Windows 11 Start Menu gets added customization, improved Settings app and more in the...

[Humza]

Bottom line: Microsoft’s major visual overhaul of Windows 11 has been somewhat of a mixed bag, considering how it took away several Windows 10 features and customization options out of the new, shinier experience. However, the latest Windows 11 Insider build suggests Microsoft is now gradually improving the usability and flexibility of its new OS, with subtle changes to the Start Menu and Taskbar and a more independent Settings app. This preview also comes with connectivity improvements and plenty of bug fixes.

A new layout, centered position and rounded corners of the Windows 11 Start Menu have arguably made it a case of form over function, given how it lacks the customization options and flexibility of the Windows 10 version. Along with the Taskbar, these two components form a crucial part of the Windows experience, which is why Microsoft has announced a few usability enhancements in the latest Windows 11 Insider Build 22509.

Although a subtle change, the Start Menu can now be tweaked to show an extra row of content, either under Pinned or Recommended section. The taskbar, meanwhile, will now show the date and clock on secondary displays, too, like it currently does in Windows 10. It also won’t display overly sized icons in case you’ve set system scaling to 125 percent.

The Settings app, which looks and works much better in Windows 11, is getting more self-contained and will no longer open the Control Panel to access Advanced sharing settings like Network discovery, File and printer sharing, and Public folder sharing. These will now appear under ‘Advanced Network Settings’ in the app. The preview build also restructures how app notifications are displayed for calls, reminders or alarms, while switching to airplane mode now preserves the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi setting if you previously turned on the radios with the airplane mode enabled.

Additionally, Microsoft has brought several improvements to the Narrator experience on its Edge browser and has also included nearly two dozen bug fixes for various Windows components, including the Taskbar, Input, Windowing and Settings.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/92466-windows-11-start-menu-gets-added-customization-improved.html

 

[Geralt]

Good, looking forward!

 

[psycros]

Its painfully obvious that there was no time at all put into the ergonomics of this UI.

 

[goldman]

I think I'll only change when they give an option to see all apps inmediately in the start menu

 

[cliffordcooley]

Modifications for that which I do not want at all. Still means it is a no go for me.

 

[axiomatic13]

I want to be able to stretch it and make it larger.

 

[Uncle Al]

Naaaaa ..... until they realize and react to many that simply don't want to upgrade their system for a few more useless whistles and bells they arn't going to get into my pocket book .....

 

[antiproduct]

It's funny how they got something (the start menu) right back in the 90's (win 95) and then spent the 2000's breaking the hell out of it and going back (windows 8 -> 10), now breaking it again in Win 11. You'd think they'd learn that all we're asking for is just the option to change back rather than use the stupid designers idea on how they want to re-imagine it while making it less efficient. Just give the damn option to use the old menu without us having to download a different app to do it.

 

[hahahanoobs]

"The Settings app, which looks and works much better in Windows 11, is getting more self-contained and will no longer open the Control Panel to access Advanced sharing settings like Network discovery, File and printer sharing, and Public folder sharing. These will now appear under ‘Advanced Network Settings’ in the app."

YES! Thank you.
The legacy Control Panel UI reliance has got to go! Keep it movin' MS!

 

[hahahanoobs]

I want to be able to stretch it and make it larger.

Post your request in the forums and it could happen. It def won't if you don't.

 

[Danny101]

Irrelevant to the topic? What kind of stupid crap is this? It was a joke. Obviously, they're bringing Windows 11 functionality closer to 10 with updates. Very relevant to the topic. I feel like I'm being targeted now after a pair of frivolous comment deletions. What is the point of the comment section again? Do you want robots with pre-approved comments now? Sometimes it does take a little extra intellectual capacity to tie my comments to the topic at hand, but you can try. Not to to brag though. Does my politics frighten you?