Windows 11 comes with improved performance as well as major visual upgrades. However, with Windows 11, the Start Menu gets another redesign and it no longer feels like the start menu from Windows 10. If you are someone who doesn’t like the new Windows 11 Start menu, here is a guide on how to customize the Start Menu with a third-party app on a Windows 11 PC.
The Start menu has undergone a lot of changes since Windows 8. In Windows 8 Start Menu was new and all but the public didn’t receive it that well as Microsoft just eliminated the Start Button. Also, the Start Menu had covered the whole screen. And later in Windows 10 they brought the Start menu back but made it go in line with modern designs and the addition of live tiles.
The new Windows 11 Start Menu looks more like a search menu instead of being a proper start menu. Well, it even misses out on the functionality of the live tiles. And of course, they have moved the Start menu to the center of the screen which thankfully can be moved back to the left. The Windows 7 styled Start Menu is one the best and most loved start menu designs ever. So, if you are looking for a way to get the old design back, read on to know how to customize Start Menu on Windows 11.
How to Customize Windows 11 Start Menu
To customize the Start Menu in Windows 11, we will be using a third-party app called Start 11 by Stradock. This has been the popular choice of many Windows users to customize their Windows Start menu. It has been around since Windows 8 as people didn’t like the Start Menu redesign for the OS. Do note that Start 11 is a paid software and will cost you $4.99. The program is still in beta. However, you can get your hands on the 30-day free trial version of Start 11.
Step 1: Install Start11 on Windows 11
- Download the Start11 app. You can make use of the free trial by downloading it from Softpedia.
- With the program downloaded. Run and install it to your system.
- You will be asked to accept the license agreement by choosing the I Agree radio button and clicking on Next.
- Next, it will ask you what directory you want to install. Click on the Next button to leave as default or change if you want.
- The program will now begin its installation.
- When the installation is complete it will now ask you to either enter or purchase a product key. You can simply choose the thirty-day free trial option.
- Enter your e-mail id to begin the 30-day free trial. The email will ask you to activate the trial. Once done the product has been activated right away.
Step 2: Customize Windows 11 Start Menu
- The first thing Start11 will ask is where you would like to adjust the Taskbar icons. You can choose to keep it in the center or have it move to the left.
- Now, you can choose from using Windows 7, Modern Start Menu, Windows 10, or the Windows 11 Start Menu.
- Next, you can click on the Start Button tab. Here you can choose a variety of Start Button options, or simply pick up an image that you want and set it as the button.
- You can also make a few adjustments to the Taskbar, such as moving the icons, adjusting blur and transparency, and even bring back the right-click menu on the taskbar, just like in Windows 10.
- There is also the option to enable or disable the Windows 11 styled search. However, you can still get Windows 7 Start menu and Windows 10 styled search menu. Which is way better than Windows 11.
- And finally, you can also choose what happens when you click on the Windows Button or what happens when you press the Windows key on your Keyboard.
- If you want, you can disable individual settings right away from the Start 11 app.
And this is how you can customize the Start menu on your Windows 11 PC. Yes, it sure is a paid application, but then the number of settings and customization options that are available are quite worth the $4.99 price tag. Yes, you could make use of Classic Shell and open Shell, the free source programs. The problem is both the programs haven’t been updated in quite a long time. Also, there are no ads in Start 11. Plus, if you have already been using Start 8 or Start 10, then you can upgrade to Start 11.
Windows 11 Guide:
