Mastering the Windows Start Menu: How to Pin and Unpin Apps

In the busy ecosystem of Windows, simplicity is key, and nothing screams simplicity like a well-organized Start Menu. If you're tired of hunting for your favorite apps in the morass of shortcuts and tiles, Microsoft offers a straightforward solution. Windows users can now quickly pin or unpin apps to/from the Start Menu. But what does this really mean, and why should you care? Let’s break it down.

---

What Does Pinning Mean?​

Think of “pinning” as choosing your personal VIP guests to the red carpet of your Start Menu. Apps that are pinned to the Start Menu are like all-access, front-row attendees. They’ll always be readily available as soon as you click on the Start icon in your taskbar.
On the flip side, apps that aren’t pinned still exist—they’re just hanging out backstage. You can search for them, but they’re not standing in the limelight.

---

How to Pin Apps to the Start Menu​

Pinning your favorite apps to the Start Menu is straightforward in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the steps are slightly different. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

For Windows 11:​

• Open the Start Menu: Click the Start button on your taskbar.
• Locate Your App:
• Scroll through the Recommended section and select More to see an extended list of apps.
• Alternatively, type the app name in the search bar.
• Pin It:
• Right-click the app or press and hold on a touch device.
• Click Pin to Start.

Voilà! Enjoy instant access to that app from the Start Menu grid.

For Windows 10:​

• Follow the same routine to open the Start Menu.
• Search for your app either manually in the listing or via the search bar.
• Right-click the app once you spot it and click Pin to Start.
  Simple, isn’t it?

---

How to Unpin Apps from Start​

Perhaps an app has lost its VIP status in your daily workflow—it’s no longer a priority or maybe you're simply decluttering. Unpinning is just as easy as pinning:

• Right-click the app in the Start menu and click Unpin from Start.

This removes it from the Start Menu grid, sending it back into the sea of installed apps.

---

Why Pinning Matters​

The Start Menu is meant to be your cockpit for navigating your Windows device. By pinning:

• Efficiency skyrockets: Cut down on time spent searching for commonly-used apps.
• Personalization improves: Your frequently used software is easily accessible, while your desktop stays clutter-free.
• Organization rules: You gain better control over the chaos by managing which apps are at your fingertips.

Imagine quickly opening Microsoft Teams for that early Monday meeting or diving directly into Excel without sifting through lists. Pinning can make these transitions swift and effortless.

---

Pro Tip: Take Your Start Menu a Step Further​

Did you know you can also:

• Reorganize Pinned Apps: Drag and drop pinned apps to rearrange them according to your preference. Set up clusters for work, gaming, or creativity.
• Customize App Groups: On Windows 11, create app groups by bundling several related apps into a cluster, making your grid even neater.
• Integrate Widgets: Access quick information like weather, reminders, or news alongside pinned apps.

---

The Start Menu: Your Gateway to Efficiency​

Pinning and unpinning isn’t just about convenience—it’s about crafting an interface that supports your workflow rather than hindering it. Whether you’re a power user juggling dozens of apps or a casual user opening just a few essentials, Windows gives you the flexibility to tailor its interface to your needs.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of pinning and unpinning, it’s time to take charge of that Start Menu. Make your most-used apps just a click away and say goodbye to app-hunting chaos.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for more tips on maintaining a snappy and personalized Windows environment!

---

Source: Microsoft Support Customize the Windows Start Menu - Microsoft Support