Microsoft Is Making Windows 11's Start Menu Easier to Control

Microsoft's head of Windows, Pavan Davuluri, announced Friday that the company will improve Windows 11's Start menu. The changes address complaints that the Start menu takes up too much space on screen and doesn't let people resize it.

What's Wrong Now

Windows 11's Start menu has two main areas. The top section shows programs you use regularly. Below that, it shows files and apps you recently opened.

When you have a large monitor, the Start menu can fill almost half your screen. Unlike older versions of Windows, you cannot manually make it smaller or larger. The menu automatically adjusts based on your monitor size, but it doesn't give you a choice.

What's Coming

Davuluri's memo promises changes that put you in control. The improved Start menu will show you content based on what you actually do — not just what you opened recently. More importantly, you'll be able to customize how the menu looks. If you want to turn off the "recently used" section entirely, you can.

The biggest change is this: Microsoft will let you decide how big the Start menu should be, instead of letting your monitor size decide for you.

Why This Matters

This update follows a pattern Microsoft repeats regularly. The company redesigns how Windows looks, users complain that it slows them down or looks too big, and then Microsoft listens and adds more options. We saw this happen with Windows 8, which made such dramatic changes that Microsoft had to bring back the Start button in the next version. This Start menu fix is part of that same story — Microsoft makes bold changes, hears feedback, and adjusts.

The real impact will be felt by people working with large monitors and by companies managing thousands of computers. When your Start menu takes up half your screen, you have less space for your actual work. Companies also deal with the problem that the same software looks different on different monitors, which makes training and support more complicated. Giving everyone control over the menu size solves both problems.

When It's Coming

Microsoft is testing these changes with early versions of Windows through its Insider Preview program. The company hasn't said exactly when the improvements will arrive, but based on current testing, they should reach regular users within the next few updates to Windows 11. You won't need to buy a new version of Windows — it will come through the regular update process.

These adjustments show Microsoft learning to balance making Windows look modern with making it work well for everyday tasks. That balance matters if Windows is going to keep being the system that people rely on for their work.