In Windows 11, the Start Menu has undergone a significant redesign compared to previous versions of the operating system. The new Start Menu is centered, simplified, and offers a fresh look and feel. However, if you prefer a more traditional Start Menu or want to customize its appearance, Windows 11 provides options to change the Start Menu according to your preferences. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to change the Start Menu on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
Step 2: Once the Start Menu is open, click on the Settings icon. It looks like a gear and can be found in the bottom left corner of the Start Menu.
Step 3: In the Settings window, click on the "Personalization" category.
Step 4: On the left sidebar of the Personalization settings, click on "Start."
Step 5: In the Start settings, you will find various options to customize the Start Menu. You can choose between the "Centered" or "Left-aligned" layout, enable or disable the "Show recently added apps" feature, and toggle the "Show recently opened items" option.
Step 6: You can further personalize the Start Menu by toggling the switch next to "Use Start full screen." This setting allows you to enhance the Start Menu experience by utilizing the entire screen.
Step 7: Additionally, you can customize the appearance of the Start Menu by selecting your preferred accent color, deciding whether to show the app icons or not, and enabling or disabling transparency effects for the Start Menu.
Pros Cons
1. Allows customization according to 1. Limited options compared to previous versions of Windows.
personal preferences.
2. Offers a clean and modern look. 2. Some changes may require familiarity with Windows 11 settings.
3. Provides options to personalize 3. Customization options may vary depending on the Windows 11 edition.
the Start Menu appearance.
By following these steps, you can easily change the Start Menu on Windows 11 to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a more traditional layout or want to personalize its appearance, Windows 11 offers flexibility in customizing the Start Menu to make it truly your own.
Video Tutorial:Can you change the Start menu in Windows 11 to look like Windows 10?
What is the default Start menu layout in Windows 11?
In Windows 11, the default Start menu layout has been redesigned to provide a more simplified and centered experience compared to previous versions of Windows. Here’s a description of the default Start menu layout in Windows 11:
1. Centered Alignment: The Start button is centered at the bottom of the screen, rather than being located on the left side of the taskbar as seen in earlier Windows versions.
2. Icon Grid: The Start menu features an icon grid layout, displaying a variety of applications and system settings. The icons are organized in multiple columns, and you can scroll vertically to explore the available options.
3. Pinned Apps: At the top of the Start menu, you’ll find a section for pinned apps. This area allows users to access frequently used applications quickly. By default, Windows 11 may include some commonly used apps such as File Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Settings.
4. Recommended Section: Below the pinned apps section, there is a recommended section that suggests applications and documents based on your usage patterns and frequently accessed files.
5. All Apps List: Towards the bottom of the Start menu, there is an "All apps" list that provides access to all the installed applications on your system. You can expand this section to view and launch any app installed on your device.
6. Power and User Options: Finally, at the bottom of the Start menu, there are options to access power options like Shut Down, Restart, and Sleep, as well as user-related functions like signing out or switching user accounts.
Please note that the default Start menu layout in Windows 11 can be customized based on personal preferences, including the option to switch to a full-screen Start menu or resizable Start menu, rearrange and resize tiles, and customize the appearance according to your liking.
It’s worth mentioning that this information is based on the assumed release timeline of Windows 11 in 2021. If the actual release date and features differ, please refer to official sources and documentation from Microsoft for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Windows 11.
What happened to Windows 11 Start menu?
The Windows 11 Start menu underwent a significant redesign to offer users a more streamlined and modern experience. Here are the key changes and enhancements introduced with the new Start menu:
1. Centered layout: Microsoft opted for a centered alignment of the Start menu, which diverges from the traditional left-aligned design seen in previous Windows versions.
2. Simplified design: The Start menu in Windows 11 features a cleaner and simpler look with more visually appealing icons. The Live Tiles that were present in previous versions have been removed, giving the Start menu a more streamlined appearance.
3. Recommended apps: Windows 11 introduces a section within the Start menu that displays recommended apps based on user activity and preferences. This can provide quick access to frequently used or suggested applications.
4. Unified search and Start: The search bar and Start button are now integrated into a single user interface element, creating a more cohesive experience. This integration allows users to perform searches and access applications from one central location.
5. Quick access to recent files and pinned apps: The Start menu in Windows 11 showcases a new feature called "Recommended," which displays recent files accessed by users as well as pinned apps. This makes it easier for users to quickly access their most frequently used files and applications.
6. Widget integration: Windows 11 introduces widgets that can be personalized to display useful information and live updates directly within the Start menu. This integration allows users to have a customizable dashboard for weather, news, calendar, and more.
Overall, the Windows 11 Start menu revamp aims to enhance user productivity and provide a more visually appealing and intuitive interface. By incorporating a centered layout, simplifying the design, integrating the search and Start functions, and introducing new features such as recommended apps and widgets, Windows 11 offers an updated and improved Start menu experience for users.
