Microsoft plans to release a massive update to the Windows 10 user interface this year, codenamed Sun Valley, and set to go public in the fall. After the update, many interface components will change, including the “Start” menu, which will “hover” above the taskbar.
Microsoft started developing a redesigned user interface for Windows 10 last year, and so far a lot is known about it. According to reports, the Start menu, Action Center and other elements will become less angular and rounded.
Based on the information available, a mockup has been created to demonstrate what the Start Menu might look like after the Sun Valley update. It is assumed that the Start menu and Action Center will be separated from the taskbar as if hovering above it. This design is very similar to how the Windows 10X platform interface is implemented, which is due to launch later this year. It looks like users won’t be able to change the corner radius in the new UI elements.
Since this is a mock desktop design, the actual Start menu that will become available to users after the Sun Valley update launches may differ. As for the update itself, the process of testing it within the Microsoft Insider Program should begin this month, and it will become available to a wide range of users in October this year.