How to customize (or replace) the Windows Start menu

The Windows Start menu: Your gateway to apps, files, and more. Mastering its customization unlocks significant productivity gains. This guide explores both built-in and third-party options for personalizing your Start menu experience.

Personalizing the Windows Start Menu

Begin by right-clicking any app in the Start menu and selecting "Pin to Start." This adds the app shortcut to the main Start menu pane for quicker access. Pinned apps are easily rearranged via drag-and-drop. To remove an app, right-click and choose "Unpin from Start."

For deeper customization, navigate to Windows Settings > Personalization > Start. Choose from three pre-set layouts, each offering different combinations of pinned apps and recent file/folder access.

Toggle switches control the visibility of recently installed apps, frequently used apps, recent files and folders, Microsoft tips, and notifications. Adjust these to your preferred level of menu clutter.

Under "Folders," select which folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos) appear directly on the main Start menu pane for quick access to frequently used locations.

Finally, adjust the Start menu button's position (centered or left-aligned) via Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and Taskbar alignment. To revert to default settings, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and click "Default."

Replacing the Windows Start Menu

For extensive Start menu customization, consider third-party software. These tools allow for complete overhauls without risking system instability; simply uninstall to restore the default Start menu.

Stardock Start11 offers extensive customization options, including classic Windows styles. A one-time fee of $9.99 applies (free trial available). It allows adjustments to layout, color, transparency, and taskbar integration. You can even reposition the Start menu and taskbar, including pinning them to the top of the screen.

Rainmeter provides comprehensive customization, extending beyond the Start menu and taskbar to the entire desktop. It's free and offers pixel-perfect control. While more complex to master, numerous user-created skins provide a great starting point.

Both Start11 and Rainmeter enable dramatic transformations of your Windows desktop, prioritizing easy access to your most-used apps, files, and features.

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