Microsoft

Windows 10's Start menu may show the All Apps list by default following the Windows 10 Anniversary Update this summer, according to a sneak peek from Microsoft.

After killing the Start menu in Windows 8 and bringing it back in Windows 10, Microsoft knows that its most loyal fans are sensitive to drastic changes to the Windows experience. So, ahead of the next major Windows 10 update, it's showing off new designs for the Start menu and asking Windows Insider testers to share their thoughts.

Microsoft wants to make it easier for users of Windows 10 PCs and tablets to access apps from the menu and Start screen, by reducing the clicking and scrolling needed to access apps.

The proposed Start menu for PCs in the Windows 10 Anniversary introduces a new hamburger menu to the left top of the screen, adjacent to Most Used apps list. The All Apps list will also be present from the outset beneath Most Used apps, bypassing the need to click on an All Apps icon.

Microsoft software engineer Jen Gentleman posted a GIF of the proposed changes "to ease some concerns" after Microsoft had revealed static images of the new UI.

Other minor changes include moving the Power and Settings icons to a side bar beneath File Explorer.

Microsoft also revealed changes to Start screen for Windows 10 tablets, bringing back the Windows 8.1 Start screen. The All Apps list will take up the full screen and be blended with Most Used app rather than the current design, which has All Apps list on a side panel.

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has posted the proposals on an Office Sway page where it provides links to its Windows 10 Feedback Hub for comments.

The Anniversary Update is the public name for what was previously known by its codename, Redstone 1. It is Microsoft's first major update to Windows 10 and will likely be released in June or July.

The update will also make it easier for third-party app developers to integrate the Windows Hello biometric authentication features, Windows Ink and Cortana into their apps.

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