Microsoft has begun the process of distributing the new Windows 10 Start menu to Insiders, heralding the arrival of a cleaner, more streamlined interface

The Redmond company had already teased the look of the redesigned Start menu, so we knew it was coming But now it appears to be on the cusp of a proper rollout Don't expect big changes, though, as this redesign is more of an aesthetic tweak aimed at streamlining the menu [Brandon LeBlanc, senior program manager for the Windows 10 Insider Program, said, "We've removed the solid-color backplate behind the app list logo and applied a uniform, partially transparent background to the tiles to create a more streamlined We are refreshing the Start menu with a new design

"This design creates a beautiful stage for the redesigned icons for apps, especially the Fluent Design icons for Office and Microsoft Edge, as well as the built-in apps we began distributing earlier this year, including Calculator, Mail, and Calendar"

LeBlanc's description is a bit exaggerated, but the new Start menu certainly looks much more streamlined The interface is faster and easier to use, although it was previously difficult to identify app icons at a glance simply by removing the heavy colored blocks of tile

The new Start menu works with the Dark mode Windows 10 theme as well as the Light theme, so Dark mode fans will not lose the tweaks Redmond software engineers have been working on

However, the new Start menu design is not the only tweak Microsoft is bringing to Windows 10 A "more personalized" taskbar is also being tested, with the goal of tailoring the taskbar's content layout to users' preferences and uses The goal is to "provide a cleaner, more personalized, out-of-the-box experience that delivers the content you need and reduces clutter"

Since this is a feature that will be rolled out to members of the Windows Insiders Program, it is not guaranteed to make it into the full release of Windows 10 if it is not well received

Microsoft has also added the ability to ALT + Tab between all tabs open in the Microsoft Edge browser, not just the active tab in each browser This is another minor change, but a boon for users who multitask heavily

Overall, these small tweaks and changes to Windows 10 are a sign that Microsoft is working to make its operating system cleaner and easier to use, while not compromising on customization and the open nature of Windows 10 This does not mean that they are compromising customization and the open nature of Windows 10 Therefore, if you are a Windows 10 user, expect to see some changes in the form of updates in the coming months