Customizing the Start Menu in Windows 10

The Start menu is one of the most useful tools in Windows. It helps you open apps, search files, and reach settings quickly. Since we use it so often, customizing it makes Windows easier and more enjoyable. In this guide, we will explore different ways to change and personalize the Start menu step by step.

A Quick Look at the Start Menu’s History

• Windows 7 – The Start menu was small and simple, shown in a single column.
• Windows 8 – Replaced by a full-screen Start screen, which many found confusing.
• Windows 10 & 11 – The Start menu returned with a mix of old design and tiles.

Today’s Start menu is flexible, so you can set it up the way you like.

Rearranging Tiles

Tiles are the squares or rectangles you see on the Start menu. They can show apps, games, or even live updates.

• Move a tile: Click and drag it to a new spot.
• Resize a tile: Right-click, choose Resize, then pick Small, Medium, Wide, or Large.

Pinning and Unpinning Apps

Pinning apps makes them easy to reach. Unpinning removes clutter.

• Pin an app: Open Start → Right-click an app → Select Pin to Start.
• Unpin an app: Right-click a tile → Select Unpin from Start.

Turning Off Live Tiles

Some tiles update in real time, like News or Weather. These are called live tiles. They may be helpful but also distracting.

• Right-click the tile.
• Select Turn live tile off.

Creating Groups of Tiles

• Create a group: Drag a tile to an empty space.
• Make a folder: Drag one tile onto another to combine them.
• Rename groups: Click above the group and type a name (like “Work” or “Games”).

Customize the Folder Shortcuts Panel

The left side of the Start menu shows folder shortcuts like Documents or Settings. You can add or remove these:

• Open Settings > Personalization > Start.
• Click Choose which folders appear on Start.
• Toggle folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, or Pictures.

Adjust Layout and Appearance

Windows gives you more options to adjust the Start menu:

• Show more apps – Turn on “Show more tiles.”
• Recently added apps – Show or hide newly installed apps.
• Frequently used apps – Enable quick access to daily apps.
• Full-screen Start – Make Start menu cover the whole screen.
• Change colors – Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.

Why Customize the Start Menu?

A custom Start menu saves time and makes your computer feel personal. You can:

• Quickly open the apps you use most.
• Keep things organized by grouping apps.
• Reduce distractions by turning off live tiles.
• Make the menu look colorful and fun.

FAQs About the Windows Start Menu

Conclusion

The Start menu is more than just a list of apps. It’s your personal control center in Windows. With simple changes like pinning apps, resizing tiles, creating groups, and adjusting layouts, you can make it truly yours. A few minutes of setup can save you time every day.