The Windows 11 Start menu is finally getting the overhaul users have been demanding since launch. Microsoft’s redesign moves beyond cosmetic tweaks to address the core frustrations that made the original Start menu feel like a step backward. The changes are better than expected, and there’s a hidden performance bonus hiding in the update.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 Start menu redesign responds directly to user feedback about the original interface
- Microsoft is bundling visual improvements with a hidden Low Latency Profile feature
- The redesign signals Microsoft is committed to fixing Windows 11 rather than abandoning it
- Preview update KB5089573 released May 26, 2026 includes performance enhancements
- The Windows 11 Start menu overhaul represents a major shift in Microsoft’s design philosophy
What Changed in the Windows 11 Start menu
The Windows 11 Start menu redesign strips away the minimalist approach that alienated longtime Windows users. Instead of the sparse, centered layout that dominated the original version, Microsoft is moving toward a denser, more functional interface that feels closer to what users knew from Windows 10 and earlier versions. This is not a minor refresh—it is a philosophical reversal that acknowledges years of criticism.
The redesign restores functionality that power users missed. Quick access to frequently used applications, better organization, and a layout that does not waste screen real estate are returning. Users comparing the new Windows 11 Start menu to the Windows 8 disaster see a company learning from its mistakes rather than doubling down on failed design choices. The interface now prioritizes usability over aesthetic minimalism, a trade-off that should have happened years ago.
The Hidden Performance Bonus: Low Latency Profile
Beyond the visual changes, Microsoft has quietly embedded a Low Latency Profile feature designed to reduce the lag between user input and screen response. This is where the real story lies. The Windows 11 Start menu redesign is not just about looks—it is about making the operating system feel faster and more responsive. Smoother interactions, quicker app launches, and snappier Start menu behavior are the tangible benefits.
The Low Latency Profile arrives as part of preview update KB5089573, released on May 26, 2026, for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems. This is a feature that addresses one of Windows 11’s most persistent complaints: perceived sluggishness compared to Windows 10. Whether through architectural changes or resource prioritization, Microsoft is tackling the responsiveness gap that made early Windows 11 feel bloated. Enthusiasts using tools like ViveTool have already begun experimenting with forcing the feature on, suggesting the performance gains are real enough to hunt for.
Windows 11 Start Menu vs. the Original Design
The original Windows 11 Start menu was a study in minimalism taken too far. Centered on screen, sparse with content, and seemingly designed for tablet interaction rather than desktop work, it frustrated millions of users who upgraded expecting familiarity. The redesign corrects this by restoring the left-aligned, information-dense layout that made Windows 10’s Start menu functional without being overwhelming.
This comparison matters because it proves Microsoft is willing to admit failure and course-correct. The original Start menu was not a minor misstep—it was a central feature of Windows 11 that drove user frustration from day one. The fact that Microsoft is now redesigning it signals a broader shift in how the company approaches Windows 11 development. Rather than defending the original vision, Microsoft is listening to what users actually want.
Why This Matters Right Now
Windows 11 adoption has been slower than Microsoft hoped, and the Start menu redesign is part of a larger effort to fix the OS rather than abandon it. Users who delayed upgrading because of interface complaints now have a reason to reconsider. The addition of performance improvements through the Low Latency Profile makes the case even stronger—this is not just a cosmetic refresh but a genuine attempt to address both design and responsiveness problems.
The timing is significant. Nearly two years after Windows 11’s launch, Microsoft is finally addressing the most visible complaint. This suggests the company is committed to iterating on Windows 11 for the long term, rather than rushing toward Windows 12. For businesses and consumers still on Windows 10, the redesigned Start menu plus performance improvements could be the tipping point that makes upgrading worthwhile.
Will the Start Menu Redesign Finally Fix Windows 11?
The Windows 11 Start menu redesign is a necessary step, but it is not a complete fix. The operating system has other pain points—system resource usage, background processes, and overall snappiness—that the Start menu redesign alone cannot solve. However, combined with the Low Latency Profile performance enhancements, Microsoft is moving in the right direction. The company is acknowledging user feedback and acting on it, which is more than it did in Windows 11’s first year.
Can I use the new Start menu right now?
The redesign is rolling out through preview builds and optional updates. If you are on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, you can install the KB5089573 preview update released on May 26, 2026, to access the changes and performance improvements. Standard users will see these features arrive in regular updates over the coming months as Microsoft moves the preview changes into stable releases.
Does the Low Latency Profile actually improve performance?
The Low Latency Profile is designed to reduce input lag and speed up app launches and Start menu behavior. Whether the gains are noticeable depends on your hardware and current system load. Users experimenting with the feature have reported faster interactions, but the improvement is not the same as upgrading your CPU or adding RAM. It is a refinement, not a revolution.
The Windows 11 Start menu redesign proves Microsoft is listening. The combination of visual improvements and hidden performance enhancements shows the company is serious about making Windows 11 a system users actually want to use, not one they tolerate because they have no choice. If you have been holding out on upgrading, this might finally be the moment to take the leap.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
