How To Change Windows 11 Start Menu

Are you tired of the default Start Menu on your Windows 11 device? Well, there's good news! You can easily change the Start Menu to suit your preferences and style. Let's explore how you can customize and personalize your Windows 11 Start Menu.

The Windows 11 Start Menu provides a central hub for accessing your apps, files, and settings. To change the Start Menu, you can simply right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." From there, you can customize the appearance, layout, and functionality of the Start Menu. You can choose between the traditional Start Menu or the simplified, centered Start Menu. Furthermore, you can add or remove tiles, resize the Start Menu, and adjust various other options to create a customized experience that suits your workflow.

Customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu

The Windows 11 Start Menu provides a central hub for accessing your applications, files, and settings. While the default configuration may suit many users, customizing the Start Menu to your preferences can greatly enhance your productivity and overall user experience. From changing the layout and design to adding or removing app tiles, there are various ways to personalize the Start Menu in Windows 11. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu and guide you through the steps required to make it your own.

Changing the Start Menu Layout

The first step in customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu is to change its layout. Windows 11 offers two layout options: the centered layout and the classic layout. The centered layout places the Start Menu tiles and icons at the center of the taskbar, while the classic layout aligns them to the left side, similar to previous versions of Windows. To change the Start Menu layout:

• Right-click on the taskbar.
• Select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.
• In the "Taskbar settings" window, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.
• Under the "Start behavior" section, select either "Center" or "Left" to choose your desired layout.

Once you have chosen your preferred layout, the Start Menu will automatically update to reflect the changes. You can always switch between the two layouts by following the same steps.

Customizing the Start Menu Appearance

In addition to choosing the layout, you can further customize the appearance of the Windows 11 Start Menu. Windows 11 offers various options to personalize the look and feel of the Start Menu, including:

• Changing the Start Menu background color
• Choosing a custom accent color
• Enabling or disabling transparency
• Adjusting the size of the Start Menu
• Customizing the Start Menu animations

To modify these appearance settings:

• Go to "Settings" by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting the gear icon.
• In the "Settings" window, click on "Personalization" in the left sidebar.
• Select "Colors" from the options on the right.
• Scroll down to the "Start, taskbar, and action center" section and customize the appearance settings to your liking.

By adjusting these settings, you can create a Start Menu that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Adding and Removing App Tiles

The Windows 11 Start Menu allows you to pin or unpin app tiles for quick access to your most-used applications. Here's how you can add or remove app tiles:

Adding App Tiles

To add an app tile to the Start Menu:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the app you want to pin.
• Right-click the app and select "Pin to Start" from the context menu.

The app tile will now appear in the Start Menu for easy access.

Removing App Tiles

If you no longer need a certain app tile in the Start Menu, you can easily remove it:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Locate the app tile you want to remove.
• Right-click the app tile and select "Unpin from Start" from the context menu.

The app tile will be removed from the Start Menu, decluttering your workspace.

Using Live Tiles

Windows 11 introduces dynamic Live Tiles that display real-time information and updates from specific apps. These Live Tiles can provide quick insights into your calendar, weather, email, news, and more. To enable or disable Live Tiles:

• Right-click on the app tile in the Start Menu.
• Toggle the "Live Tile" option on or off.

By enabling Live Tiles for certain apps, you can stay updated with the latest information without opening each app individually.

Customizing Start Menu Groups

The Windows 11 Start Menu allows you to group and organize your app tiles into categories for easy navigation. To create a new group or customize existing groups:

Creating a New Group

To create a new group in the Start Menu:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Click and drag an app tile to an empty space on the Start Menu.
• Release the app tile to create a new group.

The new group will be created, and you can customize its name and appearance.

Customizing Existing Groups

To customize an existing group in the Start Menu:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Right-click on the group header.
• Select "Rename group," "Collapse group," or "Remove group" from the context menu, depending on the action you want to perform.

By creating and customizing groups, you can organize your app tiles based on your workflow or preference.

Changing the Start Menu Layout and Functionality

The Windows 11 Start Menu not only offers customization options for its design and appearance but also provides additional layout and functionality settings to tailor it to your specific needs. In this section, we will explore these advanced customization options to further enhance your Start Menu experience.

Configuring Start Menu Search

The Start Menu search bar in Windows 11 allows you to quickly find and launch applications, files, settings, and even perform web searches. To configure the Start Menu search:

Customizing Search Behavior

To customize the behavior of the Start Menu search:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Click on the search bar.
• Click on the gear icon to open the search settings.
• In the search settings, you can adjust various options such as enabling or disabling web results, choosing default search locations, and configuring search permissions for specific apps.

By customizing the search behavior, you can tailor the Start Menu search to prioritize the results that matter most to you.

Using Search Filters

The Start Menu search in Windows 11 also supports filters, allowing you to narrow down the search results based on specific categories. To use search filters:

• Open the Start Menu.
• Click on the search bar.
• Enter your search query.
• Click on one of the available filters, such as "Apps," "Documents," or "Settings," to narrow down the results to a specific category.

Using search filters can help you quickly find what you need without scrolling through a long list of search results.

