Posted in

Windows 11 Build 27965 Adds Scrollable Start Menu & Phone Link

by ailona•

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27965 introduces a revamped, scrollable Start menu with category and grid views, adaptive layouts for different screens, and seamless Phone Link integration for cross-device productivity. This update enhances navigation, customization, and modernizes legacy framework support.

Discover the New Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27965

Windows 11 just got a fresh update with Build 27965 in the Canary Channel. This release introduces a revamped Start menu designed to boost productivity. The updated Start menu now features pinned apps at the top, recommended apps and files in the middle, and installed apps grouped by category at the bottom. This makes navigation simpler and faster, especially for power users managing many applications. Moreover, the new scrollable Start menu lets you access all your apps without extra clicks. You can choose between two new views: category and grid. The Category view groups apps automatically, so frequently used ones appear front and center. Alternatively, the Grid view organizes apps alphabetically, making scanning through your software a breeze. Windows remembers your preferred view, enhancing your daily workflow.
“This represents a significant leap forward in user experience,” said a Microsoft spokesperson.

Enhanced Usability with Responsive Design and Cross-Device Integration

The Start menu adapts dynamically to your screen size. Larger displays show more pinned apps and recommendations, while smaller screens display a compact version. Sections within the menu, such as Recommended and Pinned, adjust automatically based on content availability. If you want a cleaner look, toggles in Settings allow you to hide recommendations or recently added apps. Another standout feature is the improved Phone Link integration. You can now expand or collapse your mobile device content right from the Start menu. This seamless cross-device functionality supports both Android and iOS, making it easier to manage notifications and messages without switching devices. Expect this feature to roll out more broadly in 2025.

Practical Fixes and Developer-Friendly Updates

Besides UI improvements, Build 27965 addresses key issues. Taskbar auto-hide glitches have been fixed, and video playback errors in Blu-ray and digital TV apps are resolved. Developers will appreciate that .NET Framework 3.5 is no longer a default Windows feature but remains available via a standalone installer. This encourages migration to modern .NET versions while maintaining legacy support. Additionally, a new command line text editor called Edit is now included. This open-source tool streamlines quick file edits directly in the Terminal, enhancing developer productivity.
“We continue to refine Windows with feedback from our Insider community,” the Windows Insider team shared.
In conclusion, Windows 11 Build 27965 brings a smarter Start menu, better cross-device integration, and essential fixes. These updates enhance daily workflows and support both casual users and developers. If you’re part of the Canary Channel, this build offers a glimpse into the future of Windows usability and efficiency. Stay tuned for more innovations as Microsoft evolves the platform.

Key points from the article:

  • New scrollable Start menu with category and grid views improves app organization and faster access
  • Responsive Start menu dynamically adjusts layout based on device screen size for optimized user experience
  • Phone Link integration enables effortless cross-device content management between Windows and mobile devices
  • Transition away from .NET Framework 3.5 encourages adoption of modern .NET versions for better app compatibility
  • Command line text editor “Edit” now included by default, streamlining file editing in Terminal environments

    • From the Windows Blog