Windows 11 lets users customize the Start menu in several ways. We can change the color of the Start menu, add or remove apps from the Start, and add or remove folders.
PC users who would like to customize the Windows operating system might want to change the default Start button on the taskbar. Many users want to have a custom Start button.
As you might have discovered by now, Windows 11 does not offer an option to change the default Start button icon. So, we will have to use third-party tools to change the Start button. In short, you can change the Windows 11 Start button icon with the help of third-party tools.
We can use the free Open Shell software to replace the default Start button icon with a desired icon. In addition to the Open Shell, which is free, there are a couple of paid utilities like Start11 that can also help you get a custom Start button icon.
In this guide, we are using the free Open Shell software to change the Windows 11 Start button. Here is how.
Steps to set custom Start button icon in Windows 11
IMPORTANT: With default settings, when you install the Open Shell software, it replaces the default Windows 11 Start menu with the old-style Start menu. If you like the Windows 11 Start menu, right-click on the Start button, click Settings to see Open Shell Settings, switch to the Controls tab, and then select Windows Start menu for “Left click opens” and the “Windows key opens” options.
Step 1: Visit this page and download the latest version of the Open Shell. If you do not know, Open Shell is nothing but the popular Classic Shell software.
Step 2: Run the Open Shell installer and follow the directions on the screen to install it.
Step 3: Once installed, right-click on the default Start/Windows logo button on the taskbar and then click Settings to open Open-Shell Settings.
Step 4: Here, under the Start Menu Style tab, select the Replace Start button radio button. Once you select the option, Open Shell will replace the default Windows logo Start button with the Open Shell icon.
Step 5: To set a custom icon as the Start button, select the Custom radio button, click the Pick image button, select the image file that you would like to set as the Start button, and finally, click the Open button to replace the Start button icon with your custom icon.
Note that only BMP and PNG image file types are supported, and they must be 32-bit. To get the perfect Start button, please refer to the directions on the Open-Shell Help page. To access it, right-click on the Start button, click Help, and navigate to Custom Start Buttons Tutorial to read the details on creating a custom Start button.
The Windows Start menu is a key feature of the operating system, providing quick access to your apps, settings, and files. It includes a powerful search function and allows you to pin your favorite apps, folders, and websites for easy access. Customization options let you organize your pins into groups and change the Start menu layout to fit your preferences.
Start menu areas
The Start menu is organized into four main areas:
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Search: Quickly find apps, files, and settings by typing keywords
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Pins: Pinned apps, files, folders and websites in a grid format for easy access. All apps shows an alphabetical list of all installed applications
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Recommendations: Recently added and frequently used apps, plus recently opened files
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Account: Profile icon for account settings, switching accounts, or signing out. You can also add shortcuts for easy access to common folders. The power button lets you lock, sleep, shut down, or restart your device
Configure the Start menu
Here are common customizations for the Start menu. Expand each section to learn more.
There are different ways to pin apps or shortcuts to the Start menu. For example:
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In the Search box on the taskbar or on the Start menu, type the name of the app you want to pin. Right-click on the app, then select Pin to Start
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From Explorer, right-click on a folder and select Pin to Start
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For websites, open Edge and navigate to the website you want to pin. Then select the more options menu > More tools > Pin to Start
Unpin an item from the Start menu
To remove a pinned app or shortcut from the Start menu, right-click on it and select Unpin from Start .
Whenever you want to change the order of pins on the Start menu, drag the pin from its current position to a different one.
Organize your pins into folders
Grouping pins into folders in Start menu helps keep your apps organized, reduces clutter, and makes it easier to find and access related apps quickly. It also allows for better space management and personalization, giving your Start menu a cleaner and more efficient layout.
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To create a folder, drag one pinned item over another to create a folder. The folder will automatically be created, and you can rename it
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To add more pins to the folder, drag them into it
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To remove a pin from a folder, open the folder and drag the pin out of it
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Once only one pin is left, the folder is removed from the Start menu
You can customize the Start menu layout to show more pins, more recommendations, or keep the default layout.
