Improvement in Windows 11's Start menu

 Microsoft is making Windows 11's Start menu more friendly  

Windows 11 will turn four later this year, but one of its most controversial parts, the Start menu, remains mostly unchanged from the original release, leaving most of the most requested features and changes unaddressed. Luckily, it appears that Microsoft is working on fixing one annoying issue with the operating system's Start menu, and a future update will allow you to get to your apps with fewer clicks. Windows 11 is getting changes to improve the recommendations that Microsoft pushes in the Start menu, and the software giant has confirmed that these suggestions will continue to be part of the OS going forward. Following are the important points:-

The Recommended panel in the Start menu has been improved 

Microsoft has clarified it has no plans to remove this panel from the menu

Windows 11 testers now get more relevant website suggestions

Microsoft wants to improve the idea further by letting you open the Start menu directly to the list of all apps, not your pins and recommended applications. Microsoft will also allow users to switch back to the standard variant, with the Start menu opening to pins by default. Those on Windows 11 will doubtless be familiar with the ‘Recommended’ panel in the Start menu. This is where apps or files that you’ve recently used or may need, and websites you might want to visit are flagged up. If you want to get the same behaviour right now, you can use third-party tweaks or applications like PowerStartMenu from the Microsoft Store or Windhawk. Of course, it would be much better to have this feature on the system level without relying on tweaks or additional applications.

The change comes with preview build 22635.4655 in the Beta channel, where Windows 11 testers are being treated to better filtering for the recommended websites in the Start menu. In other words, the claim is that the recommendations served will be more relevant, and this move has been made based on feedback from Windows 11 testers. Microsoft explains that the aim is to “show the highest quality sites based on your own browsing history.” Elsewhere in build 22635, Microsoft Edge Game Assist has been activated so Beta channel testers can give it a whirl.

Microsoft recently announced improvements to the Phone Link widget in the Start menu. Windows 11's Start menu is getting a big update with full-fledged Android and iPhone integration, allowing users improved access to users' mobile texts and images from their computers. Previously, the feature was limited to Android phones, but now it works with iPhones too. It will soon be enabled by default, asking users to connect their Android or iPhone devices. The biggest change is that the widget now supports iPhones, allowing Apple users to have quick access to notifications and messages, device information, file transfer and more. According to Microsoft, you'll need Windows 11 Build 4805 or higher in the Beta Channel, or Build 26120.3000 or higher in the Dev Channel to use the feature. Your PC must have Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, be signed in with a Microsoft account, and support Bluetooth LE. This feature is not available on PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs.

Once you've updated your PC, open the Start menu, choose between Android and iPhone, and follow on-screen instructions. You'll automatically see all your phone's content on the Start menu. After connecting, you can view the iPhone's battery status and connection directly from the Start menu. It's also possible to view your text messages, pick up calls, and check recent activities. However, if you're looking for advanced data, you'll need to open the Phone Link app. You can manage Android/iPhone integration from Settings > Personalization > Start, including turning off the sidebar panel.