Changing the Start Menu in Windows 10 might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s surprisingly easy. Essentially, you’ll be tweaking a few settings to make the Start Menu look and function the way you want. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a Start Menu that’s more personal and efficient.
How to Change Start Menu in Windows 10
In this section, I’ll guide you through the steps to customize your Windows 10 Start Menu. These steps will help you change the appearance, layout, and even the content of your Start Menu.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu settings
To begin, right-click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
By right-clicking the Start button, you access a quick menu. Selecting “Settings” from here will take you to the main settings window where you can find all the customization options you need.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on “Personalization.”
The Personalization section is where all the magic happens. Here, you’ll find options to change backgrounds, colors, and the Start Menu itself.
Step 3: Click on Start
Within the Personalization settings, click on “Start” in the left-hand menu.
This section specifically deals with Start Menu settings, giving you control over how it looks and behaves.
Step 4: Customize your Start Menu
Toggle the switches to change various settings like showing more tiles or recently added apps.
Each switch allows you to enable or disable different features, such as showing more tiles, displaying app lists, or even using the full screen for your Start Menu.
Step 5: Rearrange or resize tiles
Drag tiles to rearrange them, or right-click a tile to resize it.
By simply dragging the tiles, you can place them exactly where you want. Right-clicking offers additional options like resizing or unpinning.
Step 6: Pin new items
To pin new apps or folders, right-click them and select “Pin to Start.”
Pinning new items makes frequently used apps or folders accessible right from your Start Menu, offering a quick way to keep your workflow smooth.
After completing these steps, your Start Menu will reflect your personal preferences. You’ll notice it’s more organized, visually pleasing, and functional.
Tips for Changing Start Menu in Windows 10
- Experiment with Tile Sizes: Different sizes can help you prioritize important apps or create a visually pleasing layout.
- Group Tiles: You can create groups of tiles by dragging one tile over another to keep similar apps together.
- Use Live Tiles: Some apps offer live tiles that provide real-time updates, like weather or news.
- Pin Websites: You can pin frequently visited websites for quick access.
- Adjust Transparency: In the Start settings, you can change the transparency to make the menu less intrusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a folder to the Start Menu?
Right-click the folder and select “Pin to Start.”
Can I change the Start Menu color?
Yes, go to “Settings” > “Personalization” > “Colors” and choose your preferred color.
How do I disable live tiles?
Right-click a live tile and select “Turn live tile off.”
Can I make the Start Menu full screen?
Yes, toggle the “Use Start full screen” option in the Start settings.
How do I remove an app from the Start Menu?
Right-click the app and select “Unpin from Start.”
Summary
- Open the Start Menu settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Click on Start.
- Customize your Start Menu with toggles.
- Rearrange or resize tiles.
- Pin new items.
Conclusion
Changing the Start Menu in Windows 10 is a great way to make your computer feel more like your own. By following these steps, you can make everything from color schemes to app layouts match your personal style and workflow needs.
Whether you’re pinning your favorite apps, rearranging tiles for efficiency, or adjusting settings for easier access, a customized Start Menu can make a world of difference. If you’re interested in even more tweaks, there are plenty of resources online to help you dive deeper into Windows 10 customization.
Now that you know how to change the Start Menu in Windows 10, why not get started? Personalizing your Start Menu can lead to a more enjoyable and productive computing experience. Dive in and make Windows 10 work for you!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.