The classic Start menu is gone in the latest preview build

Jul 9, 2021 08:06 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft no longer allows users to restore the Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11, as the latest preview build blocks a registry hack that many turned to lately.

In other words, if you’ve been using a registry tweak to restore the classic Start menu design in Windows 11, this would be disabled after installing preview builds 22000.65, with Microsoft now forcing users to stick with the new design that comes as part of the operating system.

Microsoft has put a lot of effort into getting the new Start menu design right, and given it’s borrowed from Windows 10X, it comes with a completely new look. It’s no longer located in the lower left corner but is now centered alongside the rest of the icons pinned to the taskbar.

Windows 10 Start menu is gone

“We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful. From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease,” Microsoft explained last month when it announced the new Windows 11.

“We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier, even if it was on an Android or iOS device.”

In the original build, however, users could restore the original Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11 and therefore stick with the traditional design which for many is a lot more familiar.

But after blocking it in the latest Windows 11 preview build, it’s pretty clear Microsoft wants everybody to stick with the new design, so going forward, the centered and live tile-free Start menu is the only option unless you want to turn to third-party apps.