Microsoft is continuously improving Windows 11 to make common tasks more streamlined and intuitive. In a recent test build, they’ve been experimenting with an updated design for the All Apps section of the Start menu that aims to better showcase your installed applications. This new layout takes a different approach from the current listing by utilizing a more visually interesting grid.
The current All Apps section displays programs in a plain vertical list that takes up a lot of empty space and only shows one app at a time. This makes it hard to get an overview of everything you have or find specific apps buried lower in the long list. With the new design, your applications are organized into an icon grid similar to how mobile devices present all installed apps. This compact view puts more options in view above the fold for easier browsing.
How Does the Redesign Improve Discoverability?
By presenting apps as icons with labels underneath, the updated All Apps section aims to make each program more identifiable at a glance. Being able to see multiple icons together should allow for patterns or colors to catch your eye when searching. The grid also makes it easier to scan across rows and columns to locate an app visually instead of reading through a list. While there are certainly more icons condensed into the space, this tradeoff provides better app discoverability.
It’s still early in testing, so the final version may look different. But it’s promising to see Microsoft exploring designs that highlight the full breadth of tools at your disposal in Windows 11. Making important areas like finding and launching apps more visually engaging and scannable can only improve the user experience. The new All Apps section layout is a step towards bringing more focus to your personally installed programs.