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Select Start , right-click on the bottom of the Start menu and select Start settings or use the following shortcut:
Start
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Select one of the layout options:
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More Pins: prioritizes showing more pinned apps
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More Recommendations: This layout focuses on showing more recommended items, such as recently added apps and files
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Default: balances between pinned apps and recommended items
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Toggle on or off the other layout options, which include
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Show recently added apps
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Show most used apps
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Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists
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Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
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You can choose which folders appear next to the power button on the Start menu. These folders can include common locations such as Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and Personal folder.
Simply toggle the switches for the folders you want to add. This customization allows you to quickly access frequently used folders directly from the Start menu, enhancing your workflow and making navigation more efficient.
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Select Start , right-click on the bottom of the Start menu and select Start settings or use the following shortcut:
Start
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Select Folders then toggle to On all the folders that you want to appear next to the Power button
Typically, the Start menu is centered, but you can change the alignment to the side of the taskbar.
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Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings, or use the following shortcut:
Taskbar
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Expand Taskbar behaviors and select your desired option for Taskbar alignment
To learn more, see Customize the Taskbar in Windows.
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The Start menu in Windows 11 is a central feature that has undergone significant changes compared to its predecessors. One of the most noticeable changes is the new design of the Start menu and its associated icons. While personalizing your Start menu has always been a part of the Windows experience, many users are eager to customize further by changing the Start icon itself. This article will guide you through the process of changing the Start icon in Windows 11, as well as cover related customization options and best practices.
Understanding the Basics of Windows 11 Start Icon
Before diving into the methods for changing the Start icon, it’s essential to understand what the Start icon represents and how it interacts with the overall system. In Windows 11, the Start icon, located in the taskbar, serves as a gateway to app launching, settings, and accessing overall system features. The new centered alignment of the taskbar brings a fresh aesthetic to the operating system, making it crucial to ensure that any customizations blend seamlessly with the overall design.
The default Start icon in Windows 11 is a stylized Windows logo, which is uniform across all system installations. Changing this icon is not only a way to personalize your system but also can help in improving workflow by making often-used applications more accessible.
Why Change the Start Icon?
There are several reasons why users might consider changing their Start icon in Windows 11:
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Personalization: Customizing your workspace can foster a sense of ownership and enjoyment in using your computer.
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Improved Aesthetics: You may prefer a different design that matches your personal taste, whether that’s a minimalistic look or a vibrant graphic.
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Functionality: A more recognizable or memorable icon can help you quickly identify your Start menu, especially if you have a specific color scheme you want to maintain.
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Increased Productivity: By customizing how Windows 11 looks, you can create an environment that is more conducive to your work or leisure activities.
How to Change the Start Icon in Windows 11
Changing the Start icon in Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as it used to be in previous versions of Windows. Microsoft has limited certain customization features to maintain consistency and security; however, through a series of methods, it’s still possible. Let’s explore the various ways you can achieve this.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Software
Most customization options for changing the Start icon will involve the use of third-party software. One of the most popular tools for changing system icons, including the Start icon, is StartIsBack or Open-Shell. These programs allow you to customize the Start menu and Start icon to a great extent.
Step-by-Step Guide (Using StartIsBack)
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Download and Install StartIsBack:
- Visit the StartIsBack website and purchase/download the software.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
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Open StartIsBack Settings:
- After installing, right-click on the Start button and select “Properties” or “Settings.”
- In the settings window, choose the style of the start menu you prefer.
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Change the Start Icon:
- In the settings window, look for an option labeled “Customize Start Button.”
- Click on it and browse to the new icon you want to use. Ensure that your icon is in the proper format, typically .ico.
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Apply and Save settings:
- After selecting your desired icon, click “Apply” to preview how it looks.
- Once satisfied, click “OK” or “Save” to apply the changes.
Method 2: Using Icon Packs with Desktop Icon Changer
If you prefer a more manual approach, you can utilize customized icon packs that are compiled as .ico files. A desktop icon changer can also be helpful in changing system icons, though be cautious as you make changes. Here’s how to do this:
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Download an Icon Pack:
- Look for reliable sources that offer free or paid icon packs. Websites like DeviantArt, Icons8, or similar icon repositories often have great selections.
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Install a Desktop Icon Change Tool:
- Tools such as ICSharpCode IconsEditor or IcoFX are ideal for managing and applying your icon changes.
