For many tasks, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to get the basics done. Try Windows + L next time you get up from your computer to lock it without clicking through menus. Tap or click here for a guide to all the best PC shortcuts. Now, let’s talk about junk. If you’ve had your computer for a long time, it’s probably full of files you don’t need. Tap or click for a few simple ways to clear up storage space. You can clear out the Start menu, too. Here’s how.
1. Get rid of annoying suggestions
Have you noticed suggested links popping up when you open the Start menu? Windows shows recommended apps it thinks you may find helpful. If you’re tired of seeing these suggestions, you can turn them off, so they aren’t cluttering up your Start menu anymore:
Click the Start menu > Settings iconClick PersonalizationClick Start on the left-hand side of the paneToggle the slider under “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” to the left to disable it
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2. Simplify the app list
It’s annoying when the app you’re looking for is hidden among others you don’t use. You have a couple of options for banishing the clutter. To hide the apps list in the Start menu:
Again, navigate to Settings > Personalization > StartFrom here, toggle “Show app list in Start menu” off
If you realize there are apps you don’t want anymore, remove them:
Log in to your computer as an administratorType Apps into the search boxUnder the search results, select Apps & FeaturesSelect an application you want to removeTap UninstallRepeat the process for each application you want to remove
3. Disable options you don’t use
By default, the Windows 10 Start menu shows you things like recently added or your most-used apps. Seeing new apps you’ve added in recent weeks can be helpful initially, but you may not find that feature especially useful over time. To disable the other options in Windows 10:
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > StartToggle the “Show most used apps” feature offYou can also toggle off “Show recently added apps” in this section if you don’t want all your newly-installed applications to show up
4. Organize tiles to your liking
Start tiles are large, bright boxes that give you quick access to certain apps. Not everyone likes being greeted by a load of square tiles with quick access to the Microsoft Store or the calendar when logging in. If you prefer to go without the tiles built into Windows 10, you can turn them off. It’s easy to do, too. Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable the “Show more tiles on Start” setting.
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > StartToggle “Show more tiles on Start” off
To rearrange or organize the tiles on Start:
Click the Windows button in the lower-left cornerTo move a tile, click and drag it where you want it to go
5. Choose which folders appear
Three folders populate the Start menu by default: Documents, Pictures and Settings. You can add additional folders to the mix alongside the defaults. Maybe you want to add File Explorer, Downloads, Music, Videos, Network or even a personal folder. You’ll have to work within the Start menu screen’s height constraints, but you can customize what folders appear as often as you like. To add, edit or remove folders from the Start Menu:
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > StartClick Choose which folders appear on Start at the bottom of the menuYou will see a list of folder optionsFrom here, toggle them on or off depending on your preferences
Voilà! Your Start menu is exactly the way you want it. NEED A HAND WITH A SLOW PC, SMARTPHONE ISSUES OR A SOFTWARE PROBLEM YOU CAN’T CRACK? Post your tech questions for concrete answers from me and other tech pros. Visit my Q&A Forum and get tech help now. What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
