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.