide the Recommended section, the list of apps will be displayed below it. Additionally, you can organize the list of apps in three distinct formats: a grid layout arranged alphabetically, a traditional list in alphabetical order, or grouped by category. The grid layout is the most information-dense and comprehensive viewing option, while the category view serves as the default setting if the grid is not selected.
To access the new Start menu, users must be operating on build 26100.7019, 26200.7019, or newer versions of Windows 11. It’s essential to ensure that all the latest updates are installed. Users can do this by navigating to Settings -> Windows Update and clicking on the Check for updates button. To verify your current Windows build number, press Windows+R to open the run prompt and enter winver.
If you have the correct build number, the new Start menu should automatically appear. However, if it does not, you can utilize ViveTool, a utility designed to enable hidden Windows features. Begin by downloading ViveTool and unzipping it to the directory C:\vive. Next, open a command prompt with administrative privileges and navigate to that directory by entering cd c:\vive. Finally, execute the following command to enable the new features: vivetool /enable /id:57048231,47205210,56328729,48433719.
After completing these steps, simply restart your device, and the new Start menu should be readily available the next time you click on the Start button.
With this significant update, Microsoft is not only enhancing the user experience of Windows 11 but also addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated many users. The new Start menu offers flexibility and improved accessibility, making it easier than ever to navigate through your applications. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, users can look forward to even more updates that prioritize usability and functionality.
