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You can also right-click on a shortcut and select Cut from the menu. You can easily do this in the Open Shell menu by dragging and dropping a shortcut into the appropriate folder. Move all your utility programs into the Utilities folder. Move the shortcuts for all the Microsoft Office programs into the Microsoft Office folder. Click OK ( Figure E).Īfter you’ve created the necessary folders, move the appropriate shortcuts into them. If you’re creating a folder to store utility programs, call the folder Utilities. For example, if you’re creating a folder to store all the shortcuts for Microsoft Office, call the folder Microsoft Office. In the text field, type the name you wish to give the folder. Select the command for New Folder ( Figure D). Right-click anywhere on the All Programs menu. Yes, the All Programs menu probably looks like a mess with folders and shortcuts scattered about, but you can now customize the menu by creating specific folders and moving shortcuts into the right folders. Click on the All Programs entry to change the view on the left to all installed programs ( Figure C).

The Open Shell Start menu appears with the layout you choose in Settings ( Figure B).įor example, if you selected the Windows 7 Style menu, recently-used apps appear on the left, while specific features and folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Control Panel, and Settings, appear on the right. Click OK to close the Settings window and then click on the Start button. You can then always return to the Settings window to fully customize the program. But the array of settings can be overwhelming so I would recommend using the Open Shell menu at this point to see if you like it. You can also check the box to Show All Settings where you can tweak every aspect of the program. You can click on the other sections in Settings, such as Basic Settings, Skin, and Customize Start Menu. You can also opt to replace the Start button with a different icon ( Figure A). At this screen, choose your preferred layout for the Start menu: Classic style With One Column, Classic Style With Two Columns, or Windows 7 Style. After installation, the Settings window opens for Open Shell.

The last version of Classic Shell still works effectively, and it remains available for download at its website, but if you’d prefer to use a program that is continually updated, Open Shell is a better option.įirst, download the latest version of the OpenShellSetup. Since then, development has been taken over by volunteers on GitHub who christened the new program Open Shell. A popular program, Classic Shell ceased active development in December 2017. Open Shell is based on another Windows Start menu alternative called Classic Shell. SEE: Windows 10 power tips: Secret shortcuts to your favorite settings (TechRepublic Premium) Replacing the Windows 10 Start menu with a more traditional Start menu, Open Shell lets you customize the menu with the folders and shortcuts of your choice.

One solid choice is a free program called Open Shell. If you’re not quite content with the Windows 10 Start menu or the tiled section, or just want to explore other options, a Start menu alternative is worth trying.

But editing the menu itself is challenging–especially if you want to arrange and organize it into your own customized folders and shortcuts. You’ll find all your installed apps in the menu, and you can pin your favorite apps to the tiled screen for quicker and easier access. The Windows 10 Start menu strives to be versatile by offering you a traditional one-column menu and a tiled screen. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. Not happy with the Windows 10 Start menu? Open Shell is a free Start menu alternative worth trying.

How to use Open Shell as your Windows 10 Start menu

Cannot customize windows 10 start menu windows 7#

Cannot customize windows 10 start menu download#

Cannot customize windows 10 start menu free#

Cannot customize windows 10 start menu how to#