How to Pin More Apps to Windows 11 Start Menu

This post shows students and new users steps to add or pin more apps and recommended items to the Start Menu in Windows 11. The recent Windows 11 builds in the DEV channel have options to get more pins or recommended items in Windows 11, but you must be enrolled in the Insider Preview program.

Currently, the option is only available to computers enrolled in the Microsoft Insider Preview program. If you have a Windows 11 computer and don’t see the option to pin more apps to the start menu or show more recommended items, it may mean your device is not enrolled in the Insider Preview DEV channel.

Once new features are introduced in the DEV channel, it doesn’t take long to be available on other builds, including beta, release candidate, and finally, stable builds where it’s available to all.

Until then, you’ll have to wait for this feature to be available and ready for your Windows 11 devices.

How to add more apps to the start menu in Windows 11

As mentioned above, recent builds can increase the pinned apps area on the start menu in Windows 11. It’s only available to devices enrolled in the Microsoft Insider Preview program.

By default, the pinned and recommended sections are displayed in three rows. When you increase the apps section, a fourth row will be added, allowing you to pin more apps. Similarly, increasing the recommended section will add a fourth row.

Here’s the default Start Menu in Windows 11.

Default Start Menu

To increase the pinned app section, right-click anywhere in the Start Menu, then select Start settings.

Alternatively, one can click on the Start Menu ==> Settings ==> Personalization ==> Start.

On the Start settings pane, under Layout, click More pins to increase the space available for pinned items.

Once you do that, the Start menu should change to allow the more pinned app.

More pins

On the same Start settings pane, under Layout, choose More recommendations to increase the recommended items.

More recommendations

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• The ability to pin more apps and receive additional recommendations in the Start Menu enhances the user experience in Windows 11.
• Enrollment in the Microsoft Insider Preview program is necessary to access these additional features in recent builds.
• Increasing the pinned apps and recommendations sections can help users customize their Start Menu according to their needs.
• Regularly check for updates as features in the DEV channel are often rolled out to beta and stable builds.
• Stay engaged with the Windows Insider community for the latest insights and updates on new features.