Icon backgrounds banished, but some Insiders may have to wait for new toys
Microsoft has unveiled a long-teased update to the Windows 10 Start Menu for its loyal fans… or at least some of them.
Marking yet another step away from the vision of Windows 8, Dev Channel Windows Insiders were treated to a “more streamlined design”, which Microsoft described as “refined”, free of the Windows 8-style solid backgrounds for icons, which are replaced with a partially transparent and uniform backdrop.
The updated Start Menu is also a little more aware of themes, and works with both light and dark mode. The icons, alas, are still as inconsistent as ever, with the usual mish-mash of Fluent Design and iconography from the past.
That said, it is certainly a little more pleasing to the eye than the currently shipping version, although we fear that those hoping for a return to the Windows 7 style after the disastrous (for desktop users) Windows 8 adventure might have a while yet to wait.
Other notable improvements in this version included browser tabs (for users of Edge 83.
