How to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Step by step

1. 1 min

   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.

   Note: Drag one app icon onto another to create a folder for better organization.
2. 1 min

   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. 30 sec

   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.

   Note: Disabling these settings provides more vertical space for pinned items.
4. 1 min

   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. 30 sec

   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.

   Note: This change applies immediately without requiring a restart.