How to Customize The Start Menu In Windows 7
The Start menu allows easy access to programs, folders, files, and settings. While desktop shortcuts can open programs, files, or folders, they don’t provide the same level of depth and organization as the Start menu.
This guide will help you customize the Windows 7 Start menu based on your preferences. Simply change its properties by right-clicking on the “Start” button and selecting “Properties.”
In the “Start Menu” tab, you’ll find the “Power button action” option. From the dropdown menu, choose the desired power action when the power button is pressed.
If you prefer your computer to go in “Sleep” or “Hibernate” instead of shutting it down, choose one of those options instead.
Here is a screenshot of the power button.
Click on the “Customize” button in the Start menu properties panel. The Customize Start menu window will appear, offering options such as “display as link,” “display as menu,” and “don’t display this item.” Simply choose one of these options.
If you choose “Display as menu” in the control panel, hovering over this option in the start menu will expand and display its items. You can customize other options in a similar way.
Let’s examine the available options one by one. We’ll explore their meanings and the impact they have on the Start menu.
Start menu customization options
Connect to displays all available wireless networks, dial-up, and VPN connections.
Device and Printers shows devices, printers, and print jobs associated with the PC.
Enabling context menus and dragging and dropping allows you to right-click on any start menu item and drag and drop files from it. Keep this option checked to utilize this feature.
Help: Displays Windows help and support link in the start menu.
Highlight Newly Installed Program: Enable this option and navigate to the start menu -> All Programs. New programs installed on your computer will be highlighted.
Open Submenus When I Pause On Them With The Mouse Pointer – Check this option. Now hover your mouse over a menu option, such as “All programs”, and a list of programs will automatically appear without the need to click. Recent Items – Checking this option will display a “Recent Items” link. Hovering your mouse over it will reveal a list of the last opened files on your computer, allowing for easy access by simply clicking on them.
Run command – Display run command in start menu. Useful for those who don’t know the keyboard shortcut Win+R. Search programs and Control panel – Include installed programs and control panel options in search results. If not checked, no results will be found for programs or control panel options. Compare screenshots below.
Sort All Programs Menu By Name – Checking this option arranges all menu items alphabetically. Keeping it unchecked shows items in order of installation.
Use large icons: Increase the size of icons on the start menu by checking this option. Otherwise, the icons will be reduced in size.
Number Of Recent Programs To Display You can specify the number of programs to appear in the start menu list. The range is from 0 to 30.
Note: If you set the value to 30, it doesn’t guarantee that the list will display the most recent 30 programs. The display is influenced by your PC’s screen resolution and the number of pinned items.
The Jump List displays the most recently opened programs and options. It can appear on both the taskbar and the start menu. Adjust the number of items displayed in the Jump List by selecting a value between 0 and 60 from the spin box. The screenshot below shows an example with seven items in the list.
Customizing the start menu in Windows 7 is easy. Share any start menu tricks you know in the comments.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
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