Reclaim Your Start Menu: Windows 11 Customization Options
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The Windows 11 Start menu, with its centered icons and simplified design, has been a point of contention for many users. Unlike the beloved Start menus of Windows 7 and 10, Microsoft’s redesign has left some longing for greater customization and functionality. While Microsoft has responded to user feedback with incremental improvements, such as the ability to create folders for start menu shortcuts, many still seek a more drastic overhaul.
Third-Party Start Menu Replacements: A Comparative Look
Fortunately, the Windows ecosystem offers a vibrant market of third-party applications designed to replace or enhance the Start menu. These programs cater to users who desire a more familiar or personalized experience. Here,we delve into two popular options: Start11,StartAllBack,and Open Shell Menu.
Start11: A Polished and Feature-Rich Option
Start11 by Stardock stands out as a comprehensive solution for Start menu customization. It allows users to revert to a Windows 7-style menu or create a hybrid design that blends elements of older and newer Windows versions. One of Start11’s key strengths is its ability to ungroup taskbar items, a feature many long-time Windows users find essential for productivity. For example, if you open multiple Excel files, Start11 can display each file as a separate icon on the taskbar, rather than grouping them under a single Excel icon.
Start11 also offers extensive customization options for the Start menu’s appearance,including icon size,transparency,and color schemes. It also lets users customize the functionality of the Start Menu. such as, you can set the Power button to Sleep, Restart, or Shut Down. The app also allows you to modify the appearance of the Taskbar, including the Start button itself.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate,making it accessible to both novice and experienced Windows users.
With Start11, you can go crazy with the customization, tweaking the menu to look and act the way you want.
However, Start11 is a paid request, which may deter some users who are looking for a free solution. The price for Start11 is $6.99. It offers a 30-day trial period to allow users to test the features prior to purchase.
StartAllBack: A Streamlined and Capable Alternative
StartAllBack provides a more basic but still capable experience. Upon installation, the program prompts users to select a theme: Proper 11, Kinda 10, or Remastered 7. Despite their names, all three themes present a traditional two-column layout with program shortcuts on the left and Windows features on the right.
The key differences lie in the aesthetics, such as rounded versus square corners.After choosing a theme, users can further tweak the menu’s style, appearance, and functionality in the start Menu section. This includes adjusting icon sizes, displaying modern apps in their own folder, highlighting newly installed programs, and configuring shortcuts as menus or links.
Like Start11, StartAllBack also extends its customization capabilities to the Taskbar.Users can select a custom image for the Start button, choose a visual style for the Taskbar, and determine how taskbar buttons are combined. Notably, StartAllBack allows users to position the Taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right of the screen, a feature that microsoft removed in Windows 11.
StartAllBack even integrates with File Explorer, allowing users to choose between the Ribbon interface or command bar, enable the classic search box, and restore the classic context menus from Windows 10. And if you ever want to return to the default Windows 11 Start menu, simply uninstall StartAllBack.
If you want a simple but capable Start menu replacement, StartAllBack is a good choice.
Open Shell Menu: A Free and Open-Source Option
Open Shell Menu offers a free and open-source alternative for Windows 11 Start menu customization. After downloading and installing the program from its GitHub page, you can access Open Shell Menu by clicking the regular Windows 11 Start button and selecting your preferred style: classic one-column layout, classic two-column layout, or a Windows 7 layout.
Users can also replace the Start button with one of the built-in images. The settings screen allows further customization, including how to trigger the Open Shell Start menu, whether to show recent or frequently used programs, the behavior of the Shut Down button, and whether to display the Search box.
Skin options allow you to adjust the size of fonts and icons. A Taskbar section lets you adjust the size, color, and opacity of the Taskbar. You can also choose which features you want to see in the Start menu and whether they appear as links or as menus.
For more advanced options, you can check the “Show all settings” box. As with the other two programs, uninstalling Open Shell Menu restores the default Windows 11 Start menu.
Though it’s not as polished as Start11 or StartAllBack, the Open Shell menu is certainly worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a free Start menu replacement.
Customization Options Comparison
| Feature | Start11 | StartAllBack | Open Shell menu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid | Paid | Free |
| Start Menu Styles | windows 7,Modern,Custom | Proper 11,Kinda 10,Remastered 7 | Classic (1-column,2-column),Windows 7 |
| Taskbar Customization | Extensive | Good | Basic |
| File Explorer Integration | Limited | yes | No |
| Ease of Use | High | Medium | Medium |
The Broader Context: Why Start Menu Customization Matters
The ability to customize the Start menu goes beyond mere aesthetics. It directly impacts user productivity and workflow.A well-organized and personalized Start menu allows users to quickly access their frequently used applications, files, and settings, saving time and reducing frustration. For example,architects and engineers relying on AutoCAD may wish to customize their Start menu to provide immediate access to the software. Or graphic designers using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop may customize their menu to permit one-click operation of these tools.
For businesses, Start menu customization can also play a role in streamlining employee workflows and ensuring consistency across devices. By deploying a standardized start menu configuration,IT departments can ensure that all employees have access to the necessary tools and resources,irrespective of their individual preferences.
The debate surrounding the Windows 11 Start menu highlights the tension between Microsoft’s desire for a modern and consistent user experience and users’ desire for control and customization. While Microsoft has made some concessions to user feedback, third-party applications continue to fill the gap for those who seek a more personalized and efficient Start menu experience. Whether it’s the polished features of Start11, the streamlined approach of StartAllBack, or the free and open-source nature of Open Shell Menu, there’s a Start menu replacement out there for every Windows 11 user.
