How to Change Windows 11 Start Menu

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, introduces a fresh and modern design that includes a revamped Start menu. The Start menu is a central hub for accessing apps, files, and settings on your computer. While the default Start menu in Windows 11 offers a sleek and minimalist look, you may prefer to customize it to suit your personal preferences and workflow. In this article, we will explore various methods to change the Windows 11 Start menu, allowing you to tailor it to your liking.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The easiest way to change the Windows 11 Start menu is through the Settings app. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. In the Start menu, click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
3. In the Settings app, click on the “Personalization” category.
4. On the left sidebar, click on “Start.”
5. Here, you will find various options to customize the Start menu.

Let’s explore some of the key customization options available:

1. Change the Start Menu Layout

Windows 11 offers two different layouts for the Start menu: centered and left-aligned. The centered layout places the Start button and app icons in the middle of the screen, while the left-aligned layout resembles the traditional Start menu found in previous versions of Windows.

To change the Start menu layout:

1. In the Start settings, click on the “Layout” option.
2. Toggle the switch to choose between the centered and left-aligned layout.

2. Customize the App List

The app list in the Start menu displays all the installed apps on your computer. You can customize the app list to show or hide certain apps, rearrange the order of apps, and even pin specific apps to the top for quick access.

To customize the app list:

1. In the Start settings, click on the “App List” option.
2. Here, you can toggle the switches to show or hide specific app categories, such as Recently Added, Most Used, and Recommended.
3. To rearrange the order of apps, click and drag an app to the desired position.
4. To pin an app to the top, right-click on the app and select “Pin to Start.”

3. Choose the Start Menu Background

Windows 11 allows you to personalize the Start menu background with a custom image or a solid color. This can add a personal touch to your desktop and make it more visually appealing.

To choose the Start menu background:

1. In the Start settings, click on the “Background” option.
2. Here, you can select a custom image by clicking on the “Browse” button and navigating to the desired image file on your computer.
3. If you prefer a solid color, you can choose from the available color options.

4. Enable or Disable Live Tiles

Live Tiles are dynamic app icons that display real-time information, such as weather updates, news headlines, and calendar events. While some users find Live Tiles useful, others may prefer a more static Start menu without any dynamic elements.

To enable or disable Live Tiles:

1. In the Start settings, click on the “Live Tiles” option.
2. Toggle the switch to enable or disable Live Tiles.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor

If you’re comfortable making changes to the Windows Registry, you can use the Registry Editor to further customize the Start menu in Windows 11. However, it’s important to note that modifying the Registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly, so proceed with caution and create a backup of your Registry before making any changes.

Follow these steps to customize the Start menu using the Registry Editor:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

4. Right-click on the “Advanced” key in the left sidebar and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
5. Name the new value “Start_ShowClassicMode” (without quotes).
6. Double-click on the newly created value and set its data to “1” to enable the classic Start menu or “0” to disable it.
7. Click OK to save the changes.
8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By enabling the classic Start menu, you can bring back the familiar layout and functionality of previous Windows versions. This can be useful for users who prefer a more traditional Start menu experience.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Start Menu Customization Tools

If you’re looking for more advanced customization options or prefer a different Start menu design altogether, you can explore third-party Start menu customization tools. These tools offer a wide range of features and allow you to personalize your Start menu in ways that may not be possible with the built-in Windows settings.

Here are a few popular third-party Start menu customization tools:

1. Start11

Start11 is a powerful Start menu replacement for Windows 11 developed by Stardock. It offers a customizable Start menu with various layout options, including the classic Windows 7-style Start menu. Start11 also provides additional features like custom skins, taskbar customization, and enhanced search functionality.

2. Open-Shell

Open-Shell is a free and open-source Start menu replacement that brings back the classic Start menu experience to Windows 11. It allows you to customize the Start menu appearance, behavior, and functionality to suit your preferences. Open-Shell also supports skinning, allowing you to change the visual style of the Start menu.

3. StartIsBack

StartIsBack is another popular Start menu customization tool that brings back the Windows 7-style Start menu to Windows 11. It offers a seamless integration with the operating system and provides extensive customization options, including the ability to change the Start button icon, customize the taskbar, and enable or disable Live Tiles.

Before installing any third-party Start menu customization tool, make sure to research and choose a reputable tool from a trusted source. Additionally, be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet to avoid potential security risks.

FAQs

Q1: Can I revert to the classic Start menu in Windows 11?

Yes, you can enable the classic Start menu in Windows 11 by using the Registry Editor method mentioned earlier in this article. However, it’s important to note that modifying the Registry can have unintended consequences, so proceed with caution and create a backup of your Registry before making any changes.

Q2: Can I resize the Start menu in Windows 11?

As of the initial release of Windows 11, Microsoft does not provide an option to resize the Start menu. However, third-party Start menu customization tools like Start11 and Open-Shell offer the ability to resize the Start menu and customize its dimensions according to your preferences.

Q3: Can I change the Start button icon in Windows 11?

By default, Windows 11 does not provide an option to change the Start button icon. However, third-party Start menu customization tools like StartIsBack allow you to customize the Start button icon and choose from a variety of different icons.

Q4: Will changing the Start menu affect my computer’s performance?

Changing the Start menu in Windows 11 should not have a significant impact on your computer’s performance. However, installing third-party Start menu customization tools may consume additional system resources depending on the complexity of the tool and the customization options enabled.

Summary

The Start menu in Windows 11 can be customized to suit your personal preferences and workflow. Whether you prefer a centered or left-aligned layout, a custom background image or solid color, or the classic Start menu from previous Windows versions, there are various methods to change the Windows 11 Start menu. You can use the built-in Settings app to make basic customizations, modify the Registry Editor for more advanced changes, or explore third-party Start menu customization tools for additional features and design options. Remember to proceed with caution when making changes to the Registry and choose reputable third-party tools from trusted sources. With these customization options, you can create a Start menu that enhances your productivity and makes your Windows 11 experience more enjoyable.