The Windows 11 Start Menu customization options are limited and can only adjust the layout. But with the help of a third-party tool Windhawk, you can completely change the look of the Start Menu. Remember to regularly update installed modules to avoid potential system problems.

The most convenient way to access Windows applications is through the Start menu. Given the high frequency of use of the Start Menu, wouldn't it be great if you can customize its appearance and get rid of Microsoft's default style? Windhawk is the third-party tool created for this.

What are the customization options for the Windows 11 Start Menu?

Currently, the main customization options for the Windows 11 Start Menu are limited to layout adjustments. Open the Settings app and navigate to "Personalization" > "Start". In the Layout section, you will find three Start Menu Layout options: More Fixed Items, Default, and More Recommendations.

The More Fixed Items layout shows more fixed applications in the Start menu; the Default option balances fixed applications with recommended files and applications; the More Recommended option gives priority to the Recommended section.

In addition to layout adjustments, some subtle adjustments can be made. For example, you can choose which folders to display next to the Start Menu Power Button; you can also configure settings such as whether to display recently added apps, display the most commonly used apps, etc. These settings can be found in the same Start Menu of the Settings app. Found in the Settings window.

Change the appearance of the start menu

To completely change the appearance of the Start Menu, you need to use the Windhawk app. For example, if you like the Windows 10 Start Menu, you can use Windhawk to make your Windows 11 Start Menu look like the Windows 10 version.

To use Windhawk to customize the start menu, first visit the Windhawk official website to download the app. I've tested the app with VirusTotal and it turns out it's safe and reliable and you can download it with confidence.

After the download is complete, install it on your computer and launch the app. On the Windhawk homepage, click the "Browse Modules" option.

In the search bar, enter "Windows 11 Start Menu Styler". Click the "Details" button under the relevant results.

Next, click the "Install" button. In the confirmation box that appears, select the "Accept risk and install" option.

When the installation is complete, switch to the Settings tab. Use the drop-down menu in the Theme section to select the theme for the Start menu. After selecting the theme, click the "Save Changes" button to apply the changes.

I personally prefer the RosePine theme because it looks unique compared to the traditional Windows 11 start menu. Its neon-like colorful background is also a highlight of the theme. In addition to RosePine, Windhawk currently offers the following other start menu themes:

• NoRecommendedSection — This topic ensures that you don't see any app recommendations in the Start menu, only fixed apps.
• SideBySide — Selecting this topic will divide the Start menu into two vertical sections. On the left are fixed and recommended apps, and on the right are a list of all apps installed on your computer.
• SideBySide2 — The SideBySide2 theme is similar to the SideBySide theme, with the only difference being that it displays fixed and recommended apps on the right and all app lists on the left of the Start menu.
• SideBySideMinimal — The SideBySideMinimal theme is similar to the SideBySide2 theme, with the main difference being that it removes all unnecessary spacing between icons.
• Windows 10 — If you like the Windows 10-style start menu, this is the theme you want to choose.
• TranslucentStartMenu — This is my second favorite theme on the list. As the name suggests, selecting this topic will make the Start Menu semi-transparent.
• Windows11_Metro10 — This theme also divides the Start menu into two parts. It contains a vertical slider for easy navigation of the app list, and all fixed apps are displayed with a gray, box-like background.
• Fluent2Inspired — Selecting this topic will remove the recommended section from the Start menu, leaving only fixed apps. It also provides a large search bar at the top of the Start menu to facilitate your search for installed apps.
• Everblush — The Everblush theme gives the start menu a green hue.

Windhawk will automatically start every time you boot your computer, so you don't need to worry about re-opening it every time you boot. If you want to switch back to the default Windows 11 Start menu in the future, you will need to disable the installed modules.

To do this, open the Windhawk app, click the Home tab at the top, and turn off the toggle switch of the Windows 11 Start Menu Styler module. If you want to use the module again in the future, just enable the toggle switch.

If you are sure you no longer use the module, click the "Remove" button to uninstall it.

Will Windows update affect the Start Menu theme?

Yes, because Windhawk is a third-party application, Windows updates may destroy the module you are using, such as Windows 11 Start Menu Styler in this case. That's why I recommend that you open the Windhawk app and check if Windhawk has released any updates for the installed modules after you download Windows Update. Any available updates will appear under the Module Name in the Home tab.

In addition, you should go to the Settings tab in the Windhawk app and make sure the Check for Updates toggle is enabled. This will allow the app to periodically automatically check for updates for Windhawk and all installed modules.

In addition to changing the appearance of the Start Menu, you can also use the Windhawk module for many other Windows customizations. For example, you can configure Windows to display folder sizes in File Explorer, adjust taskbar height, modify the appearance of the taskbar, and more.

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