Here's how to shrink the giant Windows 11 Start menu and hide unwanted sections using the August 2026 optional update and ViVeTool commands.

Microsoft has started rolling out the new Start menu for Windows 11, which we previously did a deep dive preview on. Both versions 24H2 and the newer 25H2 of Windows 11 can use the new Start menu.

Good grief and good riddance, the old Windows 11 Start menu is gone. It’s something I don’t miss, and I hope it never comes back. The new Start menu has what I need, where I need it. What’s even ...

The current Windows 11 Start menu shows only pinned and recommended apps up front. To see all your installed apps, you have to move to a different screen. The new menu displays all your apps right on ...

Microsoft is having another go at redesigning the iconic Star menu by expanding its array of pinned shortcuts and letting you scroll to find more rather than clicking an "All" button, as you have to ...

Now rolling out to Windows 11 insiders, the latest update tries to make the Start menu more usable and flexible. I don’t like the Windows 11 Start menu. I think it’s clunky, inflexible, and just plain ...

With Windows 11’s November 2025 Update (update KB5068861), Microsoft fixed some bugs but also introduced some new issues. The biggest news item, however, was the introduction of a completely new and ...

To remove the Recommended and All sections from the Windows 11 Start Menu, first disable Recommended items in Settings under Personalization > Start by turning off all recommendation toggles. To ...

Microsoft is refining the Start menu in Windows 11, but you can get faster search, deeper customization, and better workflows from these alternatives. I've been writing about technology for more than ...

Judy is an author at XDA with over a decade of experience writing about digital media. She's written for some of the largest names such as MakeUseOf, Android Central, Android Police. She always has an ...