With the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft made the decision to eliminate live tiles from the Start menu entirely. This change has left users who appreciated the glance-and-go experience on Windows 10 dissatisfied with the new Start menu on Windows 11. Although there is a third-party app available to provide a somewhat similar live tile experience on Windows 11, it doesn’t quite meet expectations. Fortunately, Microsoft appears to be developing a new feature called “Start Menu Companions,” which will introduce adaptive cards to the Start menu.
Albacore (@thebookisclosed) discovered support for Start Menu Companions in the Windows 11 Insider Beta build (26212). They successfully ran a demo using widgets displayed on a floating island next to the Start menu. The island can be docked to the left or right of the Start menu.
Configuration for Companions can be accessed in Windows Settings under Personalization -> Start. Here, users can enable or disable the feature and manage various Companions for customization. Albacore noted that the UI is very web-centric, similar to widgets on Windows 11. It’s important to note that Companions must be supported by developers.
Additionally, Albacore found Copilot integration into the Windows Settings search bar. For those on the Beta build, this feature can be enabled through ViveTool by enabling the feature ID 49445394.
In recent years, Microsoft has faced criticism from Windows users for removing useful features from the Start menu. It’s a positive development that Microsoft is now listening to feedback and integrating meaningful features into the Start menu and Windows 11. The company is also reportedly reintroducing the Show Desktop button to the right corner of the Taskbar.
What are your thoughts on the new Start Menu Companions feature? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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