How do I make Windows 11 Start menu look like 7?
Windows 11 introduced a fresh new design for its Start menu, but if you prefer the classic Windows 7 look, there are a few steps you can take to make Windows 11 Start menu resemble Windows 7. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Install a third-party Start menu replacement: There are several third-party programs available that can bring back the Windows 7 Start menu experience to Windows 11. Some popular options include Classic Shell, StartIsBack, and Open-Shell. These programs allow you to customize the appearance and behavior of the Start menu to your liking.
2. Customize Live Tiles: Windows 11 uses Live Tiles in the Start menu, but you can adjust them to resemble Windows 7 icons. Right-click on a Live Tile, select "More," and choose "Turn Live Tile off." This will make the tile appear as a static icon, similar to the Windows 7 Start menu.
3. Configure Start menu settings: Windows 11 offers some customization options for the Start menu. Right-click on the Taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and navigate to the "Start" tab. Here, you can toggle off features like "Show recently added apps," "Show suggested content," and "Use Start full screen" to simplify the Start menu appearance.
4. Pin frequently used apps and folders: In Windows 7, users often pinned their frequently used applications and folders to the Start menu for quick access. You can do the same in Windows 11 by right-clicking on an app or folder and selecting "Pin to Start" or dragging and dropping them to the Start menu area.
5. Adjust taskbar settings: In Windows 11, the taskbar is centered by default. However, if you prefer the traditional left-aligned taskbar in Windows 7, you can change it. Right-click on the Taskbar, go to "Taskbar settings," and under "Taskbar alignment," select "Left."
By following these steps, you can customize the Windows 11 Start menu to resemble the Windows 7 layout and functionality. Remember that third-party software and customization settings may vary, so it’s always a good idea to explore different options and choose the one that suits your preferences.
How do I get the classic Start menu look on Windows 11?
To achieve the classic Start menu look on Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Install a Start menu replacement tool: There are several third-party tools available that can replicate the classic Start menu experience on Windows 11. Examples include Classic Shell, Start10, and Open Shell. Go to their respective websites and download the installer for the tool of your choice.
2. Run the installer and customize settings: Once you’ve downloaded the Start menu replacement tool, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your system. During the installation process, you may be prompted to customize various settings, such as the appearance and functionality of the Start menu. Take your time to configure the options according to your preferences.
3. Restart your computer: After the installation is complete, it’s recommended to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Save any ongoing work and close any open applications before doing so.
4. Enjoy the Classic Start menu on Windows 11: Once your computer restarts, you should now have the classic Start menu look on your Windows 11 system. You can access the Start menu by clicking on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the taskbar, just like in previous versions of Windows.
By following these steps, you can bring back the classic Start menu experience while using Windows 11. It’s important to note that using third-party tools may introduce some changes and adjustments to your system. Therefore, make sure to choose a reputable and trusted Start menu replacement tool, and regularly check for updates to ensure compatibility with future Windows 11 updates.
How to restore classic Start menu in Windows 11 with classic Taskbar?
The introduction of Windows 11 brought a fresh and modern interface to the Microsoft operating system. However, if you prefer the classic Windows Start menu and Taskbar layout from previous versions, here’s how you can restore it:
1. Download a third-party Start menu replacement: Since Windows 11 does not natively offer the classic Start menu, you’ll need to rely on third-party software. There are various options available online, such as "Classic Shell" or "Open-Shell," which provide a customizable Start menu that resembles their predecessors.
2. Install the chosen software: Once you’ve found your preferred Start menu replacement, download and install it following the provided instructions. These programs typically come with installation wizards that guide you through the process.
3. Customize the Start menu: After installation, launch the Start menu replacement software. From its settings or preferences, you can usually customize the appearance and behavior of the Start menu to match the classic Windows layout. Explore the options available and configure it according to your preferences.
4. Configure the Taskbar: In addition to the Start menu, you may want to restore the classic Taskbar as well. Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" to open the Taskbar settings menu within Windows 11.
5. Choose the right Taskbar settings: Within the Taskbar settings menu, you can make several adjustments to mimic the classic Taskbar. For example, you can change the Taskbar alignment to "Bottom" if it’s set to "Center" by default in Windows 11. You can also turn off options like "Taskbar button badges" and "News and interests" to further resemble the classic Taskbar.
6. Personalize further if needed: Depending on your preferences, you might want to customize other aspects of the desktop environment, such as resizing the Taskbar or adjusting its transparency. Depending on the Start menu replacement software, you may find additional customization options within its settings.
By following these steps, you can restore the classic Windows Start menu along with a familiar Taskbar layout in Windows 11. Remember that third-party software solutions may have their limitations or compatibility issues, so choose well-regarded options and ensure they are regularly updated to work seamlessly with the latest Windows updates.