How to Clean Up the Windows 11 Start Menu

Streamline your Windows 11 Start menu by removing pinned apps, hiding recommendations, and organizing your layout for maximum efficiency.

1. Unpin unnecessary applications. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key. Right-click any application icon in the Pinned section that you do not use regularly and select Unpin from Start. Repeat this for every icon you wish to remove to create a clean, single-page layout.
2. Disable Start menu recommendations. Open the Settings app via Win + I. Navigate to Personalization, then select Start. Toggle the switch for Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more to the Off position to reclaim screen space.
3. Adjust the layout density. Within the same Personalization > Start settings menu, locate the Layout section. Select More pins to increase the number of pinned app rows, or More recommendations if you prefer to see your recent files at the bottom of the menu.
4. Manage folder shortcuts. Select the Folders option within the Start settings menu. Toggle the switches for system folders like Documents, Downloads, or Network to display them next to the Power button. Disable any folders you do not access frequently to keep the menu interface minimal.
5. Organize apps into folders. Open the Start menu and click-and-drag one pinned application icon directly on top of another application icon. A folder will automatically create itself, housing both apps. Click the folder to name it and add more apps by dragging them into the group.