When we talk about customization, the Start menu is a central element in Windows 11. Unlike Windows 10, where you could easily make the Start menu full screen by dragging the edges or toggling an option in settings, Windows 11 originally did not offer this adjustment. This limitation is quite notable given that personalization is a key aspect of how we interact with our operating systems, and full-screen options can be particularly useful on devices like tablets or for users who prefer a more spacious interface.
However, it seems that over time, users have explored various methods to achieve a full-screen Start menu in Windows 11, showing the ongoing demand for this feature. Still, the ability to officially change the Start menu to full screen through native Windows settings is not something Microsoft has integrated. This reflects a decision to streamline the Windows 11 interface, potentially shifting focus from the Start menu as a prominent dashboard to a more minimalist design approach. As we consider the options for personalization in Windows 11, it’s clear that while some features may be missing, the conversation around them continues to shape the evolution of the OS.
Contents
When using Windows 11, the Start menu becomes a central hub for accessing apps and features. We’ll navigate its intricacies, including accessing full-screen mode, exploring pinned and all apps, and utilizing its search capabilities.
Accessing Full Screen Mode
Exploring Pinned and All Apps
The Start menu is divided into ‘Pinned’ and ‘All apps’ sections. Pinned apps are those you’ve marked for quick access. To manage these, simply right-click on an app to pin or unpin it. The ‘All apps’ button at the top right unfolds an alphabetical list of all installed applications. Here, you can scroll through or jump to a letter for faster navigation.
Utilizing the Search Feature
At the top of the Start menu lies the search bar, a powerful tool that searches across apps, documents, and settings. Typing here filters results in real-time, aiding in swift launches of applications or locating files. Our familiarity with this search functionality heightens efficiency, turning the process into a near-instantaneous action.
Customization and Personalization
In Windows 11, while the Start menu’s size and layout are preset, there are options to manage the content within, allowing us to tailor the Start experience to our preferences.
Adjusting Start Menu Size and Layout
| Settings Paths | Actions |
| Settings > Personalization > Start | Choose “More pins” to maximize pinning space |
| Right-click on Start menu icons | Customize pinned apps |
The Start menu in Windows 11 cannot be resized by dragging its edges, as we could in Windows 10. Still, we can custom-tailor the Start menu’s content. By navigating Settings > Personalization > Start, we’re presented with an option dubbed “More pins,” which optimizes the layout for a greater number of pinned apps, perfect for those of us who prefer quick access to numerous applications.
Personalizing Pinned and Recommended Sections
To add more apps to the Pinned section:
- Click the Windows key to open the Start menu.
- Click “All apps” in the top right corner.
- Right-click on an app and select “Pin to Start”.
To remove apps from the Pinned section:
- Right-click on the icon in the Start menu.
- Select “Unpin from Start”.
Managing the Recommended section:
- Unfortunately, specific alterations to this section on our end are limited.
- It automatically adjusts based on frequently used apps and files.
Personalization is a critical part of making any operating system feel like our own. The Pinned section in the Start menu can be customized effortlessly by right-clicking any application—either within the menu or in the “All apps” list—and selecting to pin or unpin it from the Start. It simplifies our workflow when we neatly organize the icons and folders here.
The Recommended section is designed to adapt to our usage patterns, displaying recently used files and frequently launched apps. Even though we can’t manually alter this list to our liking, its dynamic nature ensures that relevant items stay at our fingertips.
Advanced Features and Settings
Windows 11 provides a myriad of settings and features for enhancing user interactivity. We’ll dive into the keyboard shortcuts that enhance efficiency, how we can manage taskbar and Start menu settings, and the integration of widgets and live tiles.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
Using the keyboard to navigate Windows 11 can save us considerable time. Shortcuts like pressing Windows key + A opens Action Center; Windows key + D displays the desktop. For quick setting adjustments, Windows key + I opens Settings. Although pressing F11 doesn’t activate a full-screen Start menu, it serves to enter and exit full-screen mode in many applications, aiding efficiency.
Managing the Taskbar and Start Menu Settings
We often customize our taskbar and Start menu for better workflow. The Settings app allows us to tailor these areas to fit our needs. By right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings,” we access options to align the taskbar, auto-hide it, and manage which icons appear. Although we can’t resize the Start menu, organizing pinned apps optimizes our Start menu usage.
Integrating Widgets and Live Tiles
Widgets in Windows 11 are a leap from the live tiles in Windows 10, offering a more dynamic and personalized experience. We can access widgets directly from the taskbar to get personalized news, weather, and calendar events. Unlike the static live tiles, widgets update content in real time, keeping us informed without fully opening an application.
Applications and System Integration
In the realm of Windows 11, the Start Menu serves as a critical touchpoint for application access and system navigation. While a full-screen Start Menu is not a feature of this operating system, the integration capabilities with commonly used applications and internal system functionalities remain robust.
Integrating with Microsoft and Third-party Applications
Our team’s experience with Windows 11 confirms the seamlessness of integrating Microsoft Office apps directly from the Start Menu. Programs like Word, Excel, or Teams can be easily accessed, and thanks to Live Tiles, current documents or messages may be previewed swiftly. Integration doesn’t stop with Microsoft products; we’re also able to pin Chrome, Firefox, or Opera to the Start Menu for quick access. Edge, being the native browser, exhibits particularly smooth performance here.
File Explorer and System Accessibility
Navigating files and system settings is another story. File Explorer has acquired a modern design in Windows 11, which we’ve found to be both intuitive and efficient, and it ties neatly into the Start Menu for immediate access to recent files and frequent folders. When it comes to personalizing account settings, however, delving through the menu requires several more clicks than some of us prefer.
| Application Type | Accessibility from Start | User Experience |
| Microsoft Office | Direct with Live Tiles | Efficient and Integrated |
| Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) | Pin to Start available | Customizable Accessibility |
| File Explorer | Direct | Modern and intuitive design |
| Account Settings | Accessible via System | May require multiple clicks |