Reviving the Classic Start Menu in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you missing the classic start menu in Windows 11? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to bring back the beloved classic start menu to your Windows 11 operating system. From installation to customization, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

How to Enable and Customize the Classic Start Menu in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Once the Start menu is open, click on the Settings gear icon to access the Windows Settings.

Step 3: In the Windows Settings window, click on "Personalization" to customize the appearance of your Windows interface.

Step 4: In the Personalization settings, click on "Taskbar" located on the left-hand side menu.

Step 5: Scroll down until you find the "Start" section. Here, you will see different options for customizing the Start menu.

Step 6: To enable the Classic Start menu, toggle the switch labeled "Use Start full screen" to the off position.

Step 7: Once the Classic Start menu is enabled, you can further customize its appearance. You can change the background color, transparency, and accent color of the Start menu.

Step 8: To change the background color, click on the dropdown menu under "Start menu background" and select your desired color.

Step 9: To adjust the transparency of the Start menu, use the slider under "Start menu transparency". Slide it to the left for more transparency or to the right for less transparency.

Step 10: To change the accent color of the Start menu, click on the dropdown menu under "Accent color" and choose your preferred color.

Step 11: You can also resize the Start menu by hovering your mouse over the top edge of the Start menu until the double-headed arrow cursor appears. Click and drag the edge to adjust its size.

Step 12: Once you have customized the Classic Start menu to your liking, you can start using it just like the previous versions of Windows.

Remember that these steps are specifically for enabling and customizing the Classic Start menu in Windows 11.

Change Windows 11 Start Menu

How can I restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11?

To restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."

Step 2: In the Taskbar settings window, click on "Start" from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Under the "Start" section, toggle off the switch for "Use Start full screen."

Step 4: Scroll down and click on "Turn system icons on or off."

Step 5: In the "System icons" settings, ensure that the "Start" toggle switch is turned on.

Step 6: Close the Taskbar settings window.

After following these steps, you should have restored the classic Start menu in Windows 11. The Start menu will now appear in a more traditional format, similar to previous versions of Windows.

Note: It's important to mention that Windows 11 is designed with a new centered Start menu by default, and Microsoft encourages users to adopt this new layout. However, if you prefer the classic Start menu, you can easily switch back using the steps provided above.

How can I obtain the Windows Classic Start menu?

To obtain the Windows Classic Start menu, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".

2. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the "Combine taskbar buttons" section and click on the dropdown menu.

3. Select the option that says "Never".

4. Next, go to the "Start" tab in the Taskbar settings window.

5. Click on the "Change layout" button.

6. In the "Choose a theme" window, select the "Windows Classic" option.

7. Click on "OK" to apply the changes.

Once you've completed these steps, your Windows Start menu will be changed to the Classic style.

Is it possible to modify the Start menu in Windows 11?

Yes, it is possible to modify the Start menu in Windows 11. Here's how you can do it:

1. **Right-click** on the taskbar and select **Taskbar settings**.
2. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the **Start** section.
3. Click on the **Start behavior** dropdown menu to choose between the **Centered** or **Left-aligned** layout for the Start menu.
4. To customize the **Pinned apps** section, click on the **Pinned apps** dropdown menu and select either **None**, **1 column**, or **2 columns** based on your preference.
5. You can also personalize the **Recommended** section by toggling the **Show app recommendations** switch on or off.
6. To further customize the Start menu, click on the **Personalization** section in the Taskbar settings.
7. Here, you can choose to **Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer** by toggling the switch on or off.
8. You can also select the **Accent color** that will be applied to the Start menu and other elements of the Windows interface.
9. Additionally, you can enable or disable the **Transparency effects** for the Start menu and other areas of the desktop.

Remember to click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the Taskbar settings window to save your changes.

By following these steps, you can easily modify the Start menu in Windows 11 to meet your preferences and make it more personalized.

How can I revert to the Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11?

To revert to the Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.

2. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the "Taskbar behaviors" section.

