How to Add and Remove Folders in the Windows 11 Start Menu
Custom folders in the Windows 11 Start Menu let you place up to five personal shortcut links right next to the Power button. This shortcut area sits at the bottom of the menu screen next to built-in items like Settings and File Explorer so you do not have to dig through your hard drive every time you need a file.
You can add and remove these folder shortcuts in a few clicks through the Windows Settings app whenever your daily routine changes.
Open Settings , then go to Personalization, click Start , and select Folders. Turn the toggle On to add a folder or Off to remove it from the Start menu.
How to Add or Remove Folders on the Start Menu
You can add or remove Windows 11 Start menu folders by opening the Settings app and going to Personalization Start Folders From there, turn on the switches for the specific system folders, such as File Explorer , Documents, or Downloads, that you want to appear right next to your power button.
- Open Settings : Click the Start menu button (Windows icon) at the bottom center of your screen, then click Settings . Or press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard to open Settings quickly. - In the Settings window, click on Personalization on the left side.
- Next, click Start on the right side to open Start menu settings.
- Now, click the Folders section to see which folders you can add or remove.
Open Personalization Start in Settings.
Select which folders to show on the Start menu.
Toggle switches appear next to directory names like Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and more.
- To add a folder: Turn the toggle On next to the folder you want to see.
- To remove a folder: Turn the toggle Off next to the folder you don't want to see.
What happens? Once configurations finish, open the Start menu to view selected folders resting near the Power button.
Right-clicking any folder shortcut inside the Start menu reveals a Personalize this list option for faster navigation back to settings.
Summary
Managing Windows 11 Start menu folders lets you put your most-used directories right where you need them for faster file access. You can customize this area anytime through the Settings app to keep your desktop workspace tidy and save time during your daily routine.- You can add or remove folder shortcuts from the Start menu in Windows 11 to access your files faster.
- Use the Settings app under Personalization Start Folders to make changes.
- Organizing your Start menu saves time and keeps things simple.
- Customize it to fit the way you work best.
- Update your folder shortcuts anytime if your needs change.
- Now you know how to make your Start menu more useful by adding or removing folders.
How to get rid of folders in Start menu 🪟 Windows 11?
Category folders in the Windows 11 Start menu are a built-in feature and can't be removed. The only workaround is switching to List view or pinning apps.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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