Microsoft

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

By // September 23, 2010, 4:42 AM PST // markwkaelin

Image 1 of 10

  • The basic Start Menu

    The Start Menu in Microsoft Windows is the first place most users go when they interact with the operating system. But the way the Start Menu is configured is not set in stone. Windows 7 allows users to change which applications will be listed in the menu and how they will be presented. This customization process is relatively straightforward and simple and you don't even have to use regedit.

    Customization
    This image shows a typical Start Menu with application links down the left side and library and folder links down the right. At the bottom of the left side of links is the All Programs link.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • The basic All Programs

    The typical list of All Programs. With a few clicks of the mouse we can customize these menus.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Click the Properties entry

    To start the process in Windows 7, right-click the Start Button in the lower left corner and click the Properties entry.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Customize Start Menu

    Click the Customize button in the Properties window to get to the Customize Start Menu window shown in the next screenshot.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Potential customizations

    As you can see there are many ways to customize the Start Menu.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Put a check in the Network checkbox

    For our example, we'll change three things. First, let's add the Network entry to the right-hand side navigation window of the Start Menu. Find the Network checkbox in the list and check it.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Put a check in the Run command checkbox

    Second, we'll add the Run command to the Start Menu by adding a check to the appropriate checkbox.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Add Administrative tools

    Third, we will add Administrative tools to the both the Start Menu and the All Programs list by clicking the appropriate radio button.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • New additions to the Start Menu

    Click OK twice to put the changes into effect. Now, when we go back to the Start Menu you can see several new items in the list.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

  • Administrative tools in All Programs list

    Likewise, the All Programs list now has an entry for Administrative tools.

    Choices
    The examples in this document are just three of many customizations you can make to the Windows 7 Start Menu. I am sure if you look through the Customization list you can find some changes you’d like to make to personalize your Windows experience.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

The basic Start Menu

The Start Menu in Microsoft Windows is the first place most users go when they interact with the operating system. But the way the Start Menu is configured is not set in stone. Windows 7 allows users to change which applications will be listed in the menu and how they will be presented. This customization process is relatively straightforward and simple and you don't even have to use regedit.

Customization
This image shows a typical Start Menu with application links down the left side and library and folder links down the right. At the bottom of the left side of links is the All Programs link.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Related Topics:

Microsoft Enterprise Software Software Collaboration Mobility Cloud Hardware

About Mark Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic.