So, you've finally landed here wondering how to make your Start menu feel less like a cluttered drawer of mystery widgets and more like a well-organized control center for your life on Windows. What we’re covering today may seem basic, but trust me, knowing how to customize your Start menu and app view is like shifting from black-and-white to full-color TV. It’s a game-changer for productivity and aesthetic harmony on your Windows machine.
Microsoft recently published a detailed guide on its support site, breaking down the ins-and-outs of working with apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, let’s not stop at the basics—they guide you on where the buttons hide while I’ll shed some light on why these tips work and how you can make the best use of them. Strap in, because you’re about to uncover the hidden potential of your Start menu and taskbar.
Finding all the apps installed on your Windows PC shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Microsoft outlines that all it takes is hitting the Start button, followed by selecting the arrow next to All apps. This will display everything alphabetically.
Noticed your new app isn’t showing up here? Don’t panic. This could result from:
Pro Tip: If searching for your app draws a blank, try restarting Explorer.exe—Windows’ graphical shell that includes the Start menu. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click on Windows Explorer, and select Restart.
Pro Tip: Use the Pin to Taskbar option for apps you use regularly. Your Taskbar is the little black dress of utility—sleek, minimal, and always appropriate for quick app launches.
Pro Tip: Thought multitasking in Windows couldn’t get better? Drag apps from the Start menu directly into the Taskbar—instant simplicity!
Now that you’ve mastered app visibility on Windows 10 and 11, the real question is: What will you pin first, and what will you banish to the depths of your app library?
Let us know in the comments how you’ve reshaped your Start menu or about any roadblocks causing mayhem on your machine! WindowsForum.com is here to help.
Source: Microsoft Support Customize the Windows Start Menu - Microsoft Support
Microsoft recently published a detailed guide on its support site, breaking down the ins-and-outs of working with apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, let’s not stop at the basics—they guide you on where the buttons hide while I’ll shed some light on why these tips work and how you can make the best use of them. Strap in, because you’re about to uncover the hidden potential of your Start menu and taskbar.
1. Viewing All Your Apps Like a Pro
Finding all the apps installed on your Windows PC shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Microsoft outlines that all it takes is hitting the Start button, followed by selecting the arrow next to All apps. This will display everything alphabetically.Why You’ll Love This?
Think of the Start menu as the contents list for your app library. By default, this ensures no app gets lost in a dark, hidden corner post-installation. Apps like "Notepad" that are grouped under folders (e.g., Windows Accessories) are neatly arranged for you—just like someone did the spring-cleaning for you.Noticed your new app isn’t showing up here? Don’t panic. This could result from:
- Installation issues. The app might have failed during the installation process.
- Antivirus activity. Overzealous security software might have flagged it during the install phase.
- Pending updates. Sometimes Windows updates can create conflicts and block new apps from being added.
Pro Tip: If searching for your app draws a blank, try restarting Explorer.exe—Windows’ graphical shell that includes the Start menu. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click on Windows Explorer, and select Restart.2. Customizing Your Start Menu: Shape Things Your Way
The default Windows Start menu is designed to cater to everyone’s needs, but it’s okay to admit that its chaotic layout isn’t your cup of tea. Microsoft suggests going to:- Settings > Personalization > Start, where you can toggle options like:
- Showing your most-used apps.
- Displaying recently downloaded apps in the "Recommended" section.
- Enabling or disabling folders like Documents, Music, or Downloads.
How to Make This Uniquely Yours?
Picture this: You’re the commander of your Start menu—decide who gets VIP access and who waits in the lobby. Love Spotify? Pin it to the Start menu for easy music-on-the-go. Rarely use Paint or Calculator? Toss them into the folder pool or hide them altogether. Pro Tip: Use the Pin to Taskbar option for apps you use regularly. Your Taskbar is the little black dress of utility—sleek, minimal, and always appropriate for quick app launches.3. Handle App Burps: From Missing Apps to Installation Errors
If an app refuses to emerge from the depths of your hard drive, here’s where you go detective mode. Microsoft recommends automating your checks for:- Pending Windows updates: Open Settings > Windows Update and hit Check for Updates.
- Antivirus interference: Temporary disable real-time protection (Settings > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection) BUT remember to re-enable once the app installs correctly.
Understanding Antivirus Blockers
Antivirus software often flags newly downloaded files—especially from third-party, unsigned developers—as security risks, even if they’re 100% safe. Temporarily disabling these measures isn’t ideal, but it’s sometimes necessary for unusual app behavior.4. Pinning Apps with Purpose
One of the strongest aspects of Windows customization is pinning—whether to the Start menu or the Taskbar. Select an app, right-click it, and choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. Easy, right?What Makes It Brilliant?
Pinned apps offer you one-click access—and less searching means more time doing what you need. Remember, the Start menu is more like your long-term parking lot, while the Taskbar is like VIP parking near the grocery store. Don’t overfill it with apps you seldom use; reserve that space for must-have apps like your browser, email client, or Teams. Pro Tip: Thought multitasking in Windows couldn’t get better? Drag apps from the Start menu directly into the Taskbar—instant simplicity!5. When Speed is Everything: Use Index Search
Tired of scrolling through endless app lists? Head over to the search box above the Start button, start typing the app name, and watch as it magically appears.What You Should Know About Windows Search
Windows Search leverages Microsoft’s indexing algorithm to fetch results at lightning speed, sorting through app names, installation locations, and even file metadata. If this feature starts to feel sluggish, head to Indexing Options in Control Panel and rebuild the index.Commonly Overlooked Features for Start Menu Ninjas
Here are a few lesser-known jewels to up your Start-menu game:- Folders On Start: Add folders like Music, Pictures, or Downloads to your Start menu directly for quicker access. Head to Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders and customize till your heart’s content.
- App Grouping: Drag apps on top of one another in the Start menu to create groups—ideal for taming chaos. For instance, create a "Work" group with apps like Excel, OneNote, and Teams while grouping Spotify and Netflix under a "Chill" section.
Final Thought: Build Your Digital Empire
Your PC is your command center—and how efficiently you navigate it determines your productivity (and sometimes sanity). Learning to properly customize the Start menu and Taskbar empowers you to shape your Windows experience exactly how you like it. Whether it’s through effective use of search, app pinning, or layout personalization, you’re in control.Now that you’ve mastered app visibility on Windows 10 and 11, the real question is: What will you pin first, and what will you banish to the depths of your app library?
Let us know in the comments how you’ve reshaped your Start menu or about any roadblocks causing mayhem on your machine! WindowsForum.com is here to help.
Source: Microsoft Support Customize the Windows Start Menu - Microsoft Support
Last edited:
