Microsoft appears to be testing a new feature for the Windows 11 Start menu that will let users display more pinned apps without the need to scroll, as reported by Windows Latest.
A new toggle labeled “Show all pins by default” was spotted in a recent Windows 11 preview build by X user Phantomofearth. If implemented, this option could change how pinned apps are displayed in the Start menu.
Windows 11 provides users with three layout options for the Start menu: More Pins, Default, and More Recommendations.
The new feature could be implemented in several ways, such as removing or reducing the size of the Recommendations section, decreasing the size of app icons, or increasing the overall height of the Start menu. However, each of these approaches has drawbacks, such as reduced legibility or a more cluttered interface.
Despite user requests, Microsoft has kept the Recommendations section. Even when users disable all related personalization settings, the section continues to display recently used apps.
Although the exact implementation of this new feature remains unclear, it suggests that Microsoft is exploring ways to give users more control over their Start menu layout. Based on recent trends, it’s unlikely that the option to completely remove the Recommendations section will be introduced.