Windows 11's New Start Menu Released
The Windows 11 Start menu has received a major update for versions 24H2 and 25H2, featuring a single-page, category-based All apps view and more.
This month’s optional update (KB5067036) for Windows 11 introduces the new Start menu, which is being gradually rolled out under a Preview tag.
Microsoft will include all changes from the optional update in the November 2025 Patch Tuesday.
The original Start menu is now 30 years old, first launched with Windows 95 in 1995, and has undergone significant redesigns, including a major overhaul with Windows XP.
Microsoft had tried to replace the Start menu with Windows 8 in 2012.
Author's summary: Windows 11 gets a new Start menu.