Microsoft is giving Windows 11 users something many have been asking for since the Start menu redesign began taking over more of the screen: practical size and layout controls. According to Windows Latest, the August 2026 optional update adds settings that can shrink the Start menu, hide unwanted sections, and remove personal profile details from the menu surface.
For everyday users, this is a welcome usability change. For IT teams, help desk staff, and Windows enthusiasts who tune their desktops carefully, it is also a reminder that Windows 11 interface changes are increasingly delivered in stages. The code may already be installed on a PC, but the visible feature can remain disabled until Microsoft turns it on through a controlled rollout.
What is changing in the Windows 11 Start menu
The new Start menu settings are aimed at reducing the oversized layout that many users saw after Microsoft’s recent redesign work. Windows Latest reports that the Start menu could occupy close to 90% of the vertical screen space on some PCs, especially smaller laptops. That made the menu feel less like a launcher and more like a full-screen panel, even when users disabled recommendations or reduced pinned items.
The updated customization page under Settings > Personalization > Start introduces more direct control. The Start menu is organized around three main sections: Pinned apps, Recent, and All apps. Users can choose which sections appear, and Microsoft has also added size choices rather than relying only on automatic behavior.
The most useful option for many people will be the new Small size. It makes the menu less intrusive and better suited to compact displays, remote sessions, and multitasking environments. A Large option remains available for users who prefer more room, while Automatic keeps Microsoft’s adaptive default.
There is also a privacy-friendly option to hide the user name and profile picture from Start. That is a small but practical addition for people who record tutorials, stream, present in meetings, or frequently share their screen.
Why this matters for IT and power users
The Start menu is not just a cosmetic feature. It is one of the most frequently used parts of Windows, and changes to it affect user training, support calls, documentation, and daily workflow. When a Start menu suddenly becomes much larger, changes section names, or behaves differently across machines, users notice quickly.
For organizations, the biggest operational point is consistency. A phased rollout means two Windows 11 PCs on the same update level may not show the same Start menu controls on the same day. That can complicate support scripts and user-facing instructions. IT administrators should be cautious about announcing the feature broadly until they know whether it is active across their managed fleet.
For enthusiasts, the new controls are a chance to remove clutter. A clean Start menu with only All apps enabled may work well for keyboard-driven users who rely on search. Others may prefer a Windows 11 launch-era style by keeping pinned apps visible and disabling Recent and All apps. The important improvement is that Microsoft is no longer forcing a one-size-fits-all layout.
How the rollout works
The feature is tied to Microsoft’s August 2026 optional update, identified by Windows Latest as KB5120998. The report says it updates Windows 11 version 25H2 systems to build 26200.9278 and version 24H2 systems to build 26100.9278. After installation and restart, users should check Settings > Personalization > Start to see whether the new controls are present.
If the controls are not visible, that does not necessarily mean the update failed. Microsoft often ships feature code first and enables it later through Controlled Feature Rollout. This lets Microsoft expose the change gradually, monitor feedback, and slow or pause the release if issues appear.
Windows Latest describes using ViVeTool to manually enable the feature IDs for users who want the controls immediately. That approach can be useful for testers and advanced users, but it should be treated carefully in production environments. ViVeTool changes feature flags that Microsoft has not necessarily enabled for every device yet. Before using it on a work machine, create a restore point or ensure the device is covered by a reliable backup and rollback process.
Advisory before installing the optional update
Optional Windows updates are not the same as monthly security updates. They often preview fixes and features that will reach a broader audience later, but they can also include unresolved bugs. Windows Latest notes known concerns around cursor resizing and wallpaper behavior in the same optional update, with Microsoft acknowledging at least the cursor issue.
For home users who are eager to customize the Start menu, installing the optional update may be reasonable if they are comfortable troubleshooting. For business devices, shared PCs, kiosks, and production workstations, it is usually better to test first or wait for the next Patch Tuesday release cycle. That gives Microsoft more time to address early issues and gives administrators a cleaner deployment window.
If you do install the update, verify the basics after rebooting: Start menu behavior, taskbar behavior, display scaling, wallpaper settings, and pointer size. These are small checks, but they catch the kinds of user-facing problems that generate support tickets.
The bigger lesson for Windows 11 design
This change is part of a broader pattern in Windows 11: Microsoft removes or redesigns long-standing interface behavior, receives sustained feedback, and then gradually restores control through Settings. The return of more Start menu flexibility is a positive step, but it still does not equal the fully resizable Start menu many users remember from Windows 10.
Still, this update moves Windows 11 in the right direction. A Start menu should help users get to apps, documents, settings, and search quickly without dominating the desktop. Giving users a smaller layout, section toggles, and basic privacy controls makes the interface feel more respectful of different screen sizes and workflows.
For now, the practical recommendation is simple: check for the new Start settings after the update, test before enabling across managed machines, and avoid forcing feature flags unless you understand the rollback path. If Microsoft continues refining Windows 11 in this direction, the Start menu may finally become less controversial and more useful.
Source: Windows Latest source