Personalising Your Windows 11 Start Menu for a Seamless Experience
So, adjusting the Windows 11 Start Menu isn’t exactly hard yakka. It’s about shaping it to suit your daily routine, whether that’s getting to your favourite apps quicker or just giving it a look you like. A bit of customisation can turn that standard layout into something that feels a lot more like your own space. Honestly, adding or removing app icons makes a big difference — it’s about streamlining your workflow minus the hassle.
A Quick Look at Customising Your Start Menu
Getting your Start Menu working exactly how you want can really make using your PC smoother. Here’s the rundown on how to get it looking just right:
Opening the Start Menu
Start by clicking the big Windows icon or pressing the Windows key. Sorted! The Start Menu pops up, showing your most-used apps and a few suggestions that might be handy. It’s basically your launch pad for the next steps.
Changing Application Icons
Looking to update an app? Right-click on it. You’ll see options to pin it for quick access, move it around, or even uninstall it if you’ve finished with it. It’s a handy way to keep the clutter down. If you want to uninstall it, head to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Just a couple of clicks and you’re sorted.
Pinning Your Favourite Apps
Want that app ready to go? Right-click it and select “Pin to Start”. Alternatively, go to Start > All apps, find your app, right-click, and do the same. This way, you’ll always have your essentials just a click away. Pro tip: dragging apps within the Start Menu lets you organise your layout your way.
Organising Pinned Apps
Want to tidy up your pinned icons? Easy — just drag and drop them into your preferred order. You can group similar apps or keep your most used up front and centre. It’s a bit like organising your toolbox but on screen. Creating folders is straightforward too: drag one app icon over another, and you’ve got yourself a folder.
Customising the Layout
For more fine-tuning, head over to Settings > Personalisation > Start. Here, you can toggle options like Show recently added apps and Show most used apps. You can even expand the app tiles if you want more visibility, or switch to full-screen start menu by toggling Use Start full screen. Some machines love it in full screen, others prefer the usual size — it’s up to you.
Once you’ve played around with these settings, your Start Menu should feel a lot more personal, turning it into your go-to hub for everything you need.
Tips from the Experts to Fine-Tune Your Start Menu
- Create folders with both apps and documents so everything’s handy — why dig through menus when it’s all a click away?
- The search bar is your best mate for tracking down that elusive app you installed ages ago but can’t quite recall the name. Hit Windows key + S or click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar.
- Check in regularly to update your layout — as new apps arrive and your priorities change, keep your Start Menu relevant.
- Play around with colours and themes. Go to Settings > Personalisation > Colours to get the perfect mix of transparency and colour that makes your Start Menu stand out.
- That Live Tile feature? They can display real-time info, like weather or upcoming meetings. Right-click a tile and select More > Turn live tile on/off to give it a go.
Your Common Questions Answered
How do I resize app tiles on the Start Menu?
Right-click a tile, choose “Resize”, then pick your preferred size. You can also pin new apps straight from the app list to keep everything within reach.
Can I create folders in the Start Menu?
Absolutely! Drag one app icon over another to create a folder — just like organising apps on your phone. Nice and tidy.
How do I stop certain recommendations from appearing on the Start Menu?
Head into Settings > Personalisation > Start and toggle off options like Show recently added apps. That’ll stop the unwanted suggestions cluttering your view.
Is it possible to show more apps directly on the Start Menu?
Yes. Enable Show more pins in the settings. Using small tiles can also help fit more on the screen at once.
Can I change how transparent the Start Menu looks?
Of course! In Settings > Personalisation > Colours, adjust Transparency effects to get just the look you want.
Quick Checklist for Your Start Menu
- Open with the Windows icon or Windows key.
- Right-click an app to tweak its settings.
- Pin important apps with Pin to Start.
- Rearrange pinned items by dragging them around.
- Fine-tune the layout via Settings > Personalisation > Start.
Personalising your Start Menu can seriously boost your everyday productivity. It’s not just about being faster — it’s about creating a space that reflects how you work and live. Resizing tiles, organising apps into folders, or tweaking colours can make it feel much more inviting. Keep exploring the options; you might find a setup that suits your style perfectly. After all, it’s your digital space.
At the end of the day, the best setup is the one that makes your life easier and more enjoyable. So go on, give it a go and make your Start Menu truly your own!