The Start Menu on Windows 11 will have its own floating widget sidebar

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft completely removed live tiles from the Start menu. Users who love the quick viewing experience on Windows 10 don't like the new Start menu on Windows 11. There is a third-party application to achieve an experience similar to the live tiles on Windows 11, but it's not enough. Thankfully, Microsoft appears to be working on a new feature called 'Start Menu Companions' that brings adaptive cards to the Start menu in Windows.

Albacore (@thebookisclosed) has found support for Start Menu Companions on the Windows 11 Insider Beta build (26212). Users were able to run the demo using widgets on a floating island, next to the Start menu. Users can attach this island to the left or right side of the Start menu.

In addition, users can also configure Companions from Windows Settings > Personalization > Start . Here, you can enable or disable this feature and manage multiple Companions for customization. Albacore notes that the UI is very web-centric like the widgets on Windows 11. Remember that Companions must be supported by the developer.

Additionally, X users also noticed Copilot integration into the Windows Settings search bar. If you are in Beta, you can activate it through ViveTool. Just enable feature ID 49445394 via ViveTool.

Over the past few years, Windows users have criticized Microsoft after removing useful features from the Start menu. It's a good change that Microsoft is listening to feedback and incorporating meaningful features into the Start menu and Windows 11. The company is also said to be bringing the Show Desktop button back to the right corner of the Taskbar.

What do you think about the new Start Menu Companions feature? Let's share your opinions in the comments section below!

Jessica Tanner

Update 12 May 2024