Alright, let's get that Start Menu moved! Are you ready to finally have it sitting comfortably in the center of your screen, just like it was in Windows 10? Or perhaps you're a purist and want it back on the left? Well, buckle up because we're about to embark on a detailed journey to customize your Windows 11 Start Menu's position.
Step 1: Dive into the Settings App
This is where the magic begins! Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds.
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Open the Settings App: There are a few ways to do this, pick your favorite!
- Click on the Start button (that Windows logo in the middle or left of your taskbar). Then, look for the gear icon on the pinned apps list or in the all apps list. Click it!
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard simultaneously. This is a super handy shortcut that takes you directly to Settings.
- Right-click on an empty area of your Desktop and select Personalize from the context menu. This will open the Personalization
1 section of the Settings app.
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Navigate to Personalization: Once you're in the Settings app, you'll see a list of categories on the left-hand side. Click on Personalization. It usually has a paintbrush icon.
Step 2: Tweak the Taskbar Behaviors
Now we're getting closer to our goal! The taskbar is where the Start Menu resides, so that's where we need to focus.
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Select Taskbar: In the Personalization settings, scroll down the list on the right until you find Taskbar. Click on it.
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Explore Taskbar Behaviors: On the Taskbar settings page, scroll down again until you see Taskbar behaviors. Click on this option to expand its settings.
- Understanding Taskbar Behaviors: This section controls various aspects of how your taskbar functions, including alignment, icon visibility, and more. We're specifically interested in the alignment for now.
Step 3: Choose Your Start Menu Alignment
This is the moment you've been waiting for! Here's how to finally move that Start Menu.
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Locate Taskbar Alignment: Within the Taskbar behaviors settings, look for the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu. You'll likely see it set to "Center" by default.
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Make Your Selection: Click on the dropdown menu. You'll see two options:
- Left: Selecting this will move your Start Menu and all other taskbar icons to the left side of your screen, just like in previous versions of Windows.
- Center: This is the default setting in Windows 11, placing the Start Menu and icons in the middle of the taskbar.
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Observe the Change: As soon as you select either "Left" or "Center," you'll see the taskbar and your Start Menu instantly adjust to the new position. No need to click "Apply" or "Save"!
Step 4: Fine-Tuning Your Taskbar (Optional)
While you're in the Taskbar settings, you might want to explore some other customization options to further personalize your experience.
- Taskbar items: This section allows you to toggle the visibility of default system icons like the Search button, Task View, Widgets, and Chat. Turn them on or off according to your preferences.
- System tray icons: Click on "System tray icons" to customize which app icons appear in the notification area (the area with the clock and battery).
- Multiple displays: If you have multiple monitors, you can configure how the taskbar appears on each display.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Newly Positioned Start Menu!
Congratulations! You've successfully moved your Windows 11 Start Menu. Take a moment to appreciate the new look and feel of your desktop. Experiment with both "Left" and "Center" alignments to see which one you prefer for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions: How To...
Here are some related questions you might have:
How to quickly open the Windows 11 Settings app?
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
How to access the Personalization settings?
Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize.
How to find the Taskbar settings in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
How to change the alignment of the taskbar icons?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and adjust the Taskbar alignment dropdown.
How to make the Start Menu always appear on the primary monitor if using multiple displays?
In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Multiple displays, ensure "Show taskbar on all displays" is turned on, and then the Start Menu will appear on your main display.
How to customize which icons appear on the taskbar?
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and explore the "Taskbar items" and "System tray icons" sections.
How to revert the Start Menu back to the default position?
Follow the same steps: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and select Center from the Taskbar alignment dropdown.
How to know which monitor is the primary one in a multi-display setup?
Go to Settings > System > Display. Your primary monitor will be highlighted and labeled as "Main display."
How to pin more apps to the Start Menu or taskbar?
To pin to the Start Menu, find the app in the All apps list (accessed from the Start Menu) and right-click, then select "Pin to Start." To pin to the taskbar, right-click the app (either in the Start Menu or while it's running) and select "Pin to taskbar."
How to unpin apps from the Start Menu or taskbar?
Right-click on the app icon on the Start Menu or taskbar and select "Unpin from Start" or "Unpin from taskbar," respectively.