How to Customize the Start Menu in Windows 11

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Start MenuCustomizationWindows 11SettingsPersonalizationInterfaceUser ExperienceTipsTricks

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, brings a refined and minimalist design along with many new features. One of the most important aspects of Windows 11 is its Start menu. It is more streamlined and focused, offering a different look from its predecessors. Customizing the Start menu can enhance your experience to a great extent and improve your productivity. It helps you better tailor the environment to your needs. Let's dive into the detailed steps on how to customize the Start menu in Windows 11.

Understanding the Windows 11 start menu

Before we move on to customization, it is important to understand the layout of the Start menu in Windows 11. By default, the Start menu is located in the middle of the taskbar. It consists of two main parts:

• Pinned section: This section shows the apps that you have pinned for quick access. The apps are displayed in a grid format and you can easily click to open them.
• Recommended section: This section displays recent files and apps that the system recommends based on your usage patterns. It aims to provide quick access to items you need frequently.

Pinning and unpinning apps

Customizing which apps appear in your Start menu is a straightforward process. Here's how you can pin and unpin apps:

Pinning apps

• Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon on the taskbar.
• In the All Apps section, find the app you want to pin.
• Right-click on the app and select Pin to Start from the context menu. The app will now appear in the Pinned section in the Start menu.

Unpin apps

• Open the Start menu.
• In the Pinned section, right-click the app you want to remove.
• Select Unpin from Start to remove the app from the Start menu.

Rearranging apps

Once you've pinned the apps you want, you can organize them however you like:

• Open the Start menu.
• Locate the app you want to move in the Pinned section.
• Click and hold on an app, then drag it to your preferred position.
• Release the mouse button to drop the app in the new location.

Customizing the recommended section

The Recommended section is managed by Windows, but you can influence its contents to some extent:

• Open Settings from the Start menu.
• Go to Personalization > Start.
• Here, you'll find options to show recently added apps, most used apps, and recent items. Toggle these options according to your preference.

Changing the start menu layout

Windows 11 provides options to adjust the layout of the Start menu to suit your needs. Follow these steps:

• Go to Settings.
• Select Personalization and then go to Start.
• You can enable or disable various features such as Show recently added apps, Show most used apps, and Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

Customizing the start menu folders

Another aspect of Start menu customization is the inclusion of folders. Windows 11 allows you to display certain system folder shortcuts for easy access:

• Open Settings from the Start menu.
• Go to Personalization > Start > Folders.
• Here, you'll see various folders such as File Explorer, Settings, and Documents. You can toggle the switch next to each folder to make it appear in the Start menu.

Using third-party tools

If you want more customization beyond the default settings, consider using third-party tools. These tools may offer more control and features:

• Start11: This is a tool for those who want to take their Start menu to another level. It allows you to modify the look of the Start menu, including changing the appearance and organizing apps into categories.
• OpenShell: Originally known as Classic Shell, OpenShell offers extensive customization options, allowing you to apply various skins and deeply customize the menus.

Keep in mind that when using third-party tools, make sure they are from a reputable source to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Adjust the color and theme of the start menu

In addition to reordering items and adding new functionality, customizing the look of the Start menu can make it more reflective of your personal style:

• Open Settings and go to Personalization > Colors.
• Here, you can select an accent color, choose light or dark mode, and apply themes to provide a more unified look across your entire system, including the Start menu.
• Adjust the transparency effect to make the Start menu transparent or opaque as you like.

Restoring default settings

If you ever want to get your Start menu back to its original state, Windows 11 offers an option to restore the default settings:

• Open Settings, and go to Personalization > Start.
• Turn off the enabled toggle and remove any pinned apps from the Start menu.
• This will restore the Start menu to its default appearance and layout.

Conclusion

Customizing the Start menu in Windows 11 helps you make the most of your workflow and preferences. By pinning your most frequently used applications, organizing them effectively, and modifying visual elements and settings, you can create a customized and efficient interface. Whether sticking to built-in functionality or exploring third-party applications, the flexibility provided by Windows 11 ensures user satisfaction through personalized arrangements. Follow these steps to curate a Start menu that works best for you, adding both utility and enjoyment to your day-to-day computing tasks.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update