The only major customization you can currently make to the Windows 11 Start Menu is changing its layout. You can do this by opening the Settings app, and navigating to Personalization > Start.

If you are new to Windows 11, then check out these tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the operating system.

No matter what Windows 11 device you use, whether it's your work laptop, your home desktop, or a friend’s PC, the right-click Start menu always appears in the same place with the same set of tools.

As Microsoft turns 50, we're looking at the Start menu's changes from its debut in Windows 95, passing through 98, ME, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11.

June 10, 2025 at 8:45 a.m. PT Reviewed by Elyse Betters Picaro Microsoft I've always hated the Windows 11 Start menu. For me, it's badly designed, clumsy to use, and difficult to customize.

In addition, the Start Menu also lets you hide recommendations entirely if you’d like it that way. The idea is to seemingly give Windows 11 users more control over the menu’s usability.

Microsoft's secret new Start menu replacement is impressive — and might even be a sneak preview of what's on the way with Windows 12.

In this guide, we will list down some of the best Windows 11 Start menu replacement apps that you can try out.

New Start menu, follow up: here's how Companions look, Phone Link one used for the demo. The companion panel is a bit wider, and you can now quickly hide/show companions with a button at the top ...

In June 2024, Microsoft also began testing a “sidebar” to the Windows 11 Start menu for Android phones, then added iPhone support to the sidebar as well. (Microsoft is also testing allowing ...

Microsoft is currently testing integrating linked iPhones into the start menu, allowing users to check their messages and battery level with the press of a button.

Now rolling out to Windows Insiders As described in a blog post published Tuesday, Microsoft is currently previewing a way to connect and use your iPhone directly from the Windows 11 Start menu.