Windows 11: New start menu brings app groups like Apple

In addition to a changed look and additional functions for the taskbar, the current beta build of Windows 11 also includes a revised start menu. However, if you have an Apple device at home, the new look will be familiar.

Changes to the start menu

With the preview version 22635.3930 which is currently being distributed to insiders in the Windows beta channel, contains some interesting new features. In addition to the adjustments officially presented by Microsoft, there are also some hidden changes. For example, Redmond is apparently working on the start menu again.

New view for apps

The Windows team is working on a new way of displaying installed apps. While programs in the start menu are currently displayed in alphabetical order in a long list, a new category mode should provide a better overview. Similar apps are grouped together and presented in a kind of tile view. Examples of groups or categories are “Entertainment”, “Music”, “Navigation & Maps” or “News & Weather”. As can also be seen in the video on X, a grid view could provide an additional third way to display all installed programs on the computer. While this mode is reminiscent of the app menu on Android devices, the category view is closely based on the look of the app library on Apple’s iOS devices. You can switch back and forth between the display modes as you wish.

Less here, more there

As with all functions that are tested in beta versions of the operating system, it is not yet clear whether the new views will make it into the stable version of Windows. However, if there are multiple ways to display installed programs, that would be a step in the opposite direction to what Microsoft is currently taking with its taskbar. In order to provide a better overview, the Windows team has reduced the number of displays here instead of adding new ones. Summary

• Windows 11 beta build brings new features
• New category view for apps planned in the start menu
• Category view is reminiscent of Apple’s app library on iOS devices
• Apps are sorted into groups such as “Entertainment” and “Music”
• Possible new grid view for programs is similar to Android display
• The two new views could be included in the stable Windows version
• Windows taskbar is simplified while Start menu is expanded