The Start menu in Windows 11 looks clean, but it’s also more restrictive than what many users were used to in Windows 10. Microsoft simplified the design, but in doing so, it removed some flexibility and buried a few useful controls.
That said, you still have enough options to make the Start menu feel more practical. You just need to know where to look and what actually matters.
What the Windows 11 Start Menu Really Offers
At a glance, the Start menu is divided into three parts:
- Pinned apps at the top
- Recommended section in the middle
- Account and power options at the bottom
Unlike older versions of Windows, you can’t freely resize or heavily customize the layout. The changes you can make are more subtle, but they still affect how usable the menu feels day to day.
Where to Find Start Menu Settings
Most of the useful controls are inside Windows Settings.
Open Settings > Personalization > Start
This is where you’ll manage what shows up in the Start menu and how it behaves.
It’s not a deep settings panel, but the few options available can make a noticeable difference.
Customizing the Recommended Section
The Recommended section is one of the most debated parts of the Windows 11 Start menu. It shows recently opened files, installed apps, and suggestions.
If you don’t find it useful, you can reduce its presence.
Inside Start settings, you’ll find options to:
- Show recently added apps
- Show most used apps
- Show recently opened items
Turning these off doesn’t remove the section entirely, but it makes it much less intrusive.
For many users, this is the first change worth making.
Pinning and Organizing Apps
Pinned apps are where most of your interaction with the Start menu happens.
You can pin apps by right-clicking them and selecting Pin to Start. Once pinned, you can rearrange them by dragging.
Windows 11 also allows you to create folders by dragging one app over another. This is useful if you want to group similar apps together without cluttering the layout.
While it’s not as flexible as the old tile system, it’s clean and functional once you organize it properly.
Adjusting the Start Menu Layout
Microsoft gives you a basic choice between different layouts:
- More pins
- Default
- More recommendations
This setting controls how much space is allocated to pinned apps versus the Recommended section.
If you prefer a cleaner and more predictable Start menu, choosing More pins usually makes the most sense. It reduces the visual weight of recommendations and keeps your apps front and center.
Choosing What Appears Next to the Power Button
This is one of the more useful but overlooked settings.
You can add quick access shortcuts next to the power button in the Start menu, such as:
- Settings
- File Explorer
- Documents
- Downloads
- Network
These shortcuts save time, especially if you access certain folders frequently.
You’ll find this option under Folders in the Start settings.
Real-World Usage: What Actually Improves the Experience
In practice, you don’t need to tweak everything.
A few focused changes make the biggest difference:
Turn off unnecessary recommendations, switch to the “More pins” layout, and organize your pinned apps properly.
That alone makes the Start menu feel cleaner and more predictable.
Windows 11’s Start menu isn’t designed for heavy customization. It works best when you treat it as a quick launcher rather than a fully customizable workspace.
Limitations You Should Be Aware Of
There’s no way around it, the Windows 11 Start menu is more limited than previous versions.
You can’t:
- Freely resize the menu
- Place it in different screen locations
- Add live tiles or widgets directly inside it
For some users, this is a step back.
Microsoft’s design prioritizes consistency over flexibility, which works for some but not for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Managing Start menu settings in Windows 11 is less about deep customization and more about small adjustments that improve usability.
Once you reduce clutter and organize your pinned apps, the experience becomes much smoother.
It may not have the flexibility of older versions, but it’s still functional if you set it up the right way.
The key is to focus on what you actually use and ignore the rest.
FAQs
Can I remove the Recommended section completely?
No, you can only reduce its content, not remove it entirely.
How do I add apps to the Start menu?
Right-click the app and select “Pin to Start.”
Can I change the size of the Start menu?
Not freely. You can only choose between preset layouts like More pins or More recommendations.
How do I add shortcuts next to the power button?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders and enable the shortcuts you want.
Is the Windows 11 Start menu customizable?
It offers limited customization compared to Windows 10, but basic organization and layout changes are available.
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