How to Customize Windows 11 Start Menu for Your Workflow

Get Started with Your Start Menu

Tailor the menu layout to match how you actually work. Anyone new to tweaking the interface will find these walkthroughs helpful.

1 Windows 11 Taskbar: What is the Start Feature The Start feature in Windows 11 is the central menu that opens apps, settings, and files from your taskbar. Pressing the Windows… 6 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Hide or Show Account Name and Profile Picture on Start Menu in Windows 11 Hiding your account name and profile picture on the Windows 11 Start menu removes your personal details from view every time you… 4 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

3 How to add Mobile Device in Start Menu on Windows 11 Mobile devices in the Start menu on Windows 11 let you open phone apps, check text messages, and view your battery level… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Organize and Personalize Your Apps and Content

Pinned applications and recent files demand prime real estate. Organizing shortcuts and managing app previews keeps workflows moving efficiently.

1 How to change Start Menu all apps view in Windows 11 The All apps view in Windows 11 shows every program installed on your PC in an alphabetical list or grid. Switching from… 5 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Customize the ‘All’ Apps View in Windows 11 Start Menu This article details how to modify the 'All' apps view in the Windows 11 Start menu. The new build introduces grid and category views for better app organization. Users can enable this feature using ViVeTool, enhancing usability by allowing customization of app listings. Staying updated with Windows builds ensures access to new features. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

3 How to show or hide Recent Files on Start Menu in Windows 11 Recent files on the Windows 11 Start menu appear in the Recommended section at the bottom of the screen to help you… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

4 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… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Adjust the Look and Feel

Visual styling sets the tone for the entire desktop experience. Repositioning elements or altering panel dimensions shifts the overall aesthetic.

1 How to Change Start Menu Size in Windows 11 Changing the Start menu size in Windows 11 lets you fit more or fewer apps on your screen at once depending on… 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 Windows 11 is Getting a Smaller Start Menu – Here’s How to Change It! Compact view in Windows 11 shrinks the Start menu to fit fewer pinned apps and free up desktop space. Microsoft includes this… 4 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

3 How to Change Taskbar Position to Top or Side in Windows 11 Moving the taskbar in Windows 11 lets you place the taskbar at the top or side of your screen instead of being… 6 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Manage User Accounts and Notifications

Account handling and notification feeds require separate management. These walkthroughs cover profile switching and mobile device alerts.

1 How to Add or Remove Switch User on User Tile in Start Menu in Windows 11 Switch user in Windows 11 adds a fast shortcut to your user tile in the Start menu so you can jump to… 4 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Enable or Disable Mobile Device Notification Previews on Hover in Start Menu on Windows 11 Mobile device notification previews on hover in the Start menu on Windows 11 let you view phone alerts, battery percentage, and text… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Understand Future Changes

Upcoming OS patches introduce persistent shifts to interface design. Staying updated on Microsoft's feature roadmap prevents unexpected workflow interruptions.

1 Microsoft is Making Taskbar and Start more personal in Windows 11 Windows 11 includes new customization options for the Start menu and taskbar. These updates give users more control to tailor the workspace.… 4 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Common questions

Can I make the 🪟 Windows 11 Start Menu bigger?

Windows 11 omits a direct sizing slider, yet certain builds include options for a compact layout. Guide [10] details how to locate those hidden toggles.

How do I add my frequently used apps to the Start Menu?

Pinning favorite programs to the Start Menu cuts down search time. Right-click any program inside the 'All apps' list and pick 'Pin to Start'. Guide [1] assists with navigating the app directory.

Where did my recent files go in the 🪟 Windows 11 Start Menu?

Recent file tracking remains active by default on most installations. Activating this behavior requires toggling specific preferences inside control panels. Guide [2] explains the activation process.

Can I move the 🪟 Windows 11 Start button to the left side?

Taskbar anchoring rules permit relocating the entire launch bar. Guide [9] outlines the steps required to shift the layout to alternative screen edges.

How can I remove the 'Recommended' section from the Start Menu?

The 'Recommended' panel allows toggling or hiding specific telemetry data. Guide [5] covers account details display rules that impact visible items.