Microsoft has started releasing a new Start menu for Windows 11, which We previously did a detailed preview. Both versions 24H2 and the newer 25H2 of Windows 11 can use the new Start menu. Microsoft is also overhauling File Explorer to make navigation easier.
New features and other improvements are available via additional update KB5067036which was released on October 28.
What the new Start menu looks like
The new Start menu is the main new feature of this update, designed to provide quick and easy access to all your apps. It now contains a scrollable section that you can use to access all your installed apps.
Microsoft also presents different views: view by categorywhich sorts applications into categories and highlights selected content, and grid viewwhich lists applications in alphabetical order. The last view you selected will be applied the next time you open the Start menu.
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Listings should also provide better visibility. The Start menu also automatically adapts to your screen size and contains sections such as Pinned And Recommended expands or collapses depending on the content. You can also change the settings in the section Personalization > Start Do you even want to see recommendations?
There's also a section on the right side for the new Phone Link integration, allowing you move files between computer and smartphone or smoothly resume Android apps on Windows PC. The new view also shows important items such as incoming calls, messages, or photos you can share.
Other new update features
In addition to the new Start menu, Microsoft has also improved File Explorer, which can now share recommended files to Explorer main page chapter. These are basically “frequently used” or “recently added” files that you can access faster. The new section is optional and can be disabled in the settings.
This update also includes updated battery level display (on laptops). Microsoft presents Improved battery level icons which are color coded to show green Is there enough battery power or is it charging, yellow for power saving mode or battery charge below 20 percent, and red due to a very discharged battery that is on the verge of death.
How to get these new features
You can obtain optional update KB5067036 through Windows Update, which must be installed manually. Alternatively, you can download and install the update. via Microsoft Update Catalog.
Please note that if you are going to install the KB5067036 update, you must first install the KB5043080 update (the required September update).
Because the new Start menu and other features are being rolled out gradually, you may not have access to all of them right away after installing the update. If you are impatient and have some technical knowledge, you can try using ViVeTool to forcefully unlock these features.
To do this, install ViVeTool and then open a Windows command prompt with administrator rights. Then enter the command cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x followed by vivetool /enable /id:47205210. Confirm your selection by pressing Enter and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Further reading: Quick Windows 11 settings that will speed up your computer
