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Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

By Mark W. Kaelin

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Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

The basic Start Menu

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

The basic All Programs

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

Click the Properties entry

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 the Windows 7 Start Menu

Potential customizations

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

Put a check in the Network checkbox

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

Put a check in the Run command checkbox

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

Add Administrative tools

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

New additions to the Start Menu

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.

Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

Administrative tools in All Programs list

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.

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By Mark W. Kaelin
Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.