Microsoft Vows to Enhance "Show All Programs" Functionality in Windows 11 Start Menu

In a recent interaction on the X platform, Mikhail Parakhin, CEO of Microsoft's advertising and network services division, responded to user complaints about the cumbersome "Show All Programs" operation in the Windows 11 Start menu. Netizens raised their concerns with the CEO, specifically requesting an improvement to the navigation process without having to click "All Apps" repeatedly.

Responding to the user's plea on January 1, Mikhail Parakhin acknowledged the issue and expressed his personal frustration with the current Start Menu functionality. He assured users that Microsoft's development team is committed to addressing the concern promptly. Parakhin stated, "You are absolutely right! This question annoys me too. Our team needs to step up and make Start Menu great again!"

Unlike the Windows 10 operating system, where users can directly browse all applications by clicking on the Start menu, Windows 11 has faced criticism for making the process less intuitive. Some users have resorted to third-party tools like "Start11 v2" to customize the Start menu experience. This tool introduces three new "Start Menu Styles" - Apps, Professional, and Launcher, seamlessly integrating with both Windows 10 and 11.

Notably, this is not the first time concerns have been raised about Windows 11's design. Jensen Harris, the former director of project management for Microsoft's Windows User Experience Team, voiced his grievances on Twitter in 2022. Harris criticized the design decision to center the Start button in Windows 11, arguing that the traditional corner position not only leverages decades of muscle memory but also aligns with Fitts' Law, making it easier to aim.