How to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Learn how to optimize your Windows 11 Start menu layout, adjust pinned apps, and manage recommended files for a streamlined workflow.

  1. Adjust pinned application layout. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key. Right-click any application icon to select 'Pin to Start' or 'Unpin from Start'. Click and drag icons to rearrange their order within the pinned grid.
  2. Modify Start menu behavior. Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start. Use the Layout toggles to prioritize 'More pins' if you prefer a larger grid of applications, or 'More recommendations' to display recent files prominently.
  3. Disable recommended content. Within the same Personalization > Start menu, toggle off 'Show recently added apps' and 'Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more'. This removes clutter from the lower half of the menu.
  4. Add system folders to the menu. Select 'Folders' within the Start settings menu. Toggle the switches for system locations like Settings, File Explorer, Documents, or Network to place them next to the Power button at the bottom of the Start menu.
  5. Change Start button alignment. Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. Click the dropdown menu next to 'Taskbar alignment' and select 'Left' if you prefer the classic Start menu position instead of the centered default.

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