Windows 11 includes native controls for adjusting the interface dimensions through the operating system settings. The new Windows 11 Start menu size option lives in Settings > Personalization > Start, where you choose Automatic, Small, or Large. If you do not see the option immediately, Microsoft is still rolling it out gradually, so a missing control on a fully updated PC simply means the feature has not reached your device yet rather than indicating a broken installation.
How the New Size Controls Work
Unlike the Windows 10 style of resizing where you could drag the edges of the Start menu to arbitrary dimensions, Windows 11 relies on three fixed presets. The Automatic setting adjusts dynamically based on your display resolution and scaling, though it can still appear large on high-DPI screens. Selecting Small creates a compact menu with less displayed content, whereas Large accommodates more applications and files without requiring you to scroll.
The same Settings page also houses toggles to show or hide the Pinned, Recent, and All apps sections. Microsoft renamed the Recommended section to Recent, meaning systems that have not yet picked up the nomenclature change may display the older label. Some preview builds also expose a Customize sections option when you right-click inside the Start menu, but the Settings page serves as the most reliable method.
System Requirements and Availability
The feature applies to specific operating system versions released through official servicing channels. Microsoft announced these controls via its official Windows Update channel with update KB5120998 on August 27, 2026, which covers Windows 11 version 24H2 and version 25H2. Current Insider preview builds and version 26H2 operate on different servicing tracks, meaning availability and required updates may vary on those systems.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Device | Any Windows 11 PC |
| OS version | Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 (covered by KB5120998 documentation). 26H2 and Insider builds may use different servicing — verify against current Microsoft documentation. |
| Cost | Free (included with Windows 11) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating and Resizing
To verify your operating system build, press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter to open a small window displaying your system version. Alternatively, you can check your system version directly in Settings > System > About. If your device runs an older version than 24H2, you must install the latest available feature update for your hardware before proceeding.
Open Windows Update and install all available updates and optional cumulative updates. Preview updates are frequently offered directly on the Windows Update page with an independent download link. After restarting your computer, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start to check for the size options.
| Step | Action | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check version in Settings > System > About | All Windows 11 PCs |
| 2–3 | Install updates and optional updates | 24H2 / 25H2 |
| 4–5 | Choose Automatic, Small, or Large | PCs that have received the rollout |
| 6 | Toggle Pinned, Recent/Recommended, All | PCs that have received the rollout |
Understanding Start Menu Settings
Configuring your layout involves balancing visual density with accessibility. The table below details the available settings and their default behaviors.
| Setting | Default | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start menu size: Automatic | On (default) | Sizes Start based on resolution and scaling | Laptops and most single-monitor setups |
| Start menu size: Small | Off | Compact menu with less content | Small screens, or anyone who found Start too big |
| Start menu size: Large | Off | Shows more apps and files without scrolling | A 4K monitor or ultrawide monitor |
| Pinned | On | Grid of pinned apps, folders, and sites | Keep on for most people |
| Recent / Recommended | On | Recently opened files and apps | Turn off for a cleaner menu |
| All | On | Full app list | Keep on unless you only use pinned apps |
| Account name/photo | Shown | Displays your account in Start | Hide it on a shared office PC |
Troubleshooting Missing Options
Installing every available update does not guarantee immediate access, because Microsoft utilizes a staged rollout to activate the feature. Two distinct PCs running identical builds can display different interface options depending on server-side deployment flags. There is no official method to accelerate this deployment.
Enthusiast communities sometimes publish unofficial tools like ViVeTool along with feature IDs to force-enable hidden options. Because these IDs belong to preview environments rather than stable servicing branches, they carry stability risks and lack official support. Waiting for the gradual rollout remains the safer approach for maintaining operating system integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drag the Start menu edges like in Windows 10?
No. Windows 11 restricts adjustments to the three built-in presets: Automatic, Small, and Large.
How do I revert my changes?
You can restore default behavior by setting the size back to Automatic and turning all section toggles back on. Microsoft does not provide a native mechanism to revert to the exact pre-redesign layout.
Are third-party Start menu replacements compatible?
Tools like Open-Shell and StartAllBack offer classic-style menus, but operating system updates can break them. Always verify current tool compatibility with versions 24H2 and 25H2 before installation.
Ultimately, configuring the Windows 11 Start menu size offers a reliable way to tailor the desktop interface to your display hardware once the rollout reaches your system.
