Enabling the New Start Menu Feature in Windows 11 Build 22635.3350
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Microsoft is continuously working on improving the user experience in Windows 11, and one of the latest updates, build 22635.3350, introduces a redesigned Start menu. This new feature aims to provide a more modern and intuitive experience for users when accessing their applications and system settings. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable the new Start menu feature in Windows 11 build 22635.3350 and explore its key enhancements.
Enabling the New Start Menu Feature:
Before we dive into the process of enabling the new Start menu, it’s important to note that this feature is currently available only in the latest Windows Insider Preview build (22635.3350). If you’re not already enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, you’ll need to do so to access this build.
Enable the new Start menu:
- Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
- In the Settings app, navigate to “System” > “Insider Program” (or search for “Insider Program” in the search bar).
- Click the “Get started” button and follow the on-screen instructions to enroll in the Windows Insider Program.
- Once enrolled, you’ll need to check for updates by going to “Settings” > “Windows Update” > “Check for updates.”
- After the updates are installed, including build 22635.3350, restart your computer.
- Upon restarting, you should see the new Start menu experience.
Exploring the New Start Menu:
Modern and Sleek Design: The new Start menu sports a refreshed and modern design, aligning with the overall visual aesthetic of Windows 11. It features a clean and minimalist layout, making it easier to navigate and find what you need.
Pinned Apps and Recommended Section: Similar to the previous Start menu, you can pin your frequently used apps for quick access. Additionally, there’s a new “Recommended” section that suggests apps and files based on your usage patterns, providing a more personalized experience.
Search Integration: The search functionality is now seamlessly integrated into the Start menu, allowing you to quickly find apps, settings, or files without having to open a separate search window.
Quick Access to Settings: The new Start menu provides easy access to common system settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Battery, right from the menu itself.
Improved Accessibility: Microsoft has made efforts to enhance the accessibility of the Start menu, with improved support for screen readers and high-contrast modes.
Here's an example PowerShell command to pin an app to the new Start menu:
$appPath = "C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe"
$appName = "My App"
$appLogo = "C:\Program Files\MyApp\logo.png"
$tile = New-Object Microsoft.Toolkit.Uwp.Notifications.TileBinding -ArgumentList $appPath
$tile.DisplayName = $appName
$tile.Logo = $appLogo
$tile.Arguments = ""
$tile | Export-StartLayoutXMLAtLogonPath -Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\LayoutModification.xml"This code creates a new tile for the “My App” application and exports it to the Start layout modification file, effectively pinning the app to the Start menu.
For more information on working with the Start menu layout using PowerShell, check out this Microsoft Docs article: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/customize-and-export-start-layout
Conclusion:
The new Start menu feature in Windows 11 build 22635.3350 brings a fresh and modern look, along with improved functionality and accessibility. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable this redesigned Start menu and experience a more streamlined and personalized way of accessing your apps and system settings. Microsoft’s continuous efforts to enhance the user experience in Windows 11 are evident in this update, and we can expect further improvements in future releases.
FAQs:
Q: Will the new Start menu replace the existing one permanently? A: No, the new Start menu is currently available only in the Windows Insider Preview build 22635.3350. It will likely become the default Start menu experience in a future stable release of Windows 11, but for now, it’s an optional feature for Insiders to try out.
Q: Can I revert to the old Start menu if I don’t like the new one? A: Yes, you can switch back to the previous Start menu experience by following the same steps to enroll in the Windows Insider Program, but selecting the “Release Preview” channel instead of the “Dev” channel.
Q: Will my pinned apps and settings be preserved when switching between Start menu versions? A: Yes, your pinned apps and customizations should be preserved when switching between the new and old Start menu experiences.
