Microsoft is rolling out another major Start menu update with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8925, giving users far more control over how the Start menu looks and behaves.
Building on the changes previously outlined in Microsoft’s Making Taskbar and Start More Personal initiative, the latest Beta build introduces a redesigned Start menu experience with new layout options, independent section controls, and additional personalization features.
These changes aim to make the Start menu cleaner, more flexible, and better suited to individual preferences.
Recommended Is Now “Recent”
One of the first changes users will notice is a simple but meaningful rename.
The Recommended section has been renamed to Recent, making it clearer that this area displays recently opened files, apps, and content rather than personalized recommendations.
Microsoft has also updated the corresponding naming within the Settings app for consistency.
Independent Section Toggles
Windows 11 now lets users independently control the visibility of each major Start menu section.
New toggles allow you to show or hide:
- Pinned
- Recent
- All
This gives users much greater flexibility to create a simplified Start menu focused only on the sections they actually use.
Choose Your Start Menu Size
For the first time, Microsoft is giving users multiple Start menu size options.
Users can now choose between:
- Small
- Large
- Automatic (Default)
The new sizing options allow users to prioritize either a compact interface or a layout that displays more apps and content without additional scrolling.
Hide Your Profile Information
Another welcome addition is the ability to hide your name and profile picture from the Start menu.
This option provides a cleaner appearance while also offering a small privacy benefit for shared or public devices.
Redesigned Start Menu Settings
Microsoft has also refreshed the Start menu Settings page, making it easier to discover and manage all of the new personalization options in one place.
The redesigned settings page complements the broader visual improvements introduced throughout Windows 11.
A Significant Upgrade for Windows 11 Personalization
While many recent Windows Insider builds have focused on bug fixes and smaller refinements, Build 26220.8925 delivers one of the most meaningful Start menu updates in recent months.
By introducing customizable layouts, independent section controls, new size options, and improved privacy settings, Microsoft is giving users far more freedom to tailor the Start menu to their workflow.
As these features continue through Insider testing, they are expected to become part of a future Windows 11 feature update.
Highlights
- Recommended renamed to Recent
- Independent toggles for Pinned, Recent, and All
- New Small, Large, and Automatic Start menu sizes
- Option to hide your name and profile picture
- Redesigned Start menu Settings page
- Available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.8925
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