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Backup Current Icons:
- Before changing any icons, it’s advisable to back up your system or create a restore point.
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Select and Change Icon:
- Open your Desktop Icon Change Tool, find the existing Start icon, and select the new one from the icon pack you downloaded.
- Save your changes and restart your computer if prompted.
Method 3: Customizing the Taskbar
In Windows 11, you cannot change the Start icon independently from the Taskbar icon. So while you might be focused on changing only the Start icon, consider also customizing the appearance of your taskbar to ensure every element is coherent.
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Right-click the Taskbar:
- Choose ‘Taskbar Settings’ from the context menu.
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Customize Taskbar Alignment:
- You can choose to align taskbar icons to the left or keep them centered.
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Change Taskbar Color:
- You can change the color of the taskbar to either a dark or light theme by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
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Choose Transparency Effects:
- Allowing Windows to use transparency effects can provide a more layered visual aspect.
Best Practices for Customizing the Start Icon
When customizing the Start icon, especially using third-party software, it is essential to consider some best practices for maintaining system integrity and aesthetics.
Backup Your System
Customization may lead to unexpected behavior, including issues with Windows updates or system performance. Always create a recovery point before making significant changes. This can typically be done through the Control Panel or Settings under Update & Security > Recovery.
Source Reliable Icons
When downloading icons from the internet, ensure they come from reliable sources. Check community feedback, reviews, and if possible, validate the file with an antivirus program before applying it.
Monitor System Performance
After changing your Start icon, keep an eye on your system’s performance. If you notice any issues with lag or unresponsiveness, consider reverting to the original icon or uninstalling the customization software.
Regularly Update Your Software
Ensure that any third-party customization tools are kept up-to-date with the latest versions. Developers will often push updates to improve functionality, reduce bugs, and maintain compatibility with Windows updates.
Community Resources
Participating in Windows customization communities can provide inspiration and assistance. Websites like Reddit, Microsoft forums, or other tech communities often have threads dedicated to customization, troubleshooting, and sharing custom designs.
Conclusion
Changing the Start icon in Windows 11 is a creative and personal endeavor, allowing users to transform their experience with this new operating system. Whether through third-party tools, icon packs, or customizations of the Taskbar, it’s essential to take precautions and follow best practices. Remember that the key to a great customization experience lies in striking a balance between personalization and system integrity.
By following the outlined methods and practices, you can ensure that your Windows 11 system not only represents your unique style but also remains functional and efficient. With the right approach to customization, your digital workspace can truly become a reflection of your personality and preferences. Take the plunge, experiment with different icons, and enjoy the process of making Windows 11 your own!
You may wonder how to change the start icon in Windows 10 without downloading third-party software. The answer is simple. Using a tool called StartIsBack, you can recreate the interface of Windows 7 and 8. It lets you change the Start icon, as well as the Start menu. If you’re looking for a more traditional look, try using the StartIsBack tool. It lets you change the Start button’s icon and restore the original appearance of Windows 7 and 8.
To change the Start icon, first, open “Settings” and select Desktop Icon Settings. You’ll see a list of icons on your desktop. You can change any of the icons in this list, as long as the icons are not already in use. If you change the icon, you will lose its shortcut icon. Thankfully, you can always add it back at a later time.
If you’re looking for an easy way to change the Start button icon on Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. With Windows customization, you can change the start button icon to anything you want. The new start button icon changes color when clicked, so you can easily swap it with your custom icon. There are also several other ways to change the Start button icon in Windows 10.
The first way to change the Start button icon on Windows 10 is to change the icon in the Start menu. You can either drag an icon to another location or create a subgroup that holds 9 icons. If you choose to move a program icon to another location, you must also remove its icon from the Start menu. However, you can always add it back later if you need to. The process is quick and easy.
You can also change the Start menu’s color. You can find this option under the Personalization menu in Windows 10. You can also change the start screen’s color using this method. Make sure to set the Start button icon’s background to white to give the desktop a more classical appearance. If you’re still not satisfied with the default color, you can change it back by selecting the original color of the Start menu.
How Do I Customize the Start Menu Icon?
