With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced an all-new Start menu designed initially for now shelved Windows 10X. The new Start menu and taskbar icons appear at the center of the taskbar instead of the left.
The Start menu shows pinned apps at the top in three rows and six columns. Recent files and recently installed apps appear below the pinned apps section. The Start menu lets you pin as many apps as your want. By default, the Start menu shows up to 24 pinned apps only. To view all or more apps, you need to scroll down.
Although it looks good, the new Start menu is not as customizable as the Windows 10 Start menu.
Many users who upgraded to Windows 11 are wondering if they can resize the new Start menu.
Can I change the size of the Start menu in Windows 11?
Unfortunately, no. Windows 11 does not allow resizing the Start menu. You cannot change the default height and width of the Start menu, unlike the Start menu in Windows 10.
In Windows 10, we can hover the mouse pointer at the edge of the Start menu and then drag it to resize. Windows 11 does not offer that functionality.
Additionally, there is no option to make the Start menu full screen in Windows 10. In fact, while using on a touch device, Windows 10 uses the full screen Start automatically. However, in Windows 11, there is no option to enlarge the Start to make it full screen, even on touch devices.
If you do not like Windows 11’s default Start and want to change its default size, you have no option but to restore the hidden Windows 10’s Start menu and then change its size as per your desire.
Microsoft might make the Start menu resizable in a future version of Windows 11, but it currently is not possible.
Noble says
Non-resizable? With all due respect, who’s the ‘stable genius’ who thought of that? Each new inception of Windows removes more and more customization. Hire some programmers who aren’t lazy. Windows should be infinitely customizable. Instead we get no borders, fewer colors, you can’t do this, you can’t do that. It’s like this web page? Light gray text on a lighter gray background. Looks pretty but in reality for most people it’s a crappy design.
Dannie says
I would really like to resize the start menu and to group applications as I did in Windows 10. Was there a reason for stepping backward?
Sebastien says
I have a very Large screen (4K TV set) and I used to enjoy a Windows 10 Larger Start Menu with a fair set of tails
I am now pretty disappointed with this new non-resizable Win11 Start Menu that looks so narrow on my large screen. Why pushing to inferior standards?
Chris says
Taking half of the real estate of the Win 11 Start screen for “Recommended” is a heavy handed play to push shit I (and all of my users) do not want.
Why not just allow us to use that wasted space for tiles?
Bill Compton says
The only problem I had is when I was trying to reinstall BlueStacks. I end up losing my full functionality of my keyboard which I ended loosing my keyboard being very slow. I’m currently running windows 11.
John B. says
I’m sure Microsoft is already getting an ear full of demands to expand the Windows 11 Start Menu. Well, let me add my voice as well to this feature. We have the entire screen available and it’s just going to waste. I’m hoping Microsoft addresses this fast . . . or a third party app. will definitely do it . . . and those developers are probably already writing code to do so as we speak!
Duane Bolden says
Seems to be a step back. Users are losing control of the layout options.
GIl says
wtf Windows. This giant taskbar takes up 10% of my screen. Wouldn’t be a huge problem except that the auto-hide simply doesn’t auto-hide after a few hours. What a mess…
Ilpo Lehto says
Really waiting for that, obvious, setting to come.