Windows 10 Tip: Customize the Start Menu (Part 2)

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

In a previous article, I discussed some of the ways in which you can customize the new Windows 10 Start menu. But as it turns out, there are a few things I missed. So here's a second look at customizing this crucial new user interface.

If you haven't be sure to check out Windows 10 Tip: Customize the Start Menu first.

Resize the Start menu

Unlike its predecessors, the Windows 10 Start menu is actually resizable. You resize this menu much as you do any window: By "grabbing" an edge of the menu with your mouse cursor and dragging. But you can't arbitrarily drag to the right or at a 45 degree angle. Instead, you can only drag up or down. As you do, the Start menu gets taller and thinner (up) or wider and shorter (down).

To see this in action, move your mouse cursor to the top edge of the screen. When it's positioned correctly, it will turn into the "horizontal resize" mouse cursor seen here.

Now, just drag that edge of the Start menu up or down. As you do, the Start menu will resize in medium tile-sized stages.

If you drag it up, the menu gets taller and skinnier until if fills the entire height of the screen.

If you drag it down, the menu will get shorter and thicker.

De-Metroify the Start menu

If you're a traditional PC user who isn't interested in namby-pamby mobile apps, or if you simply prefer a clean Start menu and would rather pin items to the taskbar, you may be curious what happens if you remove all the pinned apps on the right side of the Start menu. Pinch yourself, desktop fans. Because the classic Start menu is back!

Do you have any other Start menu tips I've missed? Let me know!

 

[AWS]

Off to try this.

 

[Rich-M]

ooh now I am back on track thanks for this.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

This actually works pretty well. I like it.

 

[Rich-M]

OK I am downloading the GD thing.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Good! I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.

I've always enjoyed your write-ups because I value your opinion.

 

[Rich-M]

Thanks for vote of confidence especially since you know how incredibly negative I am on this one before I even see it but you also know I will give it a fair shot anyway.

I looked at start menu but then had to leave for dog park so I barely saw it.

 

[Rich-M]

A simple right click of taskbar, Properties, Start Menu and Customize then add in My Pc, Control Panel, Network etc and you have back a full Start Menu.
I am happy to see "Free launch Bar" works here too to add a real "Quick launch" and then unpin all that silliness on the taskbar and we are right back to Windows 7 but a lot faster! I think I can like this.