Microsoft appears to be preparing one of the most meaningful changes to Windows 11’s Start Menu, with new options that could give users far more control over how it looks and behaves. The reported update is aimed at easing a long-running complaint: the current menu feels too fixed, both in layout and in what can be removed.
According to reports cited by Windows Central from sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans, the company is exploring a more flexible Start Menu that would respond better to different usage styles. If the changes move forward, the menu would no longer be limited to a single system-defined design, and users could adjust it more freely to match their own preferences.
More layout freedom
One of the most noticeable rumored changes is the addition of manual size options for the Start Menu. At present, Windows 11 automatically determines the menu’s size, leaving no direct control in the hands of the user.
That approach keeps the interface consistent, but it can also feel restrictive for people who want a smaller, cleaner menu or a larger one with more room. A choice between bigger and smaller layouts would give the Start Menu more practical flexibility, especially across devices that serve different needs.
For some users, a compact layout may be easier to use on a daily basis. For others, a larger menu could make navigation feel more comfortable and better suited to workflows that rely on quick access to more items.
Parts of the menu may be easier to remove
Another change mentioned in the report is the possibility of editing or removing certain Start Menu sections with only a few clicks. The Recommended area is at the center of that discussion because it has long been one of the most criticized parts of Windows 11’s Start Menu.
Right now, users can remove individual items from that area, but the Recommended section itself still remains visible. That has left many users with a menu that looks tidier, yet still includes sections they would rather not see at all.
If Microsoft allows an entire section to be removed, that would mark a more substantial shift in how much control users have over the Start Menu. It would also address a complaint that has persisted since Windows 11’s launch: the menu may be modern, but it still does not offer enough room for personal preference.
Performance is part of the plan too
The rumored update is not only about appearance and customization. Windows Central also reports that Microsoft wants the Start Menu to become much faster and more responsive, even when the system is under heavy load.
That detail matters because the Start Menu sits at the center of everyday Windows use. When it slows down, basic actions such as opening apps, searching, or moving through the interface can become noticeably less convenient.
A more responsive Start Menu would reduce those small delays that often stand out during demanding tasks. In practice, that could make the menu feel steadier and more reliable when the computer is busy handling other work.
A broader response to user criticism
The reported changes suggest that Microsoft is paying attention to more than one layer of feedback. Over time, criticism of the Windows 11 Start Menu has focused not only on its look, but also on the limited level of personalization available to users.
These new reports point to an effort to address both concerns at once. Microsoft appears to be considering a menu that is easier to reshape while also improving the overall experience so it remains fast in ordinary use and during heavier system activity.
There have also been earlier reports that Microsoft is planning to improve search results in the Start Menu, which would make the update cycle feel broader than a simple redesign. Taken together, the changes point toward a more substantial refinement of one of Windows 11’s core interface elements.
Still an unconfirmed rumor
Despite the detail in the latest report, none of this has been officially announced by Microsoft. Windows Central says the information comes from a source familiar with the company’s plans, which means the feature set is still best treated as a rumor.
No release schedule has been shared either, so users will need to wait for further confirmation before expecting a redesigned Start Menu. For now, the clearest takeaway is that Microsoft is reportedly considering a version of Windows 11’s Start Menu that is more personal, easier to adjust, and more responsive when the system is busy.