Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 11 Build 26300.8533 With 3 Start Menu Layout Options
Updated
Updated · Thurrott.com · May 30
Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 11 Build 26300.8533 With 3 Start Menu Layout Options
8 articles · Updated · Thurrott.com · May 30
Build 26300.8533 is now live for Windows Insider Experimental testers, adding a redesigned Start settings page, options to hide the account name and profile picture, and new Start menu size controls.
Three layout choices are available—small, large and Automatic—while users can independently show or hide the All, Pinned and Recommended sections; Microsoft is also renaming Recommended to Recent.
Microsoft also issued preview builds across the Beta, Experimental 26H1 and Future Platforms channels, but warned current 26H1 testers to switch back to 25H2 before June 5 if they want to avoid being moved forward.
Version 26H1 is limited to new-silicon devices such as Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips, and because it uses a different Windows core, testers can return to 25H2 only through a clean OS install.
Windows 11's new CPU boost promises a 70% faster Start menu, but what's the hidden cost for your laptop's battery life?
With Microsoft betting on native WinUI 3, is this the final fix for Windows performance or a risky step away from modern web apps?