Welcome to our guide on how to customize the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar. In this article, we will show you simple ways to personalize your Windows 11 experience and make the most out of your desktop environment. Whether you’re a long-time Windows user or new to the operating system, these customization options will help you tailor your Start menu and taskbar to your preference.
Configuring the Taskbar Alignment and Shortcuts
If you’ve recently upgraded your computer from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you may have noticed some changes to the taskbar. The icons are now centered, and there are new shortcuts like Microsoft Teams. But if these changes don’t align with your needs, you can easily revert to the Windows 10 layout. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings”.
- In the “Taskbar items” section, choose which buttons you want to have in the dock.
- Customize the shortcuts available in the corner overflow menu.
- Under “Taskbar Behaviors”, reposition the icons to the left corner and adjust whether apps on the taskbar should display unread count badges.
Theme Your Windows 11 Start Menu and Taskbar
Tired of the default light or dark backgrounds of the Start menu and taskbar? You can easily match them with your system’s theme and colors. Just follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Toggle on “Show accent color on Start and taskbar”.
Now, the Start menu and taskbar backgrounds will display the dominant color of your PC theme, adding a touch of personalization to your desktop.
Customize the Start Menu Content and Layout
The Windows 11 Start menu offers quick access to frequently used and recently downloaded apps. However, if you find it overcrowded or have specific pinned apps you want to prioritize, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Deselect the sections you don’t need.
- Unpin apps you don’t actively use by right-clicking on the app icon in Start and selecting “Unpin from taskbar”.
By trimming down the Start menu content to your desired preferences, you can personalize your desktop and find important apps more easily.
Advanced Customization with Start11
While Windows 11 provides limited customization options for the Start menu and taskbar, there are third-party apps like Start11 that offer extensive customization features. Start11 allows you to:
- Switch the Windows 11 Start menu to various classic styles, including Windows 7.
- Tweak the Start menu layout, transparency, and colors to your liking.
- Add shortcuts to frequently accessed settings.
- Move or reposition the Start menu to the corner or top of the screen.
- Restore the taskbar context menu, which was removed in Windows 11.
- Adjust the size of the taskbar without altering the registry.
With Start11, you can take customization to the next level and tailor your Start menu and taskbar to suit your specific workflow and aesthetic preferences.
In conclusion, personalizing your Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar is a simple and effective way to make your desktop environment feel more comfortable and efficient. By following these steps and considering third-party options like Start11, you can truly make your Windows 11 experience your own. Enjoy exploring the possibilities and have fun customizing!
