Windows 11 Start Menu Redesigned with Widgets and More in User Concept

Microsoft has completely redesigned the Start menu in Windows 11, giving up on the famous live tiles and instead going for a more static approach inspired by the original concept introduced in Windows 10X.

For many people, this simplified Start menu just makes sense, but for others, the current design could be substantially improved to better serve its purpose.

A concept published recently by reddit user johnmgbg provides us with a closer look at such an idea, as it envisions a Windows 11 Start menu with widgets and so-called icon groups.

The weather live tile, which has become a widget in Windows 11, makes the Start menu overall more dynamic, and other similar widgets would obviously play the same role should Microsoft embrace this idea.

The Windows 11 Start menu

But on the other hand, there’s a good chance Microsoft sticks with the current Start menu in the production builds of Windows 11.

This is because the company has already separated widgets in their very own dedicated screen in the operating system, while the Start menu overall is much more simplified for an approach that Microsoft says aligns with customer expectations.

“We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful,” the company said.

“From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease. We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier, even if it was on an Android or iOS device.”

Windows 11 is currently available for testing in the Insider program, while the stable version is likely to land in October.