Even though there is already talk of the arrival of Windows 12, it seems that the current version of Microsoft's operating system still has a long way to go. So much so, that relatively recently it has become known that there is a version available new windows 11 start menu designWe explain the details below.
At the moment, this new menu is Only available in beta versions, but it could be available to all users very soon. And while it is true that nothing has been confirmed yet, we do know the most interesting details of this new design.
New “All Apps” view
Those who have been able to try out the new Windows 11 start menu (some users have provided interesting videos and screenshots) speak of a peculiar grid layout in which all the applications are integrated.
The icons of the different applications are displayed in rows and columns, giving rise to a kind of grid. The idea of configuring this in this way is none other than to present a more organized and efficient view on screen.
But this design goes much further than just an improved aesthetic presentation. It is actually designed so that the user can access the different options in a simpler and more functional way. Thus, this new grid layout in Windows 11 gives us the ability to access all applications without having to change screens or open new folders.
The new “All Apps” view is presented in alphabetical order. Among the features that make this design more functional is the presence of Shortcut folders for applications with additional links (for example: Help, Uninstall, etc.).
The user will have to change his old way of working, forgetting the traditional vertical list, to start getting used to the new design. In it, To find the applications, simply scroll through the grid. Increasing the size of icons is another of the changes designed to make this task even easier.
Accepting that this is a considerable step forward, the new Windows 11 start menu design features some aspects that should be polished somehow.
For many users, the change will be a Greater difficulty in reading application namesFor others, it can be really confusing to navigate through a grid of apps that is “too extensive” or can look cluttered.
How to test the Windows 11 start menu
Not only beta users have the privilege of testing the new Start menu with the “All apps” view of Windows 11. Any user can do so as well through LiveTool. This possibility exists thanks to the work of user X (formerly Twitter) @PhantomOfEart, who also provides us with the IDs we need to do so. These are the steps to follow:
- To start with, we have to Download ViveTool from GitHub and unzip the files into a new folder.
- Then we use the key combination Windows + X and, in the list that opens, select Terminal (Administrator).
- In the Terminal, we now press Windows + Shift + 2 to switch to the Command Prompt profile.
- Next, we go to the folder where we unzipped the files using the CD command.
- There we write the following command: vivetool /enable /id:48433719. Press Enter.
- Then we write a new command: vivetool /enable /id:47205210 /variant:2. Press Enter again.
- In conclusion, we restart the computer.
After this, we will have the redesigned Windows 11 start menu at our disposal in which we can perform all the tests we want.
Conclusions
The redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu comes with the promise of improving the workflow in Windows. Among those who have already tried it, we find quite different opinions.
It is to be expected that, taking as a reference the beta user reviews (after all, that is its role), Microsoft will continue to refine this new design, correct its errors and work on the aspects that can be improved. We will be keeping a close eye on the final result.