Windows 11’s Start Menu is a significant departure from previous versions, offering a streamlined interface. While it might seem limited at first, there’s a surprising amount of customization you can do. This guide will walk you through personalizing it step-by-step.
Understanding the Start Menu Sections:
The Windows 11 Start Menu is divided into three main sections:
- Pinned: This is where your frequently used or favorite apps reside. It’s highly customizable.
- Recommended: This section dynamically shows recently opened files and frequently used apps. While you can’t directly control what appears here, you can influence it (more on that later).
- Account and Power: Located at the bottom, this section gives you access to your user account settings, power options (sleep, shut down, restart), and settings.
Customization Options:
Let’s dive into the ways you can personalize each section:
1. Customizing the Pinned Section:
-
Pinning Apps:
- From the Start Menu (All apps list): Click the “All apps” button in the top right of the Start Menu. Find the app you want to pin, right-click it, and select “Pin to Start.”
- From the Taskbar: Right-click an app icon on the taskbar and select “Pin to Start.”
- From File Explorer: Right-click an executable file (.exe) and select “Pin to Start.”
-
Unpinning Apps:
- Right-click the pinned app you want to remove and select “Unpin from Start.”
-
Rearranging Apps:
- Click and drag a pinned app to your desired location within the Pinned section. You can create groups of apps this way.
-
Creating App Groups/Folders (Indirectly): Windows 11 doesn’t have explicit folders within the Pinned area like Windows 10. However, by carefully arranging your pinned apps, you can create visual groupings that function similarly. Place related apps next to each other to create a sense of organization.
-
Resizing Pinned Apps: Right-click a pinned app and choose “Resize.” You have the options for “Small,” “Medium,” “Wide,” and “Large.” This offers some visual distinction and allows you to emphasize certain apps.
2. Managing the Recommended Section:
-
Hiding Recent Files: While you can’t choose which files appear, you can clear the entire recent files list. This is a good option if you’re concerned about privacy or just want a cleaner look.
- Go to Settings (Windows key + I) > Personalization > Start.
- Toggle off “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.”
-
Influencing App Recommendations: The “Recommended” section learns from your usage. The more you use an app, the more likely it is to appear here. Conversely, if you want an app to appear less frequently, try not using it as much. There is no direct way to remove a specific app from the “Recommended” list.
3. Personalizing the Account and Power Section:
-
Changing Your Account Picture:
- Go to Settings (Windows key + I) > Accounts > Your info.
- Click “Choose a file” under “Personalize your picture” to select an image.
-
Power Options: The power button provides quick access to Sleep, Shut down, and Restart. No further customization is available for these options.
4. Overall Start Menu Settings:
-
Accessing Start Menu Settings: Go to Settings (Windows key + I) > Personalization > Start.
-
Available Settings:
- Show recently added apps: This toggle controls whether newly installed apps are highlighted at the top of the Start Menu.
- Show most used apps: This toggle influences the “Recommended” section by prioritizing your most frequently used applications.
- Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer: As mentioned earlier, this controls the display of recent files.
Tips for an Organized Start Menu:
- Think in terms of groups: Even without folders, you can strategically arrange apps to create functional groups.
- Use resizing strategically: Make your most important apps larger for quick access.
- Regularly review your pinned apps: Unpin apps you no longer use to keep the Start Menu clean.
- Embrace the “All apps” list: This list provides a complete view of all your installed applications.
By following these steps, you can tailor the Windows 11 Start Menu to your specific needs and preferences, making it a more efficient and personalized experience. Remember that Microsoft may update or change features, so it’s always a good idea to explore the Start Menu settings periodically.
COMMENTS