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Apps, settings, files—they can all be found on the Start menu. Just select Start  on the taskbar. Next, make it yours by pinning apps and programs.

Note: Students using Windows 11 SE may see a different selection of apps in their Start menu. Apps are managed by their IT Admin. Learn more

Get started

To pin your favorite apps to the Start menu, select and hold (or right-click) the app you want to pin. Then select Pin to Start .

To group your apps into folders, simply drag an app on top of another with mouse or touch or highlight the app with your keyboard and use the Ctrl + Shift + <Left or Right arrow> keyboard shortcut.

Start in Windows 11

Your apps and programs—right at your fingertips

Open apps you use often from the Pinned or Recommended section of the Start menu. You can go to All apps and scroll down the app list to see all apps and programs alphabetically, from A to Xbox.

You have the power

Lock or sign out of your PC, switch to another account, or change your account picture by selecting your picture (or the Accounts icon, if you haven't added a personal picture) on the bottom left of the Start menu.

When you're ready to step away for a while, use the power button at the bottom right of the Start menu to make your PC sleep, restart, or shut down completely.

To make other changes to how the Start menu looks, select Start , then select Settings  > Personalization > Start. You can then change which apps and folders appear on the Start menu or assign more or less space to the Pinned and Recommended sections.

Tip: You can also access Start Settings by holding-and-selecting (or right-clicking) on the Start menu itself and selecting Start settings

Apps, settings, files—they can all be found on the Start menu. Just select Start on the taskbar.

Get started

Make the Start menu yours by pinning apps and programs, or moving and regrouping tiles. If you need more space, resize the Start menu.

Your apps and programs—right at your fingertips

Open File Explorer, Settings, and other apps you use often from the left side of the Start menu. Scroll down the app list to see all apps and programs alphabetically, from A to Xbox.

Callout for menu, Accounts, File Explorer, Settings, and Power icons.

  1. Menu (expands to show names for all menu items)

  2. Account

  3. File Explorer

  4. Settings

  5. Power

You have the power

Lock or sign out of your PC, switch to another account, or change your account picture by selecting your picture (or the Accounts icon, if you haven't added a personal picture) on the left of the Start menu.

Image of the menu that appears when you select your account picture

When you're ready to step away for a while, use the power button  at the bottom of the Start menu to make your PC sleep, restart, or shut down completely.

To make other changes to how the Start menu looks, select Start , then select Settings > Personalization > Start to change which apps and folders appear on the Start menu.

Start menu settings

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