El Windows 11 start menu has evolved considerably from previous versions, becoming a nerve center not only for launching applications, but also for quickly accessing files, folders, and other key system functions. Customize this menu can make a difference in your daily routine, improving productivity and allowing you to tailor the experience to your liking.
If you have ever wondered how pin your favorite programs, folders, and files In places as visible and accessible as the taskbar or the Start menu itself, you're not alone. With recent updates and some techniques, you can even work around the limitations imposed by Microsoft in Windows 11 to get the most out of your computer.
Start menu customization
One of the main advantages of Windows 11 over its predecessors is the ability to customize the start menu in ways that weren't possible before. Although this menu has been criticized, particularly for its more minimalist approach and the presence of suggestions or ads, recent updates have incorporated options to give the user back control.
Now it is possible choose exactly which folders appear next to the power button in the start menu, which is very useful if you frequently access locations such as Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, the local network, or your home folder. To achieve this, simply access the customization settings and Activate the switches for the folders you want to have on hand. This simple modification allows you to have the essential directories with just one click, optimizing your workflow.
Pin folders and files to the Start menu: the quick and official way
Windows 11 allows you pin folders and files directly to the start menu quite intuitively. You just need to locate the element in question, right-click on it (or long-press if your device is touch-enabled) and select the option «Pin to Start»From that moment on, this item will appear in the quick access area of the menu, making it easy to find whenever you need it.
It should be noted that, by default, This feature only allows you to pin content to the start menu, not on the taskbar. However, there are ways (both official and less conventional) to expand these options and achieve exactly the organization you're looking for.
Create folders to organize apps in the Start menu
With the arrival of the Windows 22 2H11 update, create folders within the start menu Grouping shortcuts has become very simple. This change brings the user experience closer to that of mobile operating systems, where folder organization is commonplace.
- You can create a folder by simply dragging one icon onto another in the Start menu.. When you do this, Windows automatically creates a folder with both shortcuts inside.
- Once the folder is created, you can customize your name by clicking on the text above and typing any word, phrase, or even emojis to quickly identify it.
- Folders also allow you to: reorder the shortcuts they contain and move the group position within the start menu, adapting it completely to your taste.
These folders help reduce clutter Now you can keep your favorite and most used programs always organized and quickly accessible.
Key Start Menu Settings and Parameters
Customizing the Start menu goes far beyond folders. If you access Settings > Personalize > Home, you will find a series of parameters that allow you adjust the behavior and appearance of the menu according to your needs:
- Select the number of items displayed: You can now decide how many rows are reserved for pinned shortcuts, recent documents, or suggestions, organizing the space based on your priority.
- Show recently added apps: Useful for always having the latest software installations located.
- Show the most used applicationsIf you frequently open a number of programs, this feature will save you time by always having them visible.
- Show recently opened items: perfect for quickly and easily finding files you were working on.
- Custom folders in the Start menu: The ideal option for accessing essential system locations, such as your network folder, pictures, or File Explorer itself.
Greater control over recommendations and sponsored content
One of the most applauded changes in recent updates is the Ability to enable or disable application and file recommendations in the Start menu. Until recently, these items took up unnecessary space, even if the user tried to minimize their appearance.
With the new options, you can opt for a clean and direct start menu, without distractions, where only the shortcuts you consider relevant appear. Microsoft seems to have listened to the community's requests, offering a more minimalist, functional, and less intrusive experience.
How to Pin Folders and Files to the Taskbar (Advanced Tip)
Although Windows 11 doesn't allow you to pin folders directly to the taskbar. officially, there is a pretty sure trick to achieve itIt's ideal for users who want to have their key directories always accessible at the bottom of the screen, alongside their other common programs.
- Locate the folder or file you are interested in pinning, right-click on it and select "Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)." This will create a shortcut on your desktop.
- On the desk, Right-click on the shortcut and choose "Properties".
- In the box "Destiny", add the word “explorer” (without quotes) and leave a space before the existing text, without deleting the rest of the path.
- Optionally, you can change icon via the “Change icon” button to identify it visually more easily.
- If you prefer, rename the shortcut to make it take up less space or be more intuitive.
- Right click on the shortcut (you can choose “Show more options” if it doesn’t appear at first) and select “Pin to taskbar.”
- Done! Your folder or file will now be pinned to the taskbar. You can remove the shortcut from the desktop, as it was only needed for this process.
This method is useful, functional, and doesn't pose a significant risk to your equipment, although it's always advisable to follow each step carefully to avoid mistakes.
Pinning programs to the taskbar
If your goal is pin programs to the taskbar, the procedure is much more direct, since Windows 11 allows it natively:
- Open the start menu from the corresponding button on the taskbar.
- Accede to "All applications" to see the complete list of installed programs.
- Take the Right-click on the program you want to pin (or press and hold on touch screens).
- Select option "More" > "Pin to taskbar".
- You can repeat the process for as many programs as you need. To remove a program, right-click its icon and select "Unpin from taskbar."
Mobile Device Integration: Phone Link in the Start Menu
One of the most interesting new features in the Start menu in the latest versions of Windows 11 is the integration of the app Phone Link (Mobile Connection)You can now view your smartphone's battery status, messages, calls, and even your latest photos right from the side of the home menu.
This feature helps make your workflow much more fluid, connecting your mobile and desktop digital worlds effortlessly. While features like media controls are still lacking, Microsoft is working to expand these capabilities in future versions.
Improvements to accessing recent files and file explorer
El The new Start menu offers deeper integration with File Explorer.. Recent document shortcuts are more visible and take up less space, allowing you to quickly open what you were working on without cluttering the interface.
This also addresses user complaints about difficulty finding certain files after the first versions of Windows 11, and also prevents unhelpful recommendations from cluttering the menu unnecessarily.
Small adjustments, big difference in daily organization
Combining Custom folders, well-arranged shortcuts, and the ability to pin files, folders, and programs allows you to create a custom work environment, eliminating unnecessary steps and optimizing the organization of your applications and tools.
On the other hand, the option of Show or hide recent items, newly installed apps, or most used apps facilitates much more efficient management of the available space in the start menu and taskbar.
Tricks and shortcuts to get the most out of Windows 11
In addition to visual customization, Windows 11 allows you to be even more agile if you combine these settings with common keyboard shortcuts or using the snap-assist to work with multiple windows in parallel, multiplying your ability to organize applications and documents.
For example, you can use combinations like Win+Z to arrange the active windows, or Win + E to instantly access your file explorer. These small gestures, combined with the organizational changes to the Start menu, can greatly streamline your daily life.
Ultimately, taking advantage of the features (both official and advanced) offered by Windows 11 for pinning files, folders, and programs is one of the best ways to personalize your experience and increase your comfort. The evolution of the Start menu and taskbar invites you to experiment with different configurations until you find the one that best suits your way of working or enjoying your computer. Microsoft has responded (albeit with some delay) to user demands, giving decision-making power back to the user and facilitating flexible and powerful organization from the start.
