Windows 11 Start Menu to gain deeper customization and faster File Explorer, per rumors
A fresh wave of rumors suggests Microsoft is preparing a substantial refresh of Windows 11’s Start menu, aiming to give users much more control over what appears on the grid and how it’s laid out. Early reports indicate that you’ll soon be able to hide entire sections you don’t want to see, not just the already-toggleable “Recommended” panel.
In addition to layout control, insiders say you’ll be able to switch between a compact six-column Start layout and a larger eight-column view, with the system no longer forcing a particular size on you. Right now Windows 11 decides the default size based on screen real estate, but the forthcoming changes would let users override that behavior in more scenarios.
Windows Central notes that Microsoft is pushing for a Start menu that feels faster and more responsive, with a snappier search experience as part of the same push to improve the OS’s core UI. Alongside these Start menu changes, the company is also purportedly focusing on speeding up File Explorer.
During testing, a new Release Preview build of Windows 11 reportedly boosts File Explorer’s launch performance and fixes a long-standing issue where opening a folder in dark mode could trigger a brief white flash on the screen. The improvement appears noticeable in early hands-on tests.
The broader aim behind these changes is substantial: a Start menu that users can tailor to their preferences and a File Explorer experience that remains responsive even under heavy workloads. If the rumors hold, these updates could debut with the upcoming May Windows 11 update, though as with all insider leaks, timing and specifics may shift amid internal testing and last-minute bug fixes.
Analysis: The proposed Start menu redesign reads like a comprehensive wishlist—giving full control over visibility of sections, and allowing manual selection between compact and expanded layouts. While this could please users who’ve long complained about clutter, it’s still unofficial and subject to change. Some observers have already questioned whether the timing is ideal or whether Microsoft will lock in these features as planned. The project described by insiders as part of the broader Windows improvement effort, sometimes referred to in reports as “Windows K2,” underscores Microsoft’s intent to address major user-interface pain points across Windows 11.
As with any rumor, treat these details as provisional until Microsoft confirms the plans and a firm timeline. If true, though, the changes would mark a significant step toward a more customizable and responsive Windows 11 experience.