Microsoft has pulled the plug on an unpopular change to its Windows 11 Start menu that was announced a year ago. The new design, which replaced the classic Windows 7 look, was meant to declutter the Start Menu and make it easier to navigate. However, it was met with widespread criticism from both consumer and enterprise users.
In a blog post, Microsoft stated that it “acknowledge[d] the feedback and frustration from Windows Insiders and the Windows community” and decided to abandon the plan. It also revealed that it will “focus our energy on making sure current customers have the best experience with their Start menu”.
The original design for the Windows 11 Start menu had removed the ability for users to control the size of the left-hand Start menu column. This drew criticism from users who enjoyed being able to customise the size of the Start menu to fit their preferences and needs. The change also removed the ability for users to pin live tiles to the Start menu, another feature that had proven popular and seen extensive use.
Windows Insiders, Microsoft’s preview group, have applauded the decision to reverse the unpopular change and have suggested more changes to the user experience that they hope Microsoft will consider going forward.
For its part, Microsoft has committed to listening to user feedback and regularly releasing updates that reflect changes requested by its users. While not every suggestion has been adopted so far, the company’s recent reversal of the Windows 11 Start menu design shows that it is taking its customers’ desires seriously and is willing to act based on those needs.
