Windows 11’s Start Menu Might Be Getting a Major Makeover – Here’s What We Know
The Start menu is one of the most recognisable features in Windows, and Microsoft seems to be quietly experimenting with a big redesign in the background of recent Windows 11 preview builds. While nothing is official just yet, a leaked look at the potential layout shows a much wider Start menu, combined with new functionality like the Phone Link side panel.
It’s raised a few eyebrows, triggered some flashbacks to the Windows 8 era, and left people wondering: is this the future of the Windows interface before Windows 12 lands.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening, why it matters, and what to keep in mind as these changes evolve.
What’s Changing in the Start Menu?
According to known leaker @PhantomOfEarth on X (formerly Twitter), Microsoft appears to be working on a condensed layout for the Start menu, one that combines app listings, recommended items, and Phone Link content into a broader, unified interface.
When the Phone Link panel is active, the new Start menu can cover up to 75% or more of the desktop, taking over a significant chunk of screen space. While that might sound dramatic, Microsoft has reportedly included a toggle to show or hide the companion panel, meaning it’s not always in the way, but still, it’s a big shift in design.
At a glance, it looks more like a full-screen dashboard than the traditional compact Start menu users are used to. And for many, that brings back memories of Windows 8’s Start screen, a change that never really gained user popularity.
What Is Phone Link, and Why Is It Being Added Here?
Phone Link is Microsoft’s tool for connecting Android smartphones with your Windows PC. It allows users to:
- View and reply to text messages
- See mobile notifications
- Access recent photos
- Even run select Android apps from the PC interface
Integrating this panel directly into the Start menu feels like a step towards making Windows more mobile-friendly, and Microsoft clearly sees value in streamlining the desktop–mobile experience. But for those who don’t use Phone Link, or simply want their Start menu to stay tidy, the feature might be more clutter than convenience.
Why This Matters (And Why It Might Not Be a Problem)
To be clear, this redesign isn’t active for public testing yet. It’s hidden in the background of preview builds, and Microsoft could abandon or rework the idea entirely. That said, the version that’s leaked looks fairly polished, suggesting it’s being taken seriously internally.
For users concerned about desktop space or clutter, the good news is that this appears to be optional and collapsible. Microsoft seems to be focusing on giving users more control, not less. If this redesign ships in the future, it will likely come with toggles to switch off the Phone Link panel and customise recommendations or Start content further.
Familiar Patterns from the Past
For long-time Windows users, there’s an obvious callback here to the full-screen Start menu in Windows 8. That interface was widely panned for taking over the desktop and breaking the flow of multitasking. Microsoft quickly stepped back from that design in later releases, and Windows 10’s Start menu was a return to something more traditional.
This time, though, the redesign doesn’t seem forced. It looks like it will be a user choice, not a permanent fixture, which should calm the nerves of anyone worried about losing control over their interface.
What This Means for You
We help many businesses and individual users navigate major Windows updates, and the Start menu is one of the most-used and most-personalised parts of the OS. Any change here will have an impact, even if it’s subtle.
If this redesign rolls out officially:
- You may want to review your device group policies to control or limit new Start features, especially in shared office environments
- Users unfamiliar with Phone Link may need guidance or training to avoid confusion
- It’s worth testing how this UI change behaves on smaller screens or remote desktop sessions, where space is at a premium
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this develops and will provide a walkthrough if and when the update lands publicly.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a dramatic change just yet, but it’s a glimpse at how Windows continues to evolve. Microsoft appears to be focusing more on personalisation, device integration, and a mobile-first mindset, even on the desktop.
For those worried about another Windows 8-style shift, it looks like lessons have been learned. The Start menu might grow wider, but the control is staying in the hands of the user, and that’s a step in the right direction.
We’ll keep you updated as this story develops. In the meantime, if you’re thinking of upgrading to Windows 11 or want to future-proof your setup for what’s coming next, get in touch. At System Plus, we make Windows work the way you need it to.
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