How to move the Start menu in Windows 11 to where it belongs

Microsoft has officially started rolling out Windows 11 as a free upgrade to eligible devices, as well as shipping it pre-installed with new machines. The updated operating system includes a number of key benefits for users, and with much of the shared DNA between Windows 10 and Windows 11, it’s no surprise that the two operating systems feel instantly familiar.

For the most part, getting started on Windows 11 should be a no-brainer for Microsoft software veterans, just as the company intended. However, there are a few ways that it seems like Microsoft has deliberately made Windows 11 different for the sake of it, and none of them are more obvious than the arbitrary relocation of the Start menu from the bottom left corner to the center of the screen. the task bar

Fortunately, fixing that takes less than a minute if you know where to look. Here’s how to move the Start menu in Windows 11 to where it belongs, as well as a few other tips to make the new operating system feel more familiar to those who don’t have Windows 10.

How to move the Start menu in Windows 11 to where it belongs

Putting the Start menu and taskbar in the middle of the screen makes some sense from a design perspective; it makes it more of a central focus and can make it more convenient to access larger screens. On the other hand, long-time Windows users will probably be more comfortable with its original position in the left corner of the screen, so it’s a nice job that Windows 11 lets you change it back seamlessly.

1. Press the Start button, from your current home in the middle of the taskbar, and then select “Settings”. If you can’t see it for some reason, type “settings” in the search box, and then click the gear icon when it appears.

2. Select “Personalization” from the category list on the left side.

3. Click “Taskbar” in the menu that appears on the right. It is the seventh option down.

4. Select “Taskbar Behaviors” – it’s the last option on the list.

5. Click the dropdown menu next to the words “Taskbar Alignment” and change “Center” to “Left.” Unfortunately, there is no option to go crazy and move it to the right.

How to disable the new Windows 11 icons

Microsoft has made the new taskbar a bit more cluttered, pushing search, task view, widgets, and chat onto unsuspecting upgraders. While this may be convenient for some, for those who like to keep a large number of apps pinned to their taskbar, this could quickly become frustrating. It’s very easy to get rid of these, thankfully.

1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 above.

2. At the top of the page, you will see a list of “Taskbar Items”. Flip the switch for each from ‘on’ to ‘off’ for a less cluttered interface.

How to replace the original wallpaper in Windows 10

The original default wallpaper that shipped with Windows 10 was an eye-catching piece of photographic art that highlighted the software’s new and modern sensibilities, and while it’s not as iconic as Windows XP’s “Bliss” wallpaper, it had a charm. distinctive.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 comes with a new default background and the old Windows 10 wallpaper is not included as a default. However, as with all modern operating systems, you can install your own custom wallpapers, and if you want to go back to the original Windows 10 one, you can download it from here and reset it as your desktop wallpaper in the personalize menu. windows 11

How to restore the original layout of the Windows 10 Start menu

Another element that is different in the latest version of Windows is the Start menu itself, which removes many of the design elements and interactions available in Windows 10 and earlier. This is another thing that old-school Microsoft fans may want to restore to its former appearance.

The bad news is that this isn’t something Microsoft allows you to do directly within Windows 11. The good news is that you can get around this with a few bits of software, though you’ll have to pay if you want flawless results.

One option is Open Shell Menu, which brings back the classic layout of the start menu. It’s open source and free to use, but it can be a bit fiddly, and the general consensus is that it doesn’t always work perfectly. If you want a little more stability, or some extra features that Open Shell doesn’t offer, you’re better off paying a one-time fee for an alternative. Start All Back and Start 11 will set you back around $5 and offer a similar feature set.