windows 11’s Redesigned Start Menu Now Available: here’s How to Enable It
A notable visual overhaul of the Windows 11 Start Menu is now available to users.Microsoft released the update as part of the October 2023 update, and while the rollout is initially controlled, tech enthusiasts can activate the new experience instantly. The redesigned Start Menu promises increased space for pinned applications and a more adaptive layout tailored to individual user needs.
Why the Change?
The new Start Menu marks the frist significant redesign since the initial launch of Windows 11 in October 2021. Critics have previously pointed to the original Start Menu as a potential weakness within the operating system. This iteration is being hailed as a significant advancement, offering a more intuitive and user-kind experience.
How to Activate the New Start Menu
The initial step involves installing the optional update KB5067036 for Windows 11 24H2/25H2, released on October 28. prosperous installation will bring your system revision to 26200.7019 or 26100.7019.While the upcoming mandatory update on November 11 will likely offer the new Start Menu to all users, it will be implemented in phases.
however, impatient users can circumvent the wait using the community-developed ViVeTool. A prominent leaker, known as @phantomofearth, revealed the activation identifier during public testing earlier this year.
step-by-Step Activation Guide
- Download the ViVeTool and extract the contents to a folder.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Navigate to the folder containing the extracted vivetool files using the cd command. Such as: cd c:vivetool.
- Enter the command: vivetool /enable /id:47205210 and press Enter.
- ViVeTool will confirm successful activation with the message Successfully set feature configuration.
- Restart your computer.
If you encounter any issues, you can disable the New Start Menu using the command: vivetool /disable /id:47205210. While activation typically proceeds smoothly, complete functionality cannot be guaranteed.
Did you know? Microsoft frequently enough rolls out features in stages,ensuring stability and gathering user feedback before a full release.
Windows 11 Feature Rollout Timeline
| Update | Release Date | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| October Update | October 2023 | Redesigned Start Menu |
| November Update | November 11, 2023 | Full rollout of redesigned Start Menu (phased) |
Understanding Windows 11 Feature Updates
Microsoft typically releases major feature updates for Windows 11 twice a year. These updates introduce new features, improvements, and security enhancements. Staying up-to-date with these updates is crucial for maintaining a secure and optimal computing experience. The rollout strategy of optional and phased updates allows Microsoft to gather feedback and address any potential issues before broad distribution.Regularly checking for updates through Windows Update is recommended.
Are you excited about the new Windows 11 Start Menu? Will you be enabling it right away? Share your thoughts in the comments below!