Microsoft Updates Windows 11 Start Menu with Scroll and Phone Link

Microsoft has released a revamped Start menu in the latest Windows 11 Dev Channel build, expanding user customization and device integration capabilities. The newly designed interface introduces a scrollable layout and adjusts its structure based on screen size, marking a significant change from earlier versions.

Users can now scroll through the Start menu to access all apps in one view, eliminating the need to navigate between different sections. This change aims to improve efficiency in launching applications, especially for users with extensive app libraries.

The redesigned menu scales based on device screen size. On larger screens, users will see up to eight pinned app columns, six recommended apps, and four category columns. Smaller devices display six pinned app columns, four recommendations, and three category groupings. This dynamic format enhances user control and visibility.

Microsoft now offers the ability to disable the "Recommended" section in the Start menu. This shift allows users to prioritize pinned apps and streamline their interface. Two new views—Category View and Grid View—enable flexible app organization. Category View groups apps by function, while Grid View lists them alphabetically.

A Phone Link button has been introduced within the Start menu, providing easier access to mobile features. This option supports both Android and iOS devices and enables users to expand or collapse mobile content directly from the desktop interface.

Personalized widgets on the lock screen are now being tested for all Insider users. The widgets, including Weather, Sports, Watchlist, and Traffic, can be rearranged or removed, giving users full control over what appears before login.

To improve accessibility for handheld gaming systems, Microsoft has added a gamepad keyboard. This allows users to log in using a controller and PIN, providing a tailored experience for devices like the ROG Xbox Ally.

Alongside these changes, Microsoft continues to expand AI functionality across its software. Paint now includes an AI-powered sticker generator, while Notepad receives further feature enhancements. Additionally, Copilot experiences are evolving in Word and other Office applications.

This rollout reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline interface flexibility and enhance cross-platform accessibility. The new features are currently available to Dev Channel participants and are expected to reach stable builds after further testing.