Microsoft tests a Start menu interface similar to iOS

After years of testing, Microsoft has still not found the final design for the Start menu on Windows 11.

And this time, another potential change to the Start menu interface involves a new layout for the "All Apps" section, including a category view. Microsoft appears to be testing an iOS/iPadOS style system as an alternative to listing installed apps alphabetically. Apps will automatically group into categories such as Productivity, Photos & Video, Entertainment.

Windows Latest has provided a glimpse of this interface via screenshots. Accordingly, a rectangular grid of cells, each representing a different category will display, each category displaying four apps, with the option to expand and show more. On the right is the new companion widget.

The current "All Apps" default is considered to be too much wasted space. These potential new layouts could be a welcome change, both the category and grid designs make navigation easier and help users find what they need faster.

Constantly tweaking the Start menu is normal for Windows since Windows 8 introduced a tile-based Start screen design. It is likely that this iOS-like Start menu interface will be officially released as an option for users.

Marvin Fry

Update 14 August 2024