Microsoft explains its reasoning behind the hamburger menu in Windows 10

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Published onApril 29, 2015

published onApril 29, 2015

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The hamburger menu in Windows 10. Based on the comments we’ve read on WinBeta and Reddit, some dislike it, some hate it, and the rest don’t care. We can’t seem to find people who actually like it and although we’re sure they exist, their voices are probably drowned in the sea of the disapproving.

So why is Microsoft actively implementing them in its universal apps for Windows 10, and ripping away our beloved pivots in the process? Microsoft provides an answer in a recent post published on theWindows Blog.

Microsoft is currently working on an adaptive UX design for its universal apps, apps that need to work across devices with a range of different screen sizes, and a range of different input methods. The hamburger menu happens to work well on PCs as it provides “better keyboard and mouse navigation”. Pivots on the other hand work better on mobile devices for one-handed use. Can you imagine having to reach a hamburger menu on the top right-hand corner of a Lumia 1520 with one hand? It’s practically impossible without ending up with a cracked screen. That’s why Microsoft is in the process of letting developers easily implement both the hamburger menu and a pivot system in their universal apps.

“We’re making it possible for an app to have both hamburger and pivot controls—but to display the right control at the right time on the right device.” – Microsoft

We should note that the hamburger menu is very familiar to those on competing platforms, as well as the web, so making it available on Windows should further encourageiOS and Android developers to port their apps, and make it less of a jarring experience for consumers to switch to Windows.

Microsoft is continuing to work on its adaptive UX design, and is still accepting feedback from Windows Insiders, so we can’t expect the company to reveal finished designs at this point in time because, well, they’re not finished. Let us know what you think of the hamburger menu on PCs compared to phones in the comments below, and whether you think pivots can work well on the desktop.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft explains its reasoning behind the hamburger menu in Windows 10#