You can add folders to the Start menu in two different ways: as large pinned tiles or as small icons next to the Power button. Pining Folders as Tiles
Windows 11 represents a significant visual overhaul from its predecessor, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Start Menu. Gone are the Live Tiles of Windows 10; in their place is a grid of static, app-style icons. While this new design is cleaner, it changes how users "pin" their favorite programs, files, or folders. windows 11 add shortcut to start menu
How to Add Shortcuts to the Start Menu in Windows 11 Customizing your Windows 11 Start menu is one of the easiest ways to boost productivity. Whether you want to pin your favorite apps, create quick links to frequently used folders, or even add website shortcuts, Windows 11 offers several methods to keep your most important tools just a click away. 1. Pinning Applications to the Start Menu You can add folders to the Start menu
Selecting this option initiates an immediate change in the user interface. The application icon is teleported from the alphabetical "All apps" list to the "Pinned" section at the top of the Start Menu. This distinction is crucial. The "All apps" list is a static directory of every piece of software installed on the machine—a digital phone book. The "Pinned" section, conversely, is a curated dashboard. By pinning a shortcut, the user elevates an application from mere data to a tool of daily utility. It becomes instantly visible, removing the friction of searching and typing, and allowing for a single-click launch. While this new design is cleaner, it changes
Once you have added your shortcuts, remember that you can group them. Drag one tile on top of another to create a folder group. Click the "Name group" field to label your categories, such as "Work," "Games," or "Creative."
If you want to keep a specific application, document, or even a website one click away, here is the definitive guide to adding shortcuts to the Windows 11 Start Menu.
This is the quickest method for software you already have installed.