Microsoft has heard the complaints. After years of rigid layouts and limited options that left many Windows 11 users reaching for third-party tools, the company is testing changes that give real power over the Start menu. The updates arrive in preview builds and mark a notable shift in how the software giant approaches one of the operating system’s most visible elements. Users can now resize the menu. They can hide entire sections. They can even conceal their account name and picture to avoid awkward moments during presentations. These adjustments come as part of a broader effort to address longstanding frustrations. The Windows Insider blog detailed the plans on May 15, 2026 , with Diego Baca writing that “Start and taskbar are where that trust is tested most.” The core updates focus on four areas. First, the menu gains Small and Large size options alongside an Automatic mode that adapts to the display. No more one-size-fits-all behavior that often felt oversized on larger screens.…