Windows 11 users are finally getting the redesigned Start Menu with the Windows 11 25H2 update, and it brings a cleaner layout, better app organization, improved recommendations, and smoother performance. If you haven’t received the new Start Menu yet, don’t worry—Microsoft is rolling it out in phases, so many PCs will get it soon through Windows Update. Some users are using third-party tools to force the new design, but the safest and most stable option is to wait for the official release because unofficial methods can break future updates, cause UI bugs, and reduce system stability.
Why you should keep Windows 11 updated
Keeping Windows 11 updated ensures you receive the latest features, security patches, performance improvements, and UI upgrades like the new Start Menu. Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → Download & install → Restart PC to stay on the latest build. Enabling Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available helps you receive feature rollouts faster.
New Start Menu in Windows 11 25H2 – What’s new
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 25H2 introduces a more modern and customizable layout with better space usage and smarter app access. You get a wider Start Menu option, improved pinned apps grid, and a more useful Recommended section that shows recent files and apps more accurately. The All apps view is faster and smoother, with better alphabetical grouping. Microsoft has also improved animation speed, search responsiveness, and touch optimization for tablets and touch laptops.
You can now manage pinned apps more easily with drag-and-drop improvements, remove recommendations quickly, and get better integration with Microsoft account activity and recently used content. Performance is noticeably smoother on low-end PCs, and the Start Menu opens faster compared to previous versions.
Other features in Windows 11 25H2
Windows 11 25H2 also includes overall system performance improvements, better memory management, faster File Explorer response, and improved search indexing. The update brings stability fixes, security enhancements, and better background app handling. Some builds also show improved widgets performance and smoother taskbar animations. Gaming performance and GPU scheduling stability have been refined, especially on newer hardware.
Didn’t get the new Start Menu yet?
If the new Start Menu hasn’t appeared on your PC, it simply means the feature hasn’t rolled out to your device yet. Microsoft uses a gradual rollout based on hardware compatibility and region. Avoid using third-party Start Menu replacement apps because they can cause crashes, break system files, and create issues with future Windows updates. The official update will bring the new design automatically once it’s ready for your system.
How to prepare for the update
Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available, then check for updates regularly and keep your PC restarted after installing updates. Make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account and your system is fully updated to the latest cumulative build.
Conclusion
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 25H2 is a major visual and usability improvement with better layout, faster performance, and smarter recommendations. If you haven’t received it yet, the best approach is to keep your system updated and wait for the official rollout instead of using third-party tools. This ensures maximum stability, security, and full compatibility with future Windows features.
FAQ
Is the new Start Menu available for everyone?
It is rolling out gradually, so some users will get it later.
Can I force enable the new Start Menu?
It is not recommended because unofficial methods may break Windows updates.
How do I get Windows 11 25H2?
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install the latest feature update when available.
Will the new Start Menu improve performance?
Yes, it opens faster, uses memory more efficiently, and has smoother animations.
