The New Start Menu of Windows 11 is Preparing for Its Final Release. The Last Step Has Been Completed with Deployment in the Release Preview Channel of Windows Insiders. Global Distribution Is Now Being Readied for PCs Running the Operating System.
The end of Windows 10 has arrived, although some final updates are still available. Microsoft is now fully focusing its efforts on Windows 11, introducing new features such as the ability to switch between dark mode and light mode with a button through PowerToys. Additionally, the launch of the new Start Menu is anticipated, which has been “designed to help you access your applications faster and more easily,” according to Microsoft.
Here are the First Images of the New Start Menu of Windows 11
The layout has been completely redesigned to ensure that the list of applications occupies the main area. A category view organizes applications in a manner similar to that of the iPad or iPhone from Apple. Customization options are significantly enhanced compared to the current Start Menu. Users can toggle between the new category view or an alphabetical order based on their preference.
The recommended section can be completely disabled to allow for more pinned applications to be displayed. Windows 11 even offers the ability to remove the pinned recommendations to keep only the list of installed applications.
The integration of Phone Link is another significant addition to this new Start Menu. There is now a dedicated panel for immediate access to features of the smartphone connected to the PC. Recent photos and notifications appear directly, allowing users to respond to text messages or view the phone’s screen without leaving Windows 11.
The taskbar also receives enhancements in this update. The battery icon is larger and turns yellow when the battery is low. It’s now possible to display the remaining charge percentage. It took quite a long time for Microsoft to finally provide these essential features for laptop PCs running Windows 11.
Animations are making a grand return to the taskbar. When an application is hovered over, there’s a smooth animation in the preview. This functionality was present in previous versions of Windows, and its absence had disappointed users who experienced a bug that disabled USB keyboards and mice.
The File Explorer also sees new features with the addition of a recommendations section showing recently opened or downloaded files. Copilot is also integrated to query the chatbot when files are hovered over.
Source: Windows Central
