In summary:
- PCWorld highlights seven useful features in Windows 11’s redesigned Start menu, including seamless Android and iPhone integration through QR code pairing.
- The updated menu offers four customizable sections (Pinned, Recommended, All apps, and toolbar) with enhanced mobile connectivity for calls, notifications, and file sharing.
- Users can personalize or hide features as needed, making the Start menu more adaptable to individual preferences and workflows.
No part of Windows evokes such strong feelings as the Start menu. As soon as Microsoft makes any changes, it leads to an outcry of protest.
The Start menu is what you see when you click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner. If you’re using Windows 11, the icon is positioned slightly to the right of the screen.
Last year, a new version of the Start menu was released, but the rollout took a long time, before appearing suddenly. If you haven’t received it yet, make sure your computer is up to date by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Major changes
The new Start menu is more cohesive than before, and it automatically adapts to the size of your screen, so you’ll need to scroll to see all the features.
The Start menu has four sections. At the top is Pinned, where you can place your favorite apps. In the middle is Recommended, a section where Windows automatically places recent documents, new apps, and useful tips. You can either customize this section or hide it completely. Below that is All, which is a complete list of your installed apps.
At the very bottom is a toolbar where you can add shortcuts to folders you use frequently.
If you connect your computer to your cell phone, you’ll see an extra window that displays text messages and notifications. Here you can make calls, control your computer remotely, and share files.
Here’s how to use it:
Pin favorites
Foundry
At the top of the Start menu, you can pin apps you use frequently. To do this, right-click the app’s icon (for example, under All) and select Pin to Start. You can move or remove apps you’ve already pinned there by right-clicking.
Create folders
Foundry
If things get crowded under Pin, you can create folders. To do this, right-click on an icon and select Create a new folder. You can then add more apps by clicking and dragging.
Tips from Windows
Foundry
Under Recommended, you’ll see things you use often. You can control the content by right-clicking on an empty space and selecting Start Settings. Under Recommended, you can turn on and off what you want to display. Deselect everything to clear the entire section.
Show all apps
Foundry
To view all installed apps, go to All at the bottom of the Start menu. Select View: List to see them in alphabetical order or View: Grid for a more compact list. If you click on any letter, you’ll see an alphabetical quick menu.
Categories
Foundry
If you select View: Category instead, the apps will be grouped by categories such as Productivity, Tools, and Music. Click an icon to open the app or on the category name to maximize the pane so that all apps are visible.
Quick shortcuts
Foundry
There are more features under Start Settings (see above). For example, you can select Other Folders to add shortcuts at the bottom of the Start menu (next to On/Off). You can choose Settings, Downloads, Documents, and other folders.
Connect your PC and cell phone
Microsoft
Would you like to display your cell phone in the right-hand section of the Start menu? Here’s how:
- Open the Start menu, select Android or iPhone, and accept the warnings. In our example, we’re connecting the computer to an Android phone.
- Scan the QR code with your phone to install the Link to Windows app.
- Open the app and select Sign in with the QR code on your computer. Scan the code and follow the instructions. Among other things, you’ll need to confirm the connection with a numeric code.
- You can also select Continue without QR code and complete the installation yourself. Remember to sign in with the same email address!
If you do not want to use this feature at all, select Hide this window on the right.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.
Author: Martin Appel, Contributor, PCWorld
Martin is our sister site PC for Alla's consumer editor where he, among other things, guides you as a reader to what you need to be aware of when buying products and services. He writes engaging columns and tips on smart apps and programs, and sometimes he also tests hardware and software for PC för Alla.