Windows 11: Microsoft is reportedly rebuilding the Start menu from scratch

Microsoft is again working on a far-reaching restructuring of the start menu for Windows 11. The focus of the development is supposedly significantly improved performance and more diverse customization options for users.

New design based on WinUI 3

According to insider information, Microsoft is again developing a new version of the start menu for Windows 11. The central contact point of the operating system is to be modernized again after its last revision in autumn 2025. The biggest change will be made under the hood. The group is relying on the WinUI 3 framework for the new variant.

Focus on performance and adaptation

As Windows Central Citing internal documents, the update primarily addresses existing performance issues. In the future, the new start menu should respond without delay, even when the processor is under high load. Previously, users complained about slurred keyboard entries when they typed in a search query immediately after opening the menu.

Depending on the screen size, the operating system currently automatically decides whether a compact or an extended layout is displayed. In the future, users should have control over this themselves. Simple switches in the system settings should not only be used to adjust the size, but also to deactivate entire areas. This reportedly includes the oft-criticized recommended content feed, pinned programs, and the full list of all installed applications.

Big quality offensive

The planned changes are part of a larger internal initiative codenamed Windows K2. The project primarily focuses on noticeably increasing the stability and responsiveness of the operating system. Microsoft plans to replace old code with modern alternatives. This reduces memory requirements while simultaneously shortening the loading times of system components. In this context, there should be more native applications instead of web apps. It remains to be seen how efficient and flexible the revised integration of the start menu actually turns out to be.

The new building with WinUI 3 means considerable technical effort for the developers. It is not yet clear when exactly the new start menu will be distributed to all users via a regular update. Before that, however, it is likely to appear in Insider Builds for testing purposes.