Customizing Taskbar and Start Menu Integration

The Windows 11 Start Menu is closely integrated with the taskbar, allowing for seamless navigation and multitasking. Here are some customization options to enhance the integration between the Start Menu and the taskbar:

Pin Favorites to the Taskbar

In addition to pinning app tiles to the Start Menu, you can also pin your favorite apps directly to the taskbar for quick access. To pin an app to the taskbar:

• Locate the app you want to pin in the Start Menu.
• Drag and drop the app icon from the Start Menu onto the taskbar.

The app will now appear as a pinned icon on the taskbar, allowing you to launch it with a single click.

Taskbar Personalization

The taskbar in Windows 11 offers various personalization options to suit your preferences:

• Changing the taskbar position (e.g., bottom, top, left, or right)
• Enabling or disabling taskbar features, such as the news and interests feed
• Adjusting the taskbar icon size
• Hiding or showing specific icons on the taskbar
• Customizing taskbar animations and transparency

By personalizing the taskbar, you can create a setup that complements your workflow and aesthetic preferences.

Using Virtual Desktops

Windows 11 introduces virtual desktops, which allow you to create separate workspaces for different tasks or projects. Each virtual desktop can have its own set of open applications and files, providing a clutter-free and organized working environment. To use virtual desktops:

Creating a Virtual Desktop

To create a new virtual desktop:

• Click on the "Task View" button in the taskbar, represented by an icon with two overlapping rectangles.
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Changing Windows 11 Start Menu

If you are looking to customize your Windows 11 Start Menu, here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Open Settings

To access the Start Menu settings, click on the Windows icon in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Then click on "Settings."

2. Personalize Start

In the Settings menu, click on "Personalization." Then, select "Start" from the left-hand sidebar.

3. Customize Start

Here, you can customize the appearance and behavior of your Start Menu. You can choose to show or hide recently opened files and folders, adjust the size of the Start Menu, and enable or disable certain features.

4. Pinning and Unpinning Apps

To pin or unpin apps to your Start Menu, simply right-click on the app icon from your desktop or search results and select "Pin to Start" or "Unpin from Start."

5. Reset Start Menu

If you want to reset your Start Menu layout to its default settings, you can do so by going to Settings, Personalization, and selecting "Start." Then, click on "Reset" under the Reset Start layout section.




Key Takeaways - How to Change Windows 11 Start Menu

• You can customize the Windows 11 Start Menu by rearranging and resizing the live tiles.
• You have the option to choose between the traditional Windows Start Menu and the centered Start Menu layout.
• Windows 11 allows you to personalize the Start Menu by changing the accent color and background.
• You can add or remove apps from the Start Menu by right-clicking on the app and selecting "Pin to Start" or "Unpin from Start".
• Windows 11 also lets you change the Start Menu's transparency and the number of recent items displayed.



Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about changing the Windows 11 Start Menu:

1. Can I customize the layout of the Start Menu in Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 allows you to customize the layout of the Start Menu according to your preferences. You can resize, rearrange, and add or remove tiles to personalize the Start Menu's appearance. Simply right-click on a tile to access customization options.

To resize the Start Menu, hover over the top edge and when the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, click and drag to adjust the size. To rearrange tiles, click and drag them to the desired position. To add or remove tiles, right-click on a tile and choose the appropriate option from the context menu.

2. How can I change the color of the Start Menu in Windows 11?

To change the color of the Start Menu in Windows 11, go to Settings by clicking on the Start button and choosing the gear icon. In the Settings menu, select "Personalization" and then click on "Colors" in the left-hand sidebar.

Under the "Choose your color" section, you can select a predefined color or click on "Custom color" to choose a specific color. Once you've selected the desired color, close the Settings menu, and the Start Menu will be updated with your chosen color.

3. Is it possible to change the Start Menu back to the classic Windows layout?

No, Windows 11 does not offer an option to switch back to the classic Windows Start Menu layout. The Start Menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned with a centered layout and simplified design. However, you can still customize the layout and appearance of the Start Menu to suit your preferences.

4. Can I pin specific apps or files to the Start Menu in Windows 11?

Yes, you can pin specific apps or files to the Start Menu in Windows 11 for quick access. To pin an app, simply locate it in the Start Menu, right-click on it, and select "Pin to Start." The app will then appear as a tile in the Start Menu. To pin a file, navigate to the file's location in File Explorer, right-click on it, and select "Pin to Start."

If you want to unpin an app or file from the Start Menu, right-click on the tile and choose "Unpin from Start."

5. How do I reset the Start Menu layout in Windows 11?

If you want to reset the Start Menu layout in Windows 11 to its default configuration, right-click on the Start button and select "Settings." In the Settings menu, click on "Personalization" and then choose "Start" in the left-hand sidebar.

Scroll down to the bottom and click on "Reset" under the "Customize" section. This will reset the Start Menu layout back to its default settings, removing any customizations you have made.






To change the Windows 11 Start Menu, you can follow a simple process. First, right-click on the Start button and select "Settings." Then, click on "Personalization" and choose "Start." Here, you can customize the Start Menu according to your preferences.

You can choose between different styles, such as the traditional full-screen Start Menu or the compact version. Additionally, you can select the colors, transparency, and accent colors to personalize the Start Menu further. Furthermore, you can rearrange or remove the pinned apps and can also add new ones. By following these steps, you can easily change the Windows 11 Start Menu to suit your needs and style.