I have been using Windows 11 for quite some time now and like it. It took me a short period of time to get used to the differences between the Windows 10 and Windows 11 Start Menus.
Since many of you may be buying computers this year, they will come with Windows 11. You should start prepping, since that is all there is for Windows users. If you have an older version of Windows 10 on your computer, you can feel comfortable using it until October 14, 2025. You do not need to be concerned about it until that time. Afterwards, it will still work, and you may continue using it. The only problem is that you will be getting a new or updated app, and it may function just fine. However, if you download something new or refreshed, it may have problems. The most important thing is that after that date, you will not get security updates from Microsoft. This could cause some major problems for you.
Today we see how to use some Windows 11 Start Menu items, of which there are many. By the way, make sure you check the bottom of this article before you leave.
The look is a bit different. The taskbar, which was on the left, has now moved to the center. This can be changed, but more on that another time. The Start Menu button remains on the left-hand side of the taskbar. Once you click it, you will get a different view than you were used to in 10. At the very top, you will find the search bar, where you may click into the text box and look for any applications, settings, or documents that you have typed in.
The next section, on the left, has the label, “Pinned.” On the right is a link reading, “All apps.” When “All apps” is clicked, it opens all the applications installed on your computer in alphabetical order. The “Pinned” label only indicates that apps you use often are shown below it for quick access to them. If you would rather not use the suggested apps, right-click on the one you want to get rid of, then click “Unpin from start,” and it will no longer appear. The app will still be listed on your computer. However, if you right-click a pinned item and choose “Uninstall,” it will be totally removed from your computer’s hard drive. Be cautious.
To add an app to the pinned area, click on “All apps,” find the application, right-click on the icon, and click “Pin to start.” It will then be added to the pinned apps. If you add more apps to the pinned area than can fit, it will create another pinned area below the first one, which you can easily scroll down to access. In some applications listed in all apps, you may also see “Pin to taskbar.” When right-clicked, that app will be pinned to the end of your taskbar. Which allows you even quicker access since you can get to it without using the start menu. You can also left-click and hold the taskbar icons and slide them to a new position. Check out the video below for a quick demonstration.
At the bottom of the Start Menu window, you will see the label marked “Recommended.” It is only a label for the area below. It will show you recent files you have worked with. It is a pretty slick way to get back to a file you have been working on before, listed by date used. Click “More,” if available, to see more recent files.
Two follow-ups. One, tell me how much more you want about Windows 11. Two, I am considering starting a Podcast. I will read my articles, adding comments and thoughts, along with answering some questions I get about them. Please let me know if you will use it by emailing RonDoyle@gmail.com, so I can see if there is any interest.