How to Change Windows 11 Start Menu Layout & Show More Apps & Items
Windows 11 brings with it a fresh design and new functionalities that breathe life into the operating system. One notable aspect of this sleek interface is the revamped Start Menu, which features a centralized layout, offering not just a modern aesthetic but also the promise of enhanced usability. For many users, the Start Menu is the gateway to their digital ecosystem, making it critical to tailor it to individual preferences and needs. In this article, we delve deep into how to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu layout, add more apps, and enhance functionality.
Understanding the Windows 11 Start Menu
Before diving into the customization process, it’s essential to understand the framework of the Windows 11 Start Menu. Unlike its predecessors, the Start Menu in Windows 11 is simplified yet powerful. It features two primary sections: the "Pinned" apps section and the "Recommended" section.
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Pinned Apps: This section allows users to pin frequently used applications, providing immediate access to commonly used programs.
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Recommended Section: This dynamic section suggests recently opened files, apps, and documents, allowing users to jump directly to what they need without scrolling through lists.
Accessing the Start Menu
To begin customizing, simply click on the Start icon located at the center of the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. This brings the Start Menu into view, displaying the pinned apps and recommended items.
Customizing the Start Menu Layout
Windows 11 allows users to customize the Start Menu layout in several ways. Here’s how you can change and enhance your experience:
1. Pinning and Unpinning Apps
Pinning Apps: To add an application to your pinned section, follow these steps:
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Method 1: Open the Start Menu, scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app. Right-click on the app icon, and select “Pin to Start.” The app will now appear in the Pinned section.
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Method 2: Find the app in the Start Menu, hover over it, and click on the "Pin" icon when it appears.
Unpinning Apps: To remove an app from the pinned section, right-click on the app in the Pinned section and select “Unpin from Start.” This action will not uninstall the app; it simply removes it from the Start Menu.
2. Resizing the Start Menu
While the default size of the Start Menu looks appealing, users may find it beneficial to adjust its size. Although Windows 11 doesn’t offer extensive resizing options within the menu itself, you can easily adjust the size of the pinned area:
- Hover your mouse to the edge of the Start Menu until the mouse pointer becomes a resize arrow. Click and drag to resize the menu as desired.
3. Reorganizing Pinned Apps
The pinned apps in the Start Menu can be positioned according to your usage habits by dragging and dropping:
- Click and hold the app icon you want to move, drag it to the desired position within the pinned section, and release the mouse button to drop it in place.
4. Customizing Recommended Items
The Recommended section is designed to dynamically update based on frequently used apps and recently opened files. However, you can influence what is shown here:
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Removing Items: Hover over the item in the Recommended section and click on the three dots (ellipsis) that appear. Select "Remove from list" to delete it from your recommendations.
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Managing Recommendations: You can turn off the feature that shows recommended items if you prefer a cleaner Start Menu. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off “Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar.”
Adding More Apps to the Start Menu
If you want to showcase more applications or organize them into folders, Windows 11 provides some clever methods:
5. Creating Folders for Apps
Folders create a more organized Start Menu layout. To create a folder:
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Drag one app icon over another in the pinned section, and upon releasing the mouse, Windows will automatically create a folder containing both apps.
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You can rename the folder by clicking on the default name that appears. Simply type in your preferred name and hit Enter.
6. Adding More Apps from the Apps List
To show more apps in the Start Menu, the process is intuitive:
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By default, not all apps are pinned. Open the Start Menu and click “All apps” at the top right. This will display a full list of your installed applications.
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From here, you can pin any app by right-clicking and selecting “Pin to Start.” The app will now be accessible directly from the Start Menu.
Adjusting Taskbar Settings
Since the Start Menu and Taskbar share real estate, adjusting taskbar settings can give you more room for apps:
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Taskbar Behavior: Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Taskbar settings.” Here, you can customize how your taskbar looks and behaves, such as fully hiding it when not in use.
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Icon Sizes: In the taskbar settings menu, you can choose to display smaller taskbar icons to maximize the visibility of your pinned apps or shortcuts.
Enabling Automatic App Updates
To ensure that your Start Menu remains optimal, keeping apps updated is crucial, especially for those in the pinned section:
- Go to the Microsoft Store.
- Click on Library from the left sidebar.
- Select Get updates. Habitually checking for updates helps maintain functionality and security.
Exploring and Adding Widgets
Windows 11 integrates Widgets into its ecosystem, providing yet another layer of personalization. Widgets can display news, calendar events, weather conditions, and other pertinent information alongside your Start Menu. While these aren’t directly part of the Start Menu, they can be accessed quickly from the taskbar.
To enable or customize Widgets:
- Click on the Widgets icon or press Windows + W.
- Here you can customize your widget experience by adding, removing, or rearranging widgets according to your preferences.
Using Third-Party Applications for Customization
In addition to the built-in options for customizing the Start Menu, third-party applications provide even more functionality and options. Tools like Start11 by Stardock allow you to change the Start Menu’s appearance, style, behavior, and options, offering a taste of classic Windows layouts along with enhanced customization.
Conclusion
Customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu not only enhances your experience with the operating system but also allows you to tailor your workspace to meet specific needs. With various options to pin or unpin apps, create folders, and reorganize items, users can craft a layout that is both functional and visually appealing.
The recommended section encourages a streamlined workflow by prioritizing items based on usage. By following the steps in this guide, you can transform your Start Menu into a hub of efficiency that caters to your preferences.
Whether through advanced system settings or third-party applications, the ability to customize goes hand-in-hand with personal productivity. Embrace this opportunity to make Windows 11 not just an operating system, but a workspace that reflects how you work, play, and stay organized.