You are correct, it ‘should’ function like windows 7 through 10. But back then it was a simple extension of the task bar. Now it is a bloated poorly optimised application in it own right. It lags, it crashes, it causes system CPU spikes. Whilst writing my comment I wanted to open Notepad and START went not responding for 10 seconds. Hell, taking a screen shot of it is now effort.

The Start menu has gotten worse with every update. It is getting ridiculous.
I can no longer click start > type in the program I need > hit enter.
Start menu, you had one job!

I often forget that I use Action Launcher. It has a feature that I love called Covers where an app icon is both an icon and a folder depending if I tap or swipe it.

I’ll add, Clicking on running programs in the task bar and they refuse to become the active window. You need to work through them all to fine one that works before they all start working again.