3. Look for the option that says "Combine taskbar buttons" and set it to "Never".

4. Next, locate the option that says "Use small taskbar buttons" and toggle it off.

5. Now, go back to the main Settings window by clicking on the back arrow at the top left.

6. In the left-hand sidebar, click on "Personalization".

7. In the Personalization settings, click on "Start" in the sidebar.

8. On the right-hand side, find and toggle off the switch that says "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer".

9. Finally, go back to the main Settings window and click on "Windows Update" in the left-hand sidebar.

10. In the Windows Update settings, click on "Advanced options".

11. Under the Advanced options, click on "Windows Insider Program" in the sidebar.

12. In the Windows Insider Program settings, click on "Stop getting preview builds".

13. Follow the instructions to opt out of the Windows Insider Program and revert to the stable version of Windows 11.

Note: Reverting to the Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11 may not be supported in future updates or official releases. It is recommended to adapt to the new Start menu design and features of Windows 11 for a better user experience.

FAQ

How to enable the classic start menu in Windows 11?

To enable the classic start menu in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
2. In the Taskbar settings window, click on the "Start" tab.
3. Scroll down and click on the "Change" button under "Start menu."
4. In the Start menu settings window, toggle the switch for "Use Start full screen" to off.
5. Scroll down and click on the drop-down menu next to "Start layout."
6. Select the "Windows 10" option from the list.
7. Close the settings window.

Please note that this method may not be officially supported by Microsoft and could potentially cause compatibility issues with future updates of Windows 11.

What are the steps to customize the classic start menu in Windows 11?

To customize the classic start menu in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."

2. In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down and click on the "Start" tab.

3. Under the "Start behaviors" section, toggle on the "Use Start full screen" option if you want the start menu to open in full screen mode. Otherwise, leave it toggled off.

4. Scroll down to the "Default apps" section and click on "Choose which folders appear on Start." Here, you can select the folders that you want to appear in the start menu, such as File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, etc.

5. Go back to the "Start" tab and scroll further down to the "More options" section. Here, you can customize additional start menu settings.

6. Toggle on or off the "Show recently added apps" option to control whether recently installed apps are displayed in the start menu.

7. Toggle on or off the "Show most used apps" option to determine whether frequently used apps are shown in the start menu.

8. To customize the layout of the start menu, click on the "Customize" button. You can then choose how many app icons appear in the start menu grid.

9. To personalize the start menu further, click on the "Personalize" button. This will allow you to change the accent color, background, and other visual aspects of the start menu.

10. Once you have made the desired changes, close the Taskbar settings window. Your customized classic start menu will be in effect immediately.

Note: These steps apply specifically to Windows 11, and are different from customizing the start menu in previous versions of Windows.

How to switch between the classic start menu and the new start menu in Windows 11?

To switch between the classic start menu and the new start menu in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. **Right-click** on the taskbar.
2. From the context menu, select **Taskbar settings**.
3. In the **Taskbar** settings window, scroll down to the **Start** section.
4. Under the **Start** section, you will see an option called **"Choose which style of Start, taskbar, and action center you want"**.
5. Click on the **dropdown menu** next to that option.
6. Here, you can choose between **"Windows 11"** and **"Windows 10"** styles.
7. If you want to use the new start menu, select **"Windows 11"**.
8. If you prefer the classic start menu, select **"Windows 10"**.
9. Once you've made your selection, close the settings window.

Please note that this feature may not be available on all devices running Windows 11, as it depends on the hardware compatibility and software updates.

In conclusion, the Windows 11 Classic Start Menu is a valuable feature for users who prefer the familiar layout of previous Windows versions. By bringing back the traditional Start Menu interface, Microsoft ensures a seamless transition for users and provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. With its user-friendly design and powerful customization options, the Classic Start Menu offers an efficient way to navigate and access applications and settings. Whether you're a long-time Windows user or new to the operating system, the Classic Start Menu is a must-try feature that can enhance your overall Windows 11 experience. Upgrade to Windows 11 today and rediscover the convenience of the Classic Start Menu!