Microsoft is preparing another change for the Windows 11 Start menu, and this one sounds like a practical improvement for users who want a little more control over how their desktop feels. The company is testing a new option that lets users choose the preferred size of the Start menu, giving them a more consistent layout across different displays.

The Start menu has been one of the most debated parts of Windows 11 since launch. Microsoft has adjusted it several times over the years, sometimes improving usability and sometimes frustrating users who preferred the older Windows approach. This latest change, however, seems more positive because it gives users more flexibility instead of forcing one fixed layout.

A Small Or Large Start Menu Option

The new feature is being introduced first to Windows Insiders as part of a wider taskbar and Start menu update. According to Microsoft, the Start menu currently adapts to the display being used. With this update, users will be able to choose between Small and Large sizes so their preferred Start menu layout remains more consistent across different screens whenever possible.

This could be especially useful for people who use Windows 11 across multiple display setups. For example, someone may use a laptop screen during the day, then connect to a larger monitor at home or in the office. Instead of the Start menu changing too much based on the screen, the selected size preference should help keep the experience more predictable.

It does not appear to be a fully free-resize system where users can drag the Start menu to any exact size they want. Based on what Microsoft has shown, the size selection appears to come from a dropdown menu. For now, the options seem limited to Small and Large, but even that is still better than having no choice at all.

More Control Over Start Menu Sections

The size setting is not the only Start menu change being tested. Microsoft is also adding options that allow users to show or hide certain Start menu sections, including Pinned, Recommended, and All.

This could be a more meaningful change than it first sounds. Many Windows 11 users have complained that the Start menu can feel cluttered or that the Recommended section takes up space without being useful enough. Being able to hide parts of the menu gives users more control over what they actually want to see when opening Start.

For users who prefer a cleaner interface, hiding unnecessary sections could make the Start menu feel simpler and less distracting. For others who rely heavily on pinned apps, keeping the Pinned section visible while reducing other areas may make the menu more focused.

While this is not the same as true granular resizing, it still gives users a way to indirectly shape the Start menu's layout. The more sections you choose to show, the fuller the menu becomes. The fewer sections you keep visible, the cleaner and potentially smaller it feels.

Why This Matters For Everyday Windows 11 Users

Start menu changes may sound small, but they affect daily usage. The Start menu is one of the most frequently used parts of Windows, especially for launching apps, searching for files, opening settings, and accessing recently used items.

A fixed Start menu design may work well for some users, but not everyone uses Windows the same way. Some people want a compact launcher that stays out of the way. Others want a larger menu with more visible apps and sections. By offering size options, Microsoft is acknowledging that one layout does not fit everyone.

This is particularly important because Windows 11 has often been criticised for removing or simplifying customization options compared with earlier versions of Windows. Giving users more control over the Start menu is a step in the right direction, even if the options remain limited for now.

Still Limited To Windows Insiders

For now, the new Start menu size option is only being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. Microsoft says the update will arrive over the coming weeks, which means even testers may not see it immediately.

As usual, there is no confirmed timeline for when this will reach regular Windows 11 users. Features tested in Insider builds can change, be delayed, or sometimes disappear before public release. Microsoft will likely gather feedback first before deciding how and when to roll it out more broadly.

This means most users will need to wait before getting access to the new Start menu controls. Still, the feature gives a good idea of where Microsoft may be heading with Windows 11 customization.

Part Of Microsoft's Ongoing Start Menu Tweaks

Microsoft has continued to make small adjustments to the Windows 11 Start menu over time. One previous update added Phone Link integration, allowing connected phones to appear within the Start menu experience.

That kind of integration may be useful for some users, but not everyone wants more content inside Start. This is why the ability to hide certain sections matters. As Microsoft adds more features, it also needs to give users the option to keep the interface clean.

The best Start menu is not necessarily the one with the most features. It is the one that helps users get to what they need quickly, without unnecessary clutter.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft's decision to test Start menu size options in Windows 11 is a welcome move. It may not be full manual resizing, but being able to choose between Small and Large layouts gives users more control over an area of Windows they interact with every day.

The ability to show or hide sections like Pinned, Recommended, and All also makes the Start menu more flexible. For users who prefer a cleaner layout, this could make Windows 11 feel less cluttered and more personal.

For now, the feature is still limited to Windows Insiders, so regular users may have to wait. But if Microsoft continues in this direction, Windows 11 could slowly become more user-friendly for people who want their desktop experience to feel less fixed and more adaptable.