How to Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10 Pro

The Windows 10 Pro operating system offers a robust and flexible interface that can be tailored to meet your personal style and work habits. Two of the most visible and essential parts of that interface are the Start Menu and the Taskbar.

Customizing them can make your workflow more efficient, reduce clutter, and help you access your favorite tools faster. Whether you’re an everyday user or a power user looking for maximum control, this in-depth guide will help you unlock the full personalization potential of your Windows desktop.

Why Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why customization matters:

• Boost productivity: Faster access to apps and tools you use daily.

• Visual clarity: Clean up the clutter and focus on what matters.

• Personal feel: Make your desktop reflect your personality or brand.

• Efficiency: Save time by reducing the number of clicks to complete tasks.

PART 1: Customizing the Start Menu in Windows 10 Pro

The Start Menu is your command center. From accessing apps to managing settings, it’s where everything begins.

1. Resize the Start Menu

You can quickly change the dimensions of the Start Menu to better fit your preferences.

How to:

• Click on the Start button.

• Move your mouse to the edge of the Start Menu.

• Drag to resize vertically, horizontally, or both.

This is helpful if you want more space for pinned tiles or a more compact view.

2. Pin and Unpin Apps

The right side of the Start Menu allows you to pin frequently used apps for quick access.

To Pin an App:

• Right-click any app from the app list.

• Select “Pin to Start”.

To Unpin:

• Right-click the tile in the Start Menu.

• Select “Unpin from Start”.

3. Group Tiles for Better Organization

Windows allows you to organize pinned tiles into groups like “Work,” “Entertainment,” “Utilities,” etc.

How to:

• Drag and drop tiles into a new position.

• Move a tile above or below another group to create a new group.

• Hover above the group to see a Name Group option.

• Click to give it a custom name.

4. Resize Tiles

Not all tiles need to be the same size. You can resize tiles based on importance.

Steps:

• Right-click on the tile.

• Choose from Small, Medium, Wide, or Large.

This is great for apps like Calendar, Weather, or Mail, where larger tiles offer live previews.

5. Enable or Disable Live Tiles

Some tiles (like Weather or News) are “live,” meaning they show updates.

To Enable/Disable Live Tile:

• Right-click the tile.

• Select “Turn live tile on” or “Turn live tile off.”

6. Remove Suggested Apps and Ads

Windows occasionally shows suggested apps in the Start Menu.

To remove them:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.

• Turn off “Show suggestions occasionally in Start.”

7. Choose Which Folders Appear in Start Menu

On the lower-left side of the Start Menu, you can choose to show or hide quick links like File Explorer, Documents, Settings, etc.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.

• Click “Choose which folders appear on Start.”

• Toggle on or off the items you want.

8. Use Full-Screen Start Menu

Prefer the Start Menu to take up the full screen, like in tablet mode?

How to:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.

• Enable “Use Start full screen.”

9. Change the Color of the Start Menu

Add a personal touch by changing the theme or color.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.

• Enable “Start, taskbar, and action center” under Show accent color.

Pick a color you love from the palette!

PART 2: Customizing the Taskbar in Windows 10 Pro

Now let’s turn our attention to the Taskbar—the strip at the bottom of your screen that’s always visible and houses your open apps, clock, and system tray.

1. Pin Apps to the Taskbar

One-click access to your favorite apps is a huge time-saver.

To Pin:

• Right-click the app icon (from desktop or Start Menu).

• Select “Pin to taskbar.”

To Unpin:

• Right-click the icon on the taskbar.

• Click “Unpin from taskbar.”

2. Change Taskbar Position

Tired of the bottom placement? Move it to the top, left, or right.

How to:

• Right-click the Taskbar.

• Uncheck “Lock the taskbar” if it’s enabled.

• Drag it to the side of the screen you prefer.

3. Use Small Taskbar Buttons

Need more space? Shrink the icons.

Steps:

• Right-click the Taskbar > Taskbar Settings.

• Enable “Use small taskbar buttons.”

4. Customize System Tray Icons

Decide which icons appear in the bottom-right corner.

How to:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

• Click “Select which icons appear on the taskbar.”

• Toggle them on/off individually.

5. Combine Taskbar Buttons

You can choose how Windows groups windows from the same app.

Options:

• Always, hide labels

• When taskbar is full

• Never

This is also in Taskbar Settings > Combine taskbar buttons.

6. Add Toolbars

Toolbars let you access folders or launch applications directly from the Taskbar.

To Add:

• Right-click Taskbar > Toolbars > New Toolbar…

• Choose a folder (e.g., Desktop, Quick Launch).

7. Use Task View Button

The Task View button helps you manage multiple desktops and see open apps.

To Enable:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

• Toggle on “Show Task View button.”

8. Enable or Disable Cortana/Search Box

Depending on your preference, you might want to hide or show the search box.

How to:

• Right-click the Taskbar > Search.

• Choose between Hidden, Show search icon, or Show search box.

9. Lock the Taskbar

Once you’ve customized everything, lock it in place.

Right-click Taskbar > Lock the Taskbar.

This prevents accidental changes.

10. Taskbar Color and Transparency

Add a bit of visual flair.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.

• Scroll down and toggle on Transparency effects.

• Choose your accent color and enable “Start, taskbar, and action center.”

Pro Tips for Power Users

• Multiple Displays? Customize taskbar behavior for each screen under Settings > Taskbar > Multiple displays.

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Windows + T to cycle through taskbar items.

• Drag & Drop: You can rearrange taskbar icons by dragging them.

Final Thoughts

Personalizing your Windows 10 Pro Start Menu and Taskbar isn’t just about looks—it’s about function. With the right layout and features in place, you’ll spend less time searching and more time doing.

Whether you’re a professional aiming for speed or someone who loves a tidy desktop, these customization options help Windows 10 Pro become your own unique workstation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is customization available in all versions of Windows 10?
Most customization features are available in all editions, but Windows 10 Pro users have more options like group policy settings and enhanced multi-desktop features.

Q2. Can I restore the Start Menu and Taskbar to default settings?
Yes. You can manually unpin or reset most settings. If needed, creating a new user account will reset to default.

Q3. How do I stop Windows from adding apps to the Start Menu automatically?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off “Show suggestions occasionally in Start.”

Q4. Can I pin folders to the Taskbar?
Not directly. You can create a shortcut, right-click > Properties > Target, and prefix with explorer.exe, then pin it.

Q5. What’s the benefit of Windows 10 Pro for customization?
Besides regular personalization features, Windows 10 Pro offers better control through Group Policy, taskbar configuration scripts, and multiple desktop support for power users.