Nearly every Windows 11 PC now has Microsoft’s redesigned Start menu, and its default configuration leaves plenty of clutter behind. Three changes make it easier to work with: switch the app layout in the All section, turn off the Recommended items under Settings > Personalization > Start, and place folder shortcuts beside the Power button.
None of these takes more than a minute or two. There’s no need to make every change, so begin with the part of the menu that annoys you most.
Change how the All section lists your apps
You get three app layouts in the new Start menu. Category sorts similar apps into groups on its own. Grid and List put everything in alphabetical order, which is handy when you already know an app’s name.
- Open the Start menu.
- Locate the View dropdown inside the All section.
- Choose Category, Grid or List.
Spend some time with each layout before picking one. Category keeps apps grouped, so it suits anyone who doesn’t want to scroll a long list each time. Grid or List may work better if you normally look for apps by name.
Hide recent files and suggested apps
Recently opened files, newly added apps and other suggestions pile up in the Recommended section. If you seldom click on any of them, switching them off frees up space for the apps you use daily.
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Switch off recently opened files, newly added apps and any other suggestions you’d rather not see.
That page holds more Start menu settings as well. Work through them and adjust whichever ones match the way you use your PC.
Add Downloads, Documents and Settings next to the Power button
Opening File Explorer or running a search each time you want Downloads, Documents or Settings gets old. The Start menu lets you place shortcuts to those locations right next to the Power button, so each one is a single click away.
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Choose Folders.
- Switch on shortcuts for the places you visit most.
Other changes you can make
Those three tweaks aren’t the only options in the redesigned menu. You can also:
- Expand the Pinned section to display more of your favorite apps.
- Sort pinned apps into folders.
- Hide the Phone Link panel if it’s of no use to you.
What the new Start menu still can’t do
Each section can be customized individually, but there’s no way to drag sections into a new order. Your most-used ones can’t be shifted to the top.
Resizing has limits as well. Unlike a regular window, the menu can’t be made bigger or smaller by dragging a corner. Size changes happen in Settings instead.
The Start button stays on the taskbar even after you’ve switched off every section you don’t need, and the Windows key’s behavior can’t be changed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Start menu layout should I use?
That comes down to how you look for apps. Category puts similar apps in groups, and Grid and List order them alphabetically, so test each one from the View dropdown in the All section and stick with whichever fits.
How do I remove recent files from the Windows 11 Start menu?
Open Settings > Personalization > Start and switch off the recently opened files option. On that same page you can also turn off newly added apps and other suggestions.
Can I rearrange the sections of the new Start menu?
No. Individual sections can be customized, but they can’t be moved around freely.
Can I resize the Start menu by dragging its edge?
No. Dragging a corner doesn’t resize it the way it would a window, so any size change has to go through Settings.