The Start menu icon on your desktop will vary based on your preferences. You can customize it to show your favorite apps or switch to the puritanical Start menu icon. Listed alphabetically, the Start menu also includes your account, settings, power options, and more. By default, you don’t see labels for these icons. To see their names, click on the menu button at the top of the Start menu. Then, click on the large panel to the right with colorful tiles. Click on the “explore” icon to show the names of each icon. Once you’ve customized your Start menu icon, you’ll be able to move the pane to the left.
Customizing the Start menu icon in Windows 10 requires a little bit of time and special graphics software. Fortunately, Microsoft Windows has libraries of icons that you can use. To customize the Start menu icon, open the Settings menu and choose Personalization > Start. You’ll find a number of options there. If you’re not happy with the default icons, click “Change icon style” to change the icon on your Start menu.
How Do I Create a Custom Windows Start Button?
Changing the start menu icon is easy with OpenShell, an open source fork of Classic Shell. OpenShell also lets you change the icon on the File Explorer and Start Menu. However, it will require some time to tinker with the settings to customize the start menu icon. For that, I recommend downloading and installing OpenShell. After installing OpenShell, go to Start > Personalization> Start and click on “Change Start Button Icon”.
To change the look of your Start menu, you can adjust the size of the tiles. To change the size of the tiles, simply drag the top or right edge. You can choose between two or four columns of tiles. To add extra tiles to each column, go to Settings > Personalization> Start and select “Show more tiles.”
You can add folders to the Start Menu, such as Settings, Documents, Pictures, and Network. You can even add your own personal folder. Another way to customize your start menu is to right-click the Start button and select the “Secret Menu.” This menu opens up a list of commands and allows you to select any folder you want. It also has an option for “Start” and “Quick Launch.”
How Do I Change My Start Orb?
How to change the Start icon on Windows 10? In the “Start menu,” click on “Personalize” and then on “Start Icon”. You will be prompted to choose an icon from the Start menu. Click the Start icon to make it change. Then, click the “Remove icon” button to return to the original icon. You will need to install the “Open-Shell” program if you wish to use this option. Open-Shell also has many features that help you customize your Start menu and File Explorer. While you will need to spend some time tweaking its settings, it’s worth the effort.
If you’re unhappy with the default start icon on Windows 10, you can easily change it with Windows customization. To change the start icon on Windows 10, navigate to the Visual style section and click “change icon.” You’ll see four icons that represent different interface types. The first image represents the Windows menu; the second image displays the Start menu. The fourth image shows the Windows 10 interface. If you’d rather have a different icon for your Start menu, select the “plus” icon.
Where is the Start Orb in Windows 10?
If you haven’t found your Start Orb in Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. You can change the location of the Start Orb by running the Start Orb Mover. The application lets you see which position the Start Orb is currently in, when the taskbar is active, and when you hover over it. The Start Orb can be seen on the taskbar by default, but it can also be changed in order to change its appearance.
To change the start orb icon in Windows 10, click the taskbar at the top-right corner and select “Align the taskbar.” A dialog box will open, as shown in the image below. Click OK to close the dialog box. Then, you can choose another Start Orb. In the same way, you can change the start menu icon or customize other aspects of the start menu. You can use a keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to change the Start Orb in Windows 10.
How Do I Change the Start Menu on My Laptop?
In Windows 10, you can choose from a number of different start menu styles. Start menu icons are generally default, but you can easily change the appearance of your Start menu by changing the color, size, or style. The icons that appear in the Start menu are usually account, settings, music, video, and network. They are also unlabeled by default, but you can view icon labels by clicking the menu button in the top right corner. To make your Start menu more customized, you can choose an accent color from a preselected group or choose a custom color button. If you want to change the color of your Taskbar or Start menu, you can also change the background wallpaper.
The Start menu is divided into left and right columns. On the left side, you can access frequently-used apps and newly installed apps. On the right side, you have access to important commands and apps. Whether you want to access your documents or download music, the Start menu gives you easy access to the things you need. The Start screen is the new default start menu style, and it’s designed to look good on your laptop.
What is the Start Orb?
