10 Ways to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Customize Your Windows 11 Start Menu: A Comprehensive Guide

The Windows 11 Start Menu is your gateway to apps and settings. If the default setup isn't to your liking, personalization options let you tailor it to your needs. This guide explores various customization techniques.

1. Reshape Your Start Menu Layout

Windows 11 initially divides the Start Menu between pinned and recommended apps. To adjust this balance, go to Settings (Windows key I) > Personalization > Start, and choose your preferred layout.

Pinned apps are those manually added or included by Microsoft. Recommendations display recently opened files, apps, and Microsoft suggestions. While complete removal of the Recommendations section isn't currently possible, future updates may offer this feature. A redesigned Start Menu in the latest Windows Insider Build already provides this capability.

2. Manage Recommended Content

The Recommendations section can be refined by controlling its contents. Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start.

Here, you can toggle the visibility of recently added apps, frequently used apps, recommended files, and suggestions for apps and tips. Recommended files are particularly useful for quickly accessing recent documents and media.

3. Customize Start Menu Folders

This section, more accurately described as a shortcut bar, appears in the Start Menu's bottom-right corner. It provides quick access to frequently used locations like Settings, Downloads, and File Explorer.

To manage these shortcuts, go to Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders and select your preferred options.

4. Return the Start Menu to the Left

Windows 11's centered Start Menu is a design choice that some find disruptive. To revert to the traditional left-aligned position, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Under "Taskbar Behaviors," select "Taskbar Alignment" and choose "Left."

5. Pin and Organize Apps and Folders

Pinning frequently used apps and folders to the Start Menu improves desktop organization. Right-click an app or folder and select "Pin to Start." You can also group pinned items into folders by dragging and dropping them onto each other.

6. Remove Unnecessary Apps

Unpin default apps you don't use to free up space. Right-click the app and select "Unpin from Start."

7. Change Start Menu and Taskbar Colors

Customize the Start Menu's appearance with different color schemes. Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Choose "Light," "Dark," or "Custom" mode. For custom colors, enable "Show accent color on Start and taskbar" in dark mode.

8. Add Transparency Effects

Enable subtle transparency effects for a more visually appealing Start Menu. In Settings > Personalization > Colors, activate "Transparency effects."

9. Unlock Advanced Customization with Third-Party Tools

For extensive Start Menu customization beyond Windows 11's built-in options, consider third-party apps like Start11, Open Shell, or Windhawk. These tools offer features such as recreating the Windows 7 Start Menu or resizing the Start Menu.

Personalize your Windows 11 Start Menu to create a uniquely efficient and visually appealing user experience. Don't be limited by the default settings!

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