Windows 11 Start Menu Revamp: A Step in the Right Direction?
The Windows 11 Start Menu is getting a much-needed revamp, and it’s about time! Microsoft has confirmed that the revamped Start Menu will feature a more spacious design, with more options for customization and organizing apps. The addition of an “all apps” category view, which automatically sorts apps based on their categories, is a welcome change.
But what about the users who miss the Start Menu of Windows 10 and earlier? Unfortunately, there’s no going back to the old days. You’ll need to install a third-party tool to get close to the classic Start Menu experience. However, the addition of a panel for Phone Link will be a game-changer for many users.
Phone Link Panel: A Game-Changer for Mobile Users
The Phone Link panel will provide easy access to calls, messages, and device information such as battery level. This is a significant improvement over the current Phone Link tool, which can be a bit hit and miss. The panel will also allow users to manage their phone’s settings and features, making it a one-stop-shop for all their mobile needs.
AI-Powered Settings Agent: A Double-Edged Sword?
Microsoft has also announced an AI-powered settings agent that will allow users to describe what they want to do and have the AI complete the actions on their behalf. This sounds like a convenient feature, but it also raises concerns about the potential for AI mistakes. We’re not sure we’d trust an AI to run riot over the Windows settings app, and we’ll have to look very carefully at what the agent proposes to do before letting it make changes to the operating system.
Other Updates on the Way
Other updates coming to Windows 11 include lighting controls for images, object select, and an updated Notepad app that will allow users to generate text from a prompt. These updates will likely follow the same rollout schedule as the Start Menu revamp, with the Copilot+ PC hardware required for some features.
Actionable Insights and Conclusion
The Windows 11 Start Menu revamp is a step in the right direction, but it’s not a complete solution for users who miss the classic Start Menu experience. The addition of a Phone Link panel and AI-powered settings agent are welcome changes, but we’ll have to wait and see how they perform in practice.
For users who are eager to try out the new features, the Start Menu update will be available to Windows Insiders in the coming month, with a wider rollout to follow. For those who are not part of the Windows Insider program, you can expect the updates to roll out gradually over the next few months.
In conclusion, the Windows 11 Start Menu revamp is a promising development, but it’s just one part of a larger puzzle. We’ll have to wait and see how Microsoft continues to evolve the Windows 11 experience and address the concerns of its users.