MC1412655 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

The updated Windows 11 Start menu is rolling out, featuring a redesigned layout, dynamic sizing, and new management policies for easier configuration.

Similar updates

Details

Body (from Message Center)

What and why

The updated Start menu is now rolling out to organizations using Windows 11. 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.

Rollout schedule

Start menu began gradual rollout in October 2025 to general audiences.
The rollout to organizations began in June 2026.

Impact on your organization

Windows 11 devices began updating to show the new Start menu. In addition to the existing policies, the following policies give you more control:

HideCategoryView: This is a net new policy that you can apply to the updated Start menu design. Turn off the new category view in the "All \[apps\]" section, so devices show the grid view by default. Note: If you already have HideAppList enabled, you don't need to enable HideCategoryView since devices won't have the "All \[apps\]" section.
ConfigureStartPins: You can apply this policy to all versions of Start. It only includes an update. When the optional applyOnce flag is set, the pinned layout is applied only during initial provisioning. After that, users can customize their Start menu without losing those changes during routine policy refreshes. This addresses a previous issue where users’ pinned sections could be unexpectedly refreshed.

Action required/recommendations

Review the new policies and make changes accordingly:

Review policies in Start Policy CSP.
Learn more at Start policy settings.
Learn more about HideCategoryView Start Policy CSP.
Learn more about ConfigureStartPins Start Policy CSP.

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations are identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.

Raw JSON (for debugging)

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{
  "snapshot_item": {
    "action_required_by": null,
    "ai_action_required_by": null,
    "ai_actions": [
      "Review Start Policy CSP",
      "Assess and apply HideCategoryView policy if needed",
      "Review ConfigureStartPins policy and optional applyOnce setting"
    ],
    "ai_master_tags": [
      "User",
      "Admin"
    ],
    "ai_model": "gpt-4.1",
    "ai_summary": "The updated Windows 11 Start menu is rolling out, featuring a redesigned layout, dynamic sizing, and new management policies for easier configuration.",
    "ai_topics": [
      "Windows",
      "Windows 11"
    ],
    "category": "stayInformed",
    "details_map": {},
    "id": "MC1412655",
    "importance": 0,
    "is_major_change": false,
    "last_modified": "2026-07-02T17:05:02Z",
    "ms_products": [
      "Windows"
    ],
    "platforms": null,
    "roadmap_ids": [],
    "services": [
      "Windows"
    ],
    "severity": "normal",
    "tags": [
      "Admin impact"
    ],
    "title": "Customize the Start menu with updated policies"
  }
}