The redesigned Start menu in Windows 11 25H2 is rolling out gradually and might not appear immediately even after installing the feature update. It is part of a phased rollout, so some devices receive it later than others, even on the same Windows version.
If the device is already on Windows 11 25H2 and fully updated, there is no supported way to force-enable the new Start menu ahead of its rollout. The only actions available are:
- Make sure all updates are installed:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install all available cumulative and preview updates.
- Restart and check the Start menu again.
- Check Start personalization options (layout only):
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Adjust available layout and behavior options, but note these do not switch to the new Start design; they only customize the current one.
If the new Start menu still does not appear, it means the feature has not yet been enabled for that device in the gradual rollout. It will become available automatically in a future cumulative/preview update once Microsoft enables it for that hardware/configuration.
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