May 17, 2025 — Microsoft has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at several concept Start Menu designs for Windows 11. Although these innovative and varied layouts will not make it into official Windows 11 builds, they highlight the experimentation and user interface considerations Microsoft has been exploring behind the scenes.
According to reports, Microsoft developed and tested multiple potential designs for the Start Menu but ultimately chose not to release any of them to the public. These scrapped concepts were part of internal development efforts and reflected various approaches—from minimalist styles to feature-rich, highly interactive layouts.
A Look at the Scrapped Designs
The concept menus featured a wide array of elements such as:
- Pinned apps and quick shortcuts
- Tabbed sections for better categorization
- Expanded layouts that took up significant screen real estate
- Deep integration with Copilot AI and system tools
However, user feedback and internal reviews suggested that many of these prototypes were either too complex or too bulky for practical, everyday use. In particular, users have expressed a preference for simpler, cleaner interfaces that don’t feel overwhelming—especially when used on smaller or mid-sized screens.
One particularly large prototype Start Menu even drew criticism for occupying nearly the entire central part of the screen, which could hinder productivity rather than enhance it.
Start11: A Better Alternative?
While Microsoft’s own experiments didn’t make it into Windows 11’s final versions, many users and experts argue that third-party solutions offer a better user experience. One of the most popular alternatives is Start11, developed by Stardock.
Start11 provides users with a fully customizable Start Menu for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Key features include:
- Multiple layout options (including classic Start Menus)
- Resizable Start Menu window
- Control over colors, transparency, and pinned items
- Integration without unnecessary bloat or AI tools
Visit the official Start11 website here: https://www.stardock.com/products/start11
Why Start11 Stands Out
Start11 is praised for its speedy updates, reliability, and user-centric design. It fills the gap left by Microsoft’s experimental menus, giving users complete control over how their Start Menu looks and functions. For those frustrated with Windows’ current offerings, Start11 offers a more traditional yet modernized solution that aligns with real-world user needs.
Moreover, the software is affordable, with pricing starting at $5.99 for home users and $9.99 for the business version—a small price for significantly improved usability.
Microsoft Missed an Opportunity?
While Microsoft’s internal testing reportedly involved a few hundred users, many believe that broader public testing could have yielded better insights. With over a billion Windows users globally, feedback from a more diverse user base could have influenced the final design direction more effectively.
Interestingly, alongside these concept reveals, Microsoft also showcased a wallpaper pack featuring unreleased design visuals and interface concepts, available to select testers. While not part of an official rollout, these wallpapers demonstrate the creative work being done internally at Microsoft.
🏷️ Tags:
Windows 11, Start Menu, Microsoft, Start11, Stardock, UI design, Windows customization, Windows updates, desktop experience, Windows productivity tools
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#Windows11 #StartMenu #MicrosoftDesign #Start11 #Stardock #UIDesign #WindowsCustomization #ProductivityTools #TechNews
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Microsoft has not announced any public release of the concept Start Menus described herein. Any third-party software mentioned (like Start11) is recommended based on public user feedback and is not officially affiliated with Microsoft. Readers are encouraged to visit the official website of the respective software before making purchase decisions.
