Get ready for a fresh look at your Windows 11 experience! Microsoft is rolling out an exciting redesign of the Start menu this month, featuring a wider layout that allows you to finally disable the oft-criticized recommended feed of files and apps.

But here's the twist: Microsoft just lifted the curtain on some jaw-dropping rejected concepts that could have transformed the Start menu in radical ways. These intriguing designs, showcased in a blog post, reveal a creative process brimming with imagination!

Radically Different Designs on Display!

Among the bold concepts, one design catches the eye with its rounded aesthetic and widget-like features. Imagine a dedicated 'For You' section showcasing Teams meetings, trending YouTube videos, and your recently accessed files – a true hub for all things important.

Then there's the concept where this 'For You' section is cleverly located to the side, allowing the main portion of the menu to be focused solely on app categories. One particularly striking prototype even envisions a comprehensive landing page as the Start menu, filled with shortcuts, apps, files, and a direct gateway to access your Android phone and custom app lists!

Creative Process: From Sketches to Prototypes!

The design journey has been anything but typical. The Windows design team has passionately explored various layouts, employing everything from whiteboards to Figma frames and even prototypes made from floor-to-ceiling paper. "Nothing was too scrappy," they noted, emphasizing their eagerness to innovate before fine-tuning their ideas.

Engagement didn’t stop there! Microsoft’s team collaborated with over 300 dedicated Windows 11 fans, soaking in feedback from eye-tracking heat maps and delight-filled reactions during testing sessions. This ensured that each tweak resonated with actual users.

What's Next for the Start Menu?

The revamped Start menu promises to be more user-friendly and customizable than ever, enhancing speed without losing touch with the three-decade legacy of Windows. A standout feature will be the elimination of the recommended feed, much to the relief of users searching for a streamlined experience.

A new phone companion panel will also be integrated into the Start menu, offering quick access to recent calls, messages, and files from your phone – making everything just a click away!

Microsoft is set to begin testing this new Start menu with Windows Insiders in the coming months, and it won't be long before every Windows 11 user can experience these exciting changes firsthand!