How to Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar and Start Menu
Windows 11 introduced a centred taskbar and a simplified Start menu. Some people love it; others find it takes time to get used to. Either way, a few minutes of customisation makes Windows feel more personal and helps you work faster.
Move the Start button to the left
If you prefer the classic look, right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings. Expand Taskbar behaviors and set Taskbar alignment to Left.
Remove taskbar icons you don't use
In Taskbar settings → Taskbar items, you can hide Search, Task View, Widgets and Chat or Copilot buttons. For Search, you can also choose a smaller icon instead of the full search box to save space.
Pin apps to the taskbar
Open the Start menu, find an app, right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar. Drag icons to reorder them. A handy trick: press Windows + 1, Windows + 2 and so on to open the first, second and later pinned apps.
Organise the Start menu
- Pin apps: right-click any app → Pin to Start.
- Reorder: drag pinned icons to arrange them.
- Create folders: drag one pinned app on top of another to group them, for example "Office" or "Games".
- Unpin: right-click → Unpin from Start.
Control the Recommended section
Go to Settings → Personalization → Start. You can turn off Show recently added apps, Show recommended files and recently opened items for privacy. Choose the More pins layout to show more pinned apps and fewer recommendations.
Add folders next to the power button
In Settings → Personalization → Start → Folders, turn on shortcuts like Settings, File Explorer, Downloads and Documents. They appear as small icons beside the power button for quick access.
Tidy the system tray
The icons near the clock can get crowded. In Taskbar settings → Other system tray icons, choose which ones appear and hide the rest behind the small arrow.
Auto-hide the taskbar
On small laptop screens, turn on Automatically hide the taskbar under Taskbar behaviors. It slides up when you move the mouse to the bottom.
Colours and themes
In Settings → Personalization → Colors, choose light or dark mode, pick an accent colour and optionally show it on Start and the taskbar. See our dark mode and night light guide for eye-friendly settings.
Three example setups to try
Not sure where to start? Here are three layouts that suit different people. Pick the one closest to how you use your PC and adjust from there.
1. The minimalist
- Taskbar aligned left, search shown as an icon only.
- Task View, Widgets and Chat/Copilot buttons hidden.
- Only four or five pinned apps: browser, File Explorer, email, and one work app.
- Start menu "More pins" layout with recommendations turned off.
This gives a clean, distraction-free desktop that feels fast.
2. The student
- Pinned: browser, Word or Google Docs shortcut, OneNote, calculator and the video call app used for classes.
- Start folders for Documents and Downloads turned on.
- A Start menu folder called "University" with study apps grouped together.
- Focus sessions used from the clock for study time.
3. The older family member
- Taskbar centred (easier to find), with larger text via Accessibility settings.
- Only the apps they use pinned: browser, WhatsApp, YouTube shortcut and photos.
- Widgets and recommendations turned off to avoid confusion.
- Desktop shortcuts with clear names for favourite websites.
Add website shortcuts
In Edge or Chrome, you can install a website as an app (three dots → Apps or Cast, save and share → Install page as app). It then appears in the Start menu and can be pinned to the taskbar like a regular program, which is handy for Gmail, YouTube or a school portal.
Once your layout is set, learn a few keyboard shortcuts to move around even faster.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move the taskbar to the top or side?
Windows 11 does not officially support moving the taskbar to other edges. Third-party tools exist, but they can break after updates.
How do I get the old Start menu back?
There is no built-in option, but aligning the taskbar left and using the "More pins" layout gets you close.
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