The latest update that Windows 11 received in the beta channel allowed us to see some very interesting changes which Microsoft could present in the final version of the mentioned operating system. Some of these changes are related to the taskbar, while others focus more on the Start menu.

Let’s start by checking the changes on the main panel. HE simplified the notification area with the adoption of a new layout in the clock and date area, and the notification bell has also been removed, although this change is optional and reversible, meaning that if we don’t like it, we can go back to the previous interface.

Some animations have also been restored on the main panel, Improved keyboard navigation and small changes were added for alerts on Copilot+ compatible computers. We can confirm that Microsoft is testing other things to improve the customization and configuration of the taskbar, but there is no guarantee that they will make it into the final version of the operating system in the short or medium term.

Now we jump to the start menu and find a very important change that allows us to see a huge number of applications with a mosaic type layout, and as we can see in the image divided by category, although we can also continue to use the current arrangement in alphabetical order.

We have three different options in total, order apps in alphabetical order, by category and in a grid. We can see the grid option in the attached video, it’s basically a horizontal layout of all apps instead of vertical as we’ve seen on previous occasions.

If we divide them into categories, the application will appear in the start menu arranged by groups such as developer tools, entertainment, music, navigation and maps, news and weather, games and more. Personally, I think this split is the most interesting and focused of all that are part of this update.

Keep in mind that although these are official changes, they are quite useful nothing guarantees that it will leave the beta stage, which means that Microsoft will be the one who will ultimately decide whether to bring them to the final version of Windows 11 or to keep them exclusive for the said beta phase. It wouldn’t be the first time that good ideas aimed at said operating system have been left “in process”, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens with these changes.

It looks like another Start menu > View all apps: View categories will be available soon. Present in build 22635.3930, with some categories still broken.

You will also be able to switch between the existing alphabetical and the new grid/category view using the drop down menu. https://t.co/qFtcTm4BnB pic.twitter.com/ABtXZJ2Irl

— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) July 12, 2024