If you’ve ever wondered what the Start button in Windows 10 is all about, then this article is for you. While the official Microsoft Web site does not refer to it as “Start Orb,” many users use the term on websites. In this article, I’ll explain what the “Orb” is and how to change it in your PC. But before we get into that, let’s take a closer look at what the Start button is.
The Start button is located on the taskbar. In Windows 10, the Start button is always displayed at the left end of the Taskbar. Right-clicking the Start button displays a menu with all of your computer’s shortcuts. The Rollover menu is another feature that’s available if you right-click the Start button. It offers various options, including shutting down and signing out of your computer.
Learn More Here:
1.) Windows Help Center
2.) Windows – Wikipedia
3.) Windows Blog
4.) Windows Central
As part of Windows customization, you can change the start button icon to anything you want. Follow the steps to add a new start button icon.
In Windows 10, the default Start button icon is the regular old Windows logo. Unlike the old start button icon, the new start icon just changes color when you click on it. If you don’t like how the new start button icon looks and don’t mind going the extra mile in customizing how Windows looks, you can change the start button icon and add your own custom icon.
To do that, follow the below steps.
Important Note: Before making any changes, I recommend you create a restore point or a full Windows backup. If something goes wrong, you can use that restore point or the backup to restore the system to its known good state.
To change the start button icon, you should follow the below steps.
1. First, download this software and install it like any other application. After installing, launch it by searching for it in the start menu.
2. After launching the software, go to the “Appearance” tab and select the “Windows 10” start menu style and then select the start button orb icon of your choice. By default, the application comes with three different start button icons. Select the one you like. In my case, I’m selecting the Windows 7 style start button icon.
3. Click on the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons to save changes.
As soon as you do that, you should see the modified start button icon on the taskbar.
Add Custom Icon
If you want to add your own custom icon to the start button then you have to go through some hoops. I tried to find some app that makes the whole process easy but couldn’t find one that works in Windows 10. So, you have to manually create the start button icon.
Basically, you have to create a custom start orb image that contains icons for three start button states. i.e, default state, hover state and pressed state.
1. To start off, if you haven’t already, download the icon of your choice. In my case, I’ve downloaded a rocket icon from Flaticon.
Note: If you want three different icons for three different states, then download three icons. As for me, I will slightly change the one icon to represent different states.
2. Once you have the icon, open the image editing software of your choice. In my case, I’m using Photoshop.
3. Now, create a new transparent image exactly in the below dimensions depending on your DPI settings (Settings app → System → Display → Scale and Layout).
- 100% DPI – use 54 x 162 px
- 125% DPI – use 66 x 198 px
- 150% DPI – use 81 x 243 px
3. After creating the blank image, use the built-in ruler to divide the image into three equal parts vertically. The top, middle, and bottom parts represent default, hover, and pressed states.
4. Now, drag and drop your icon(s) into those three divided sections. Make sure they are exactly centered in their own section.
5. After doing that, save the image in PNG format and close the image editing application. In my case, this is the start image orb I created. I’m not that creative so please pardon the horrible icon.
6. Once you have to custom image, open StartIsBack application and click on the little “+” add icon.
7. In the browse window, select the icon you just created and click “Open”.
8. This will add the custom start button icon to the application. Select it and click on the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons to save changes.
If everything goes well, you will see your own custom start button icon in action.
Conclusion
StartIsBack is a paid software that costs $3.99 (one-time fee). The reason I chose this software over other free software like Classic Shell is that they are either not supported any longer, don’t work properly in the latest Windows 10 versions, or way too cumbersome in terms of functionality and usability. Trust me, I tried three different software and none worked better.
If you don’t want to pay for software then you can try Open-Shell, an open-source fork of Classic Shell. This good thing is, you can follow the basic gist of this article to change the start button icon. Then again, do keep in mind that OpenShell adds a lot of functionality to both the Start Menu and File Explorer out of the box. It also completely changes how the start menu looks. You have a spend a fair bit of time tinkering with the settings to disable all those unnecessary features and make it work as you want.
Simply put, if you really want to change the start button icon and don’t want to deal with cumbersome options, spending a few bucks does no harm. If you don’t might exploring and configuring a bunch of options the go with OpenShell.
That is it. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.