Microsoft tested 5 different Start menus for Windows 11 before choosing the current one

windowslatest.com Apr 11, 2026

Microsoft tested 5 different Start menus for Windows 11 before choosing the current one

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Apr 11, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft's design team tested five different Start menu prototypes for Windows 11 before selecting the current design. The team shared the prototypes on Instagram, showcasing various layouts and features. Users responded with mixed feedback, criticizing ads and performance issues. The prototypes featured unique designs, including grid layouts and personalized widgets, sparking nostalgia for Windows 10's Live Tiles. The designs were shared to provide insight into the redesign process and decision-making behind the current Start menu.

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The Surface Pro 12 isn’t the Surface Pro 12-inch: Microsoft’s naming scheme…

Microsoft has unveiled six new Surface devices this year, but the company's naming scheme has caused confusion among consumers. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box have distinct names and designs, but the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 have business and consumer versions with key differences. Microsoft's website and third-party retailers list multiple devices with similar names, making it difficult for shoppers to find the right PC. The Surface Pro family's complex naming structure, which includes overlapping generation numbers and screen size configurations, adds to the confusion.

💡 Microsoft's inconsistent naming scheme may deter casual buyers who are not tech experts, making it harder for them to find the right device. A clear and consistent naming scheme is essential for a company that sells a wide range of products, and Microsoft's failure to achieve this may lead to lost sales and a negative reputation.

neowin.net · Jun 18

Microsoft will finally let you sign in to Edge with a Google…

Microsoft is modifying its Microsoft Edge browser to allow users to sign in with a Google account, in addition to the existing Microsoft Account (MSA) option. This update, set to release in July 2026, will enable users to sync their data across devices using a Google account and potentially facilitate single sign-on experiences. IT administrators will have control over the feature's availability through a policy. This development marks a shift from Microsoft's previous stance on integrating Google services into Edge.

💡 Microsoft's move to support Google account sign-ins on Edge undermines its earlier claim of not integrating Google services by default, highlighting a change in the company's stance on interoperability. The gesture may prompt Google to reciprocate, potentially leading to a more seamless experience for users across Microsoft and Google ecosystems.

windowslatest.com · Jun 18

Microsoft still can’t make Windows 11’s New Outlook work offline because it…

Microsoft is struggling to make Windows 11's new Outlook work offline due to its web-based approach. The new Outlook is a web app that loads Outlook.com in a WebView2 container, similar to opening Outlook in an Edge tab. A recent update has added the ability to attach files while offline, a feature that has been available in the classic Outlook desktop app. The update also allows users to access more emails offline, with options to save up to 1 or 2 years of email on their device. Microsoft's refusal to create a native app is hindering the development of full-fledged offline support. The new features are rolling out widely, but the app still consumes more disk space compared to Outlook Classic.

💡 Microsoft's inability to deliver seamless offline support undermines the reliability of its enterprise email product. Limited offline capabilities can hinder productivity in areas with poor internet connectivity.

neowin.net · Jun 17

Windows 11 KB5094126, KB5093998 bugging out Office apps but it may not…

Microsoft released Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates, KB5094126 and KB5093998, along with dynamic updates. However, users have reported various issues, including problems with OneDrive and Dropbox access, BitLocker recovery lockouts, and blue screens. Microsoft has acknowledged a bug affecting third-party applications' ability to launch Microsoft Office apps or open Office documents after installing the updates. The issue impacts Windows 11 and Windows 10, and Microsoft is working on a resolution. A workaround is available for affected users, and enterprise customers can contact Microsoft Support for additional assistance.

💡 Microsoft's acknowledgment of the bug highlights the complex interplay between its own software and third-party applications, which rely on OLE automation to interact with Office apps. The disruption caused by this bug underscores the importance of stable software integration in business and professional workflows, where seamless communication between applications is crucial.

windowscentral.com · Jun 17

It’s STILL a terrible time to buy a Surface, but it’s not…

Microsoft has released updated Surface devices, including the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, featuring Snapdragon X2 chips. However, these new devices come with increased prices, with the Surface Pro 12 starting at $1,499 and the Surface Laptop 8 at $1,599, a $500 and $600 increase from their predecessors. This is part of a broader trend of laptop manufacturers raising prices due to the ongoing component shortage. As a result, affordable laptops with good build quality and design have become a more attractive option for everyday users.

💡 The component shortage has disrupted the laptop market, making it difficult for consumers to justify the high prices of premium devices like the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8. As a result, budget laptops with modern specs and good build quality, such as the Dell XPS 13 and the MacBook Neo, have become a more appealing choice for those who don't need the latest and greatest features.

ign.com · Jun 17

Microsoft Insists It Won’t Flip Flop on Exclusives as Fans Say They’re…

Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to exclusive Xbox games, despite fan concerns over the company's trustworthiness. The issue arose after Microsoft announced Senua, a new Hellblade game, just days before reports emerged that its developer, Ninja Theory, was at risk of being shut down. Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball stated that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will remain exclusive to Xbox, with no plans to release them on PlayStation. Microsoft aims to release "signature" exclusives every year, but fans are skeptical due to the company's recent actions. The situation has led to questions about the fate of other announced games and the future of Xbox's exclusivity strategy. Microsoft's intentions are under scrutiny, with fans awaiting clarification on the company's plans.

💡 Microsoft's credibility is on the line as fans question its ability to follow through on commitments. The company's handling of Ninja Theory and the Hellblade series has sparked concerns about its treatment of smaller studios and games.