How to Add or Remove Pinned Section on Start Menu in Windows 11
The Pinned section on your Windows 11 Start menu is the grid of shortcuts at the top that gives you fast access to your favorite apps. Windows 11 updates, starting with build 26300.8553, let you turn this entire section on or off to clear up space.
You normally see 12 pinned apps on the default Start menu size, or up to 18 apps when you expand it. Hiding or showing this area takes just a few clicks in your taskbar settings.
You can add or remove the Pinned section on your Windows 11 Start menu via Settings. Navigate to Personalization Start and toggle the “Pinned” option on or off. This setting controls whether your frequently used apps appear at the top of the Start menu .
Option 1Add or Remove Pinned Section using Settings
The Settings app provides a direct toggle for managing the Pinned section. Locate the correct option and flip a switch to display or hide your most used applications.- Open Settings. You can do this by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.
- On the left side, click Personalization. Then, on the right side, click Start.
- Look for Layout options. You will see a toggle for Pinned.
- Turn the toggle On to add the Pinned section. Turn it Off to remove it (this is the default).
- You can now close the Settings window.
Option 2Add or Remove Pinned Section using Registry Editor
The Registry Editor offers an alternative method for controlling the Pinned section’s visibility. This advanced approach requires careful navigation to keep the system stable. The Start menu updates immediately after the adjustment.
What happens when done? Your Start menu will either show or hide the Pinned apps section based on the change you make.
- Open the Registry Editor. You can do this by searching for regedit in the Windows search bar and clicking on the result.
- Admin Privileges Required: You may need to click “Yes” on a User Account Control (UAC) prompt to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - In the right-hand pane, find a DWORD value named Start_UseCustomLayout.
- To Add Pinned Section: Double-click on Start_UseCustomLayout. Set the Value data to 1. Click OK.
- To Remove Pinned Section: Double-click on Start_UseCustomLayout. Set the Value data to 0. Click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- You may need to restart your computer or sign out and back in for the changes to take effect.
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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.
How do I remove the pinned section in 🪟 Windows 11?
To remove the Pinned section in Windows 11, press Windows Key + I to open Settings directly, then navigate to Personalization > Start. Under Layout options, find the 'Pinned' toggle and turn it Off. This action hides the Pinned apps area from the Start menu.
Where are pinned items stored in 🪟 Windows 11?
Pinned items in the Windows 11 Start menu are not stored in a single, accessible file. The Windows operating system manages these items through registry keys and internal system data, allowing for dynamic display and management within the Start menu interface.
Why is the PIN option not available in 🪟 Windows 11?
Microsoft introduced the option to toggle the entire Pinned section on or off in Windows 11 build 26300.8553. Older versions of Windows 11 lack this option. Updating the system ensures access to this customization feature.
How to increase pinned items in 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 displays 12 pinned apps by default in the smaller view and 18 in the larger view. While direct increases beyond the larger view remain unavailable, managing which apps appear involves unpinning less-used ones and pinning favorites.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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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