Many users find the Windows Start menu to be quite expansive, especially after Microsoft expanded it with direct access to connected devices. If you prefer a more streamlined experience, this guide will help you effectively reduce the size of your Start menu in Windows 11.
How to Reduce the Start Menu Size Using Built-in Options
By default, the Start menu in Windows 11 includes a Recommendations section that occupies a significant amount of space. Thankfully, there are simple settings that can help you declutter your Start menu. Additionally, you can opt to remove the All section, which displays a list of all installed applications. While these changes won’t physically shrink the menu, they will make it look much cleaner.
To give your Start menu a more compact appearance, navigate to Personalization → Start and disable the Show mobile device in Start option. This will eliminate the panel on the right that displays information related to any connected mobile devices through PhoneLink.
Customize Start Menu Size with a Third-Party Tool
If the native options are insufficient for your needs, consider using a third-party application like Windhawk, which is an open-source utility designed for customizing various Windows features.
Upon launching Windhawk, you will see a homepage displaying popular modifications. Click on the Explore Other Mods option located at the bottom.
Utilize the search bar at the top to locate the Start Menu Size mod. After finding it, click the Details button for more information.
Once you review the mod’s description, proceed to click the Install button.
It’s advisable to check developer details in the popup window; Windhawk encourages users to only install mods from trusted sources. Take a moment to visit the developer’s website and their social media accounts.
Once installed, navigate to the Settings tab where you can modify both the Width and Height of your Start menu. The new menu currently has a width of 834 pixels, while the height often stretches almost the full screen. You might want to experiment with dimensions closer to the classic menu, such as 642 x 726, or lower. Don’t forget to click the Save Settings button after making adjustments.
As an example, resizing to 500 x 600 gives a different look.
For a slimmer and taller configuration, you can choose dimensions like 300 x 700.
Continue adjusting the dimensions until you find a style to your liking. You can combine built-in settings with the Windhawk mod, allowing for greater personalization. Any elements hidden through Settings will not be displayed while using Windhawk’s customization options.
Reduce Start Menu Size with a Custom Theme
Another way to minimize the Start menu is by applying a custom theme. For this, you will need an additional mod known as Windows 11 Start Menu Styler.
After installation, head over to the Details tab to explore available themes.
Next, navigate to the Settings tab, and select your desired theme from the dropdown menu.
Consider themes like UniMenu, DownAero, or RosePine that will automatically condense the Start menu size.
If you prefer an ultra-minimalist approach, the OnlySearch theme transforms the Start menu into a basic search bar.
For those nostalgic for the Windows 10 design, the Windows11_Metro10Minimal theme can help bring back those aesthetics.
The Windows 11 Start Menu Styler also grants you advanced customization options. You can remove elements such as the search bar or user profile button for further decluttering. Here’s an example of my Start menu after removing the search bar.
Additionally, you can enhance the Start menu’s appearance with color changes or effects, such as transparency.
You can also refine the width and height of these themes. Experiment with settings in the Control styles section as shown below.
Target: StartDocked. StartSizingFrameStyles: MinWidth=600MaxWidth=600MinHeight=400MaxHeight=400
Restoring the Original Start Menu
If you decide you want to revert to the original Microsoft Start Menu, Windhawk simplifies the process. Click on Home to return to the main interface.
Locate the mods you’ve installed at the top, and disable any mods by toggling off the specific card. This will revert your Start menu appearance to its previous state.
Windhawk remembers your last settings, so if you wish to reinstate your customized Start menu later, simply enable the mod again. For any changes made through Settings, revisit Personalization to re-enable those options.
Now that you have the tools to tailor your Start menu to your preference, ensure you’re prepared to troubleshoot if the Start menu search functionality encounters issues.
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