check before: 2025-10-01
Product:
SharePoint, Windows
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact
Links:
Details:
The updated Start menu is gradually rolling out. It brings the "All \[apps\]" section to the top level of the Start menu with new views (category and grid). The size of the Start menu is dynamic to the user's device. Additionally, updated policies now make it easier for you to configure Start.
When will this happen:
Start menu began gradual rollout in October 2025 to general audiences. The rollout of Start menu to organizations will begin in the second quarter of the calendar year 2026.
Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-18
updated:
2026-02-18
Task Type
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Docu to Check
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS How does it affect me
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Preperations
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS Urgency
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
MS workload name
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
summary for non-techies**
The updated Windows Start menu features a more accessible layout with key sections like "All apps" at the top, adaptive sizing for different devices, and new IT policies such as HideCategoryView and ConfigureStartPins for customizing the menu's appearance and functionality.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Interface Disruption
The new Start menu layout may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous design, leading to decreased productivity as they adapt to the changes.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/configuration/start/policy-settings?tabs=start&pivots=windows-11
Policy Misconfiguration
Without proper preparation, the new policies may be incorrectly configured, resulting in users losing their pinned applications or having an unexpected Start menu layout.
- roles: System Administrators, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start#configurestartpins" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start#configurestartpins, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start#hidecategoryview
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start#hidecategoryview
Increased Support Tickets
The rollout of the new Start menu may lead to an influx of support tickets from users facing issues or confusion, straining IT resources.
- roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-start, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/configuration/start/policy-settings?tabs=start&pivots=windows-11
Configutation Options**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
Opportunities**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
Potentional Risks**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
IT Security**
XXXXXXX ... paid membership only
explanation for non-techies**
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here
A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.
Last updated 3 weeks ago ago
