Windows 11 Start Button.
Joe Fedewa / How-To Geek

The Begin Menu is without doubt one of the most iconic components of Home windows, and it obtained a pretty major overhaul with Windows 11. There are some good options hidden within the settings that you simply may not find out about. Let’s unearth them.

Transfer the Begin Menu to the Left

Windows 11 taskbar alignment.

One of many greatest modifications in Home windows 11 is the location of the Begin Menu on the taskbar. By default, the Begin Menu and apps pinned to the taskbar are centered.

The excellent news is you may move the Start Menu back to its traditional place on the left aspect of the display screen. To do that, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors.” Change the “Taskbar Alignment” to “Left.”

Customise the Shade

Windows 11 accent colors.

There are two methods you may customise the colour on the Begin Menu. For starters, you may select to have a lightweight (white) or dark (black) theme. That is additionally mirrored within the taskbar and different areas of the interface.

You may as well make the Begin Menu and taskbar a totally customized colour. Nonetheless, this only works if you use the dark theme. You’ll want to decide on an accent colour after which toggle on “Show Accent Color on Start and Taskbar.”

Rearrange the App Icons

Chances are you’ll not consider it like this, however the Begin Menu in Home windows 11 is much like the house display screen on an iPhone, iPad, or Android system. You’ll be able to rearrange the icons just by clicking (or urgent and holding on a contact display screen), after which dragging and dropping them. You don’t have to go away them within the order they had been pinned.

Unpin Apps From the Begin Menu

Unpin apps from Windows 11 Start Menu.

Talking of apps within the Begin Menu, you may simply take away them. Home windows 11 comes with loads of apps already pinned to the menu. You don’t need to hold them there perpetually.

Merely right-click an app within the Begin Menu and choose “Unpin From Begin” from the menu. Straightforward peasy.

Add Folder Shortcuts

Windows 11 folder shortcuts in Start Menu.

The Begin Menu is basically a spot for various kinds of shortcuts. One of many handiest forms of shortcuts in Windows 11 is shortcuts for folders. You’ll be able to have fast entry to quite a few totally different folders from proper subsequent to the facility menu button. This useful characteristic is surprisingly not enabled by default.

First, go to Settings > Personalization > Begin > Folders. From right here, you could have a bunch of various folder-related issues you may toggle on, reminiscent of “Settings,” “Paperwork,” “Photos,” and extra.

Present Extra App Icons

Windows 11 Start Menu layout options.

The Home windows 11 Begin Menu is split into two sections—pinned apps and “Suggestions.” By default, the cut up is about 50/50 between apps and suggestions, however you may regulate it to point out extra apps.

There are three choices, really. The default 50/50 cut up, “Extra Pins” for extra apps, and “Extra Suggestions.” To decide on a distinct format, go to Settings > Personalization > Begin,

See Your Most Used Apps

Windows 11 app list "Most Used" section.

The Begin Menu is extra than simply pinned apps, after all. It’s additionally the place you may entry the total listing of apps in your PC. The complete listing is in alphabetical order, however you may add a piece to the highest on your most used apps.

To allow this, head over to Settings > Personalization > Begin. Right here you’ll discover a toggle for “Present Most Used Apps.” Now you’ll see your six most used apps on the high of the listing for straightforward entry.

Proper-Click on for Fast Actions

Clicking the Begin button opens the Begin Menu—I didn’t need to let you know that. However do you know right-clicking the Begin button additionally does one thing?

There’s really a really useful listing of fast actions hidden behind right-clicking the Begin button. Shortcuts to issues just like the Device Manager, Disk Management, Task Manager, Terminal, and Run. It’s useful.

Take away a File From “Beneficial”

Remove a file from the Windows 11 Start Menu.

The Home windows 11 Begin Menu exhibits latest information within the backside “Beneficial” part. You’ll be able to decrease the part—or remove it entirely—however it’s sometimes helpful. Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll not like all the pieces that exhibits up there.

Fortunately, you may simply take away information that seem within the “Beneficial” part. Merely right-click the file and choose “Take away From Listing.” It gained’t seem there anymore.

Flip Off Transparency, If You Favor

Turn off "Transparency Effects."

Home windows 11 options transparency in a variety of areas all through the consumer interface. Microsoft says these results shouldn’t affect performance. Nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll merely not just like the look of it. Fortunately, you may flip off transparency within the Begin Menu and Home windows 11 general.

To show it off, go to Settings > Personalization > Colours and toggle off “Transparency Results.” Straightforward as that.


The Begin Menu is a big a part of the Home windows 11 expertise. Hopefully, with the following tips in your again pocket, you will get probably the most out of it. And in the event you actually, actually can’t stand it, you may use some third-party wizadry to get the Windows 10 Start Menu back.


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