This is what the “new” Start menu looks like

Sep 22, 2015 09:06 GMT  ·  By

Windows 10 build 10547 comes with an eagerly-anticipated change for insiders that allows them to use 4 columns of live tiles, which is quite a big change given the fact that previously, they were only able to configure 3 columns or a multiple of 3.

But according to Microsoft itself, making it possible to set up a fourth column was one of the most requested features in the last few months, so build 10547 is the first one that brings it.

“The default for tile groups on Start is to have 3 columns of medium sized tiles, but we heard feedback from many Insiders who wanted the ability to have a 4th column as well, so they could have two wide or large sized tiles side by side in a group,” Microsoft said in the official build 10547 announcement.

Keep in mind, however, that this particular option is only available for members of the fast ring of the Windows Insider program and it could take a little bit longer until Microsoft introduces it in the stable version of the operating system.

A big update for Windows 10 is coming sometime in the next couple of months and it could also bring this Start menu change for RTM users, but Microsoft is yet to provide any timing info for now.

How to enable the feature

If you’re already on build 10547 and want to enable the fourth column, here’s the path you need to follow:

Settings app > Personalization > Start and enabling “Show more tiles”

Your Start menu layout might be a little messed up after turning on this feature, so you have to manually rearrange all live tiles, but after a couple of minutes of tweaking, everything should be just fine.

Time will tell if this kind of improvements can convince users to stick to the Windows 10 Start menu and forget about third-party apps, but it’s good to see that Microsoft’s actually introducing the features that its testers really need.

The fourth column needs to be manually enabled from Settings
The fourth column needs to be manually enabled from Settings

Windows 10 Start menu (5 Images)

Windows 10 Start menu with a fourth column
The fourth column needs to be manually enabled from SettingsWindows 10 Start menu with a fourth column
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