Moving the Start Menu to the left in Windows 11 is pretty straightforward, but since Microsoft likes to keep a few bits hidden away, it’s not always obvious where to change that setting. If you’re over the centred start and miss the good ol’ left-aligned menu, this guide’s got ya covered. It makes firing up apps and settings feel a bit more familiar, especially if you’re used to the old Windows days with the start button on the left. Just a heads up — sometimes these options act a bit funny after an update, so a quick reboot or toggle might be needed to get it spot on.
How to Move the Start Menu to the Left in Windows 11
Here’s the quick rundown. Shifting that start menu over isn’t a massive job, but it’s not always where you’d think at first. Windows 11 keeps the setting hidden in the Taskbar options, so let’s get right into it. The main reason you’d do this? Less clicking around, and most folks prefer their dock and start menu on the left rather than dead centre. Expect a more familiar layout, easier access, and yeah — it’s simpler and more practical if you’re used to the older Windows setup.
Method 1: Jump Straight Into Settings
- Right-click on the taskbar (that’s the bar at the bottom of your screen) and select Taskbar settings. If that doesn’t pop up, you can also hit Windows key + I to open Settings, then head to Personalisation > Taskbar.
- In the Taskbar settings, scroll down and click on Taskbar behaviours. It’s a bit hidden, but it’s where all the good stuff is hiding.
- Find the dropdown next to Taskbar alignment. On some builds, you might see it as a toggle, but most likely it’s a dropdown. Set it to Left.
Once you switch it over to the left, your Start menu and icons jump right there. Too easy, right? Sometimes Windows makes a simple thing more complicated — like this. On some machines, a quick restart or signing out and back in might be needed for the change to fully kick in.
Method 2: Use Registry Editor (for the keen and tech-savvy)
- This one’s a bit sneaky, but since Windows can forget your preferences after updates, editing the registry can keep things locked in. Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R, typing
regedit, and hitting Enter. - Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
- Look for a DWORD named TaskbarAligment. If it’s not there, right-click in the blank space, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it TaskbarAligment.
- Double-click that DWORD and set its value to 0 (which usually means left). If you want it centred, set it to 1.
- Close Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer or your PC to see the change. You can restart Explorer via Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer, right-click and select Restart.
Not always worth the hassle unless you’re into custom tweaks, but it’s good to know this way exists if the UI method doesn’t stick or you want a more permanent fix.
Other Tips and Things to Keep in Mind
- If after an update things reset, just redo the taskbar alignment step. Microsoft sometimes resets stuff on its own.
- Moving the start menu won’t mess up your desktop shortcuts or icons — they stay put, no dramas.
- For the tinkerers out there, third-party tools like Winhance are worth checking out — they let you customise other bits of Windows, including the taskbar.
FAQs
How do I open Taskbar settings quick smart?
Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings. Or you can press Windows key + I to open Settings, then head over to Personalisation > Taskbar.
Can I move the Start Menu to the right instead?
Nah, Windows 11 only supports centre or left alignment. Moving it to the right isn’t built in and would probably need third-party hacks — which aren’t really recommended unless you’re up for risking stuff breaking.
Will changing the position stuff up anything else?
Mostly no. Your desktop shortcuts and icons will stay where they are, but the start menu and taskbar appearance will change. Just save your work before restarting if you can, as Windows sometimes needs a quick nudge to keep settings after updates.
Anything else I can fiddle with while I’m at it?
Too right. While you’re in Taskbar settings, have a look at options like hiding the taskbar, changing icon visibility, or tweaking notification icons. It’s more flexible than you might think!
Will I have to set this again after updates?
Most likely. Major updates can revert the start menu to the centre, so check after any update and readjust if need be. It’s a quick fix, no worries.
Summary
- Open Taskbar settings via right-click or Settings app.
- Find Taskbar behaviours and set alignment to Left.
- If you want it more permanent, tweak the registry.
- The Start Menu should move across instantly or after a quick restart.
Wrap-up
Getting the Start menu on the left isn’t a big deal once you know where to look. Windows 11’s design sometimes gets a bit frustrating, but this tweak isn’t hidden forever. Once it’s set, everything feels a lot more natural — especially if you’re used to the traditional workflow. Just remember, updates can reset this, so it’s good to keep the quick fix in mind. Hope this helps someone out there get that classic layout back without fussing for too long.