How to Add or Remove Pinned Section on Start Menu in Windows 11

The Pinned section on the Windows 11 Start menu ⊞ shows your favorite apps right at the top of the screen. Windows 11 updates starting with build 26300.8553 let you hide this area to save space and show more recommended items instead.

You normally see 12 pinned apps on the standard Start menu size, or up to 18 apps when you expand the view. Turning this section on or off takes just a few clicks in your taskbar 🖥️ settings.

Option 1Add or Remove Pinned Section using Settings

Managing your windows 11 pinned section takes only a few clicks inside the main settings app. You can turn this area on or off by going to the personalization menu and changing your layout preferences. This hides or shows your app grid instantly without needing to restart your computer.

1. Open Settings. You can do this by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.
2. On the left side, click Personalization. Then, on the right side, click Start.
3. Look for Layout options. You will see a toggle for Pinned.
4. Turn the toggle On to add the Pinned section. Turn it Off to remove it (this is the default).
5. You can now close the Settings ⚙️ window.

Option 2Add or Remove Pinned Section using Registry Editor

Controlling the windows 11 pinned section through the Registry Editor gives you an advanced way to hide or show your app grid. Making a quick change to a specific registry key updates your Start menu ⊞ right away. Be careful while editing the registry because mistakes can cause system problems.

What happens when done? Your Start menu ⊞ will either show or hide the Pinned apps section based on the change you make.

Backing up your registry before making changes prevents potential data loss. This guide focuses on the visual way to modify registry settings.

1. Open the Registry Editor. You can do this by searching for regedit in the Windows search bar and clicking on the result.
2. Admin Privileges Required: You may need to click “Yes” on a User Account Control (UAC) prompt to open Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor:
   

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

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4. In the right-hand pane, find a DWORD value named Start_UseCustomLayout.
5. To Add Pinned Section: Double-click on Start_UseCustomLayout. Set the Value data to 1. Click OK.
6. To Remove Pinned Section: Double-click on Start_UseCustomLayout. Set the Value data to 0. Click OK.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. You may need to restart your computer or sign out and back in for the changes to take effect.

Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/customize-the-windows-11-start-menu#pinned-section

Summary

Controlling the Pinned apps section on your Windows 11 Start menu relies on two primary methods: the user-friendly Settings app and the more advanced Registry Editor.