The Windows 11 Start menu can be tailored to show the apps you use most, hide suggestions, and add shortcuts to folders like Downloads. Most options live in Settings, Personalization, Start, and pinned apps can be arranged by dragging. Recent Windows 11 updates redesigned Start with a larger, scrollable layout, so some option names may differ slightly on your PC.
If you would rather have a full Windows 7 style menu than the Windows 11 layout, see how to make Windows 11 look like Windows 7 with Open-Shell.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, Personalization, Start to choose a layout, turn recommendations and recently added apps on or off, and add folders next to the power button. Right-click apps to pin or unpin them.
How to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu
- Open Settings with Windows+I and select Personalization, then Start.
- Choose a Layout option, such as More pins or More recommendations, if your version shows it.
- Turn Show recently added apps, Show most used apps, and Show recommended files on or off.
- Click Folders and turn on shortcuts such as Settings, File Explorer, Downloads, or Documents.
- In Start, right-click any app and choose Pin to Start or Unpin from Start, and drag pinned apps to reorder them or drop one on another to make a folder.
Start Menu Options
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Layout | Balances pinned apps and recommendations |
| Show recently added apps | Lists new installs |
| Show recommended files | Shows recent files |
| Folders | Adds shortcuts by the power button |
| Taskbar alignment | Moves Start to the left (Taskbar settings) |
For taskbar position options, read how to move the Windows taskbar.
Troubleshooting
- Options are greyed out: a work or school policy may manage Start. Check with your IT team.
- You want Start on the left: open Settings, Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar behaviors, and set Taskbar alignment to Left.
- To put apps on the desktop too, see how to add apps to the desktop in Windows 11.
- To tidy the desktop as well, read how to reduce desktop icon size in Windows 11.
Missing the old layout? These Start tweaks pair well with the taskbar and File Explorer changes in making Windows 11 feel like Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Windows 10 Start menu back?
Not with built-in settings. Aligning the taskbar left gets you closer to the old layout.
Can I remove the Recommended section entirely?
You can turn off its content, but depending on your version the section may still take up some space.
Can I make folders of apps?
Yes. Drag one pinned app onto another to create a folder.
Summary
- Open Settings, Personalization, Start.
- Pick a layout and toggle recommendations.
- Add folder shortcuts.
- Pin, unpin, and drag apps into order.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.