How to Organize Pinned Apps on the Windows Taskbar and Start Menu

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Reorder taskbar icons

   Click and hold the icon of any pinned application on your taskbar. Drag the icon to the left or right to your desired position and release the mouse button. The other icons will shift automatically to accommodate the new placement.

   Note: The Start button and Search icon are fixed and cannot be moved from the far-left position.
2. 1 min

   Pin apps to the taskbar

   Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key. Locate the application you wish to pin, right-click its icon, and select 'Pin to taskbar'. Alternatively, drag an open application's icon from the taskbar and pin it permanently by right-clicking it and selecting 'Pin to taskbar'.

   Note: Only pin apps you use daily to prevent taskbar overcrowding.
3. 30 sec

   Unpin unnecessary applications

   Identify the apps you no longer need on your taskbar. Right-click the app icon and select 'Unpin from taskbar'. This action removes the shortcut immediately without uninstalling the actual software.

4. 1 min

   Arrange Start menu pinned apps

   Open the Start menu. Click and drag any application icon within the 'Pinned' section to a new slot. You can drag an icon over another to create a folder, which helps group related applications together.

   Note: Folders can be renamed by clicking the 'Folder' text once they are opened.
5. 1 min

   Adjust Start menu layout settings

   Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start. Select the 'More pins' layout option to prioritize application icons over 'Recommended' files. This maximizes the space available for your organized application grid.

   Note: Changes are applied instantly to the Start menu layout.