The Start menu is a Windows pillar, introduced with Windows 95. If you want to find a file, launch an app, or put your computer to sleep, this is your place to visit.
For many tasks, you can also use handy keyboard shortcuts to perform the basics. Next time, when you get up from your computer, try Windows + L to close it without clicking through the menus. Tap or click here for a guide to all the best shortcuts for computers.
Let’s talk about rubbish now. If you have had your computer for a long time, it is probably full of files that you do not need. Tap or click for some simple ways to clear storage space.
You can also delete the Start menu. Here’s how.
1. Get rid of annoying suggestions
Did you notice that suggested links appear when you open the Start menu? Windows lists recommended programs that you may find useful.
If you are tired of seeing these suggestions, you can turn them off so that your Start menu is no longer cluttered:
- Click on the Start menu> Institutions icon
- Click on Personalization
- Click on Start to the left of the pane
- Disable the slider off to turn off “Show suggestions occasionally in Start”
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2. Simplify the application list
This is annoying if the program you are looking for is hidden among many others that you do not use. You have a few options to ban the clutter.
To hide the application list in the Start menu:
- Navigate to Institutions > Personalization > Start
- Disable “Show program list in Start menu” from here off
If you realize that there are programs you no longer want, remove them:
- Log in as administrator on your computer
- Type apps in the search box
- Choose from the search results Programs and features
- Select an application you want to delete
- Type Remove
- Repeat the process for each application you want to remove
Disable options you do not use
The Windows 10 Start menu shows standard things like recently added or your most used programs. Seeing new apps you’ve added in recent weeks may be helpful at first, but you may not find the feature particularly useful over time.
To disable the other options in Windows 10:
- Navigate to Institutions > Personalization > Start
- Enable the “Show most used apps” feature off
- You can also change off “Show recently added programs” in this section if you do not want all your newly installed programs to appear
4. Organize tiles as desired
Starting tiles are large, clear boxes that give you quick access to certain programs. Not everyone likes to be greeted by a quantity of square tiles with quick access to the Microsoft Store or the calendar when they sign up.
If you prefer to go without the tiles built into Windows 10, you can turn it off. It’s also easy to do. please note: You must be logged in as an administrator to enable or disable the “Show more tiles at start” setting.
- Navigate to Institutions > Personalization > Start
- Toggle “Show more tiles on Start” off
To rearrange or rearrange those tiles on Start:
- Click the Windows button in the lower left corner
- To move a tile, click and drag it to where you want it
5. Choose which folders appear
By default, three folders contain the Start menu: Documents, Photos, and Settings.
You can add additional folders to the mix by default. Maybe you want to add File Explorer, downloads, music, videos, network or even a custom folder.
You have to work within the height limits of the home screen, but you can customize which folders appear as often as you like.
To add, edit or delete folders from the Start menu:
- Navigate to Institutions > Personalization > Start
- Click on Choose which folders appear on Start at the bottom of the menu
- You will see a list of folding options
- Turn them off from here on or off depending on your preferences
Voilà! Your Start menu is exactly the way you want it.
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