Windows 11 Start Menu Tips

Windows 11 Start Menu Tips: Apps, Search, and Customizing

The Start Menu is the heart of Windows 11. It’s the place where everything begins — from launching your favorite apps to finding documents and tweaking your PC settings. But if you’re new to Windows 11, the Start Menu may feel a little different from what you remember in Windows 10. Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through how to master it step by step.

Understanding the Windows 11 Start Menu Layout

When you click the Start button on the taskbar, the Start Menu pops up with four key sections:

  • Search Box: Type a file, app, or even a web keyword to quickly find what you need.
  • Pinned: Displays your favorite or frequently used apps. You can pin or unpin any app you like.
  • Recommended: Lists recently opened files or newly installed apps.
  • User & Power: Located at the bottom for managing your account and shutting down, restarting, or putting your PC to sleep.
💡 Quick Tip: You can open the Start Menu instantly by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.

Launching Programs and Apps

Windows 11 treats all software as "apps" — even older programs. To launch one, simply do any of these:

  • Mouse: Click the app icon directly from the Start Menu.
  • Keyboard: Use arrow keys to highlight the app and press Enter.
  • Touchscreen: Tap the app icon with your finger.

Can’t find an app? Click on All Apps at the top-right of the Start Menu. You’ll see an alphabetical list of every installed app on your PC.

Finding What You Need Quickly

Windows 11’s search feature is smarter than ever. Just click the Search bar at the top of the Start Menu and type a few letters — for example, “photos.” Windows instantly shows apps, files, settings, and even web results that match your search.

🔍 Try This: Start typing right after opening the Start Menu — you don’t even need to click inside the search box!

Managing and Switching Between Open Apps

If you have multiple apps open, Windows 11 makes switching easy. Just click the Task View button (two overlapping squares) on the taskbar. You’ll see miniature previews of all open windows. Click one to bring it to the front.

  • To close an app, hover over its preview and click the X in the corner.
  • Active apps show a small line under their icons on the taskbar.

Exploring Free Built-in Apps

Windows 11 comes with several handy apps ready to use. Here are a few worth checking out:

  • Alarms & Clock: Set alarms, timers, or use a stopwatch.
  • Calculator: Switch between standard, scientific, and converter modes.
  • Calendar: Syncs with your Outlook or Gmail calendars.
  • Photos: View, edit, and organize pictures stored on your PC or OneDrive.
  • Weather: Get accurate forecasts for your area.
  • Mail: Access your email accounts in one place.

Adding or Removing Start Menu Items

The Start Menu’s Pinned section is where you can personalize things. You can remove unwanted icons or add the ones you use often.

To Remove an App:

  • Right-click the app icon and choose Unpin from Start.
  • On a touchscreen, hold your finger on the icon and tap Unpin from Start.

To Add an App or File:

  • Click All Apps to see the full list.
  • Right-click the app or file you want and choose Pin to Start.
  • Repeat for all your favorites — each one gets its own icon.
⭐ Note: You can also pin folders or files by right-clicking them from File Explorer and selecting Pin to Start.

Customizing the Start Menu

Once you’ve pinned your favorite apps, it’s time to organize them for quick access:

  1. Rearrange Icons: Click and drag icons to move them around. Group similar ones like Mail, Calendar, and Contacts together.
  2. Remove Clutter: Unpin anything you don’t use often.
  3. Move to Top: Right-click an icon and choose Move to Top to prioritize it.

For deeper customization, open the Settings app → Personalization → Start. Here, you can toggle options like:

  • Show recently added or most-used apps.
  • Display recently opened items.
  • Add quick links to folders like Documents, Downloads, or Pictures.
⚙️ Experiment: Try different combinations — you can always toggle them back if you change your mind.

FAQs: Windows 11 Start Menu

1. How do I open the Start Menu without clicking?

Press the Windows key on your keyboard to instantly open the Start Menu.

2. Can I resize Start Menu icons in Windows 11?

No, Windows 11 does not allow resizing icons or creating groups like in Windows 10.

3. How do I see all my installed apps?

Click the All Apps button at the top-right of the Start Menu to view a complete alphabetical list.

4. What if an app I installed doesn’t appear?

It’s likely in the All Apps list. From there, right-click it and choose Pin to Start if you want it visible.

5. Can I restore the old Windows 10 Start Menu layout?

Not exactly, but you can customize the layout and pinned items to feel similar using the Settings → Personalization → Start menu options.

Conclusion

The Start Menu in Windows 11 may look cleaner and simpler, but it’s also smarter. Once you understand how to pin your favorite apps, use the search bar efficiently, and tweak the layout to your liking, you’ll realize how powerful it truly is. Spend a few minutes organizing it today — it’ll save you time every day after.

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