I use the Windows Start menu a few times per year. It is been replaced by the taskbar and other means to launch programs.
While I run a few searches per year, which open in the Start menu, I do not really use it for anything else. Also, I prefer to use the third-party tool Everything Search for searches, as it is better in most regards.
I have no need for the Start menu anymore
The Windows Start menu offers just a few functions:
- Launch pad for installed apps.
- Interface for search results.
- Shutting down, logging out, or switching users.
I do not need these, with the exception of the occasional use for searches. Also, Microsoft is adding more and more elements to the Start menu that I do not need or want.
I’m talking about the recommendations section that you cannot disable fully, as well as various placements for what I would call advertisement for Microsoft-owned subscription services.
Launch pad for installed apps
All apps that I use regularly are pinned to the taskbar. To launch apps not pinned there, I have the following options:
- Runbox: using Windows-R to launch, is fast. You need to know the name or shortcut though.
- Terminal: not as straightforward as Runbox, still might appeal to some.
- Search: the Search is linked to the Start menu, but it does not need it.
- File Explorer: manually launching an executable, e.g., a portable app that is not listed in the Start menu by default anyway.
Interface for search results
Search and Start menu are two separate functions, but they are linked as they use the same hull.
It would probably be easy enough to separate them, or split them again. Also, tools like Everything offer a better search experience in many cases.
Sign out or shut down
Windows offers plenty of options to do these, including:
- Right-clicking the Start button.
- Using Ctrl-Alt-Del.
- Running shutdown /f from the command prompt window.
The Start menu is not going anywhere, quite the contrary
Microsoft works constantly on changing the start menu of its Windows operating system. It introduced the dual layout of the start menu in Windows 11 and has tweaked it since then.
It is also working on adding new account functionality to the start menu and extensions, which display content on the sides.
I do not really know how many Windows users use the Start menu on a regular basis. Many might. An option to hide the Start button would be an option to give users the option.
What about you? Do you use the Start menu on Windows? If so, for what specifically? Feel free to write a comment down below.
We use the start menu extensively. We’ve learned that if you if you put more then 36 items into a group you can no longer rearrange them!
I do have my 7 most used items pinned to the taskbar but I also have 5 groups + my libraries pinned to the start menu.
Note: We don’t pin shortcuts to the desktop. To us that’s like leaving your dirty socks on the floor, in the kitchen, in your freinds house. It’s a habit we formed back when GPU’s didn’t have GB’s of memory.
The Win 11 start menu sucks emerald Equus asinus testicles. It didn’t require any learning though, because it’s the same as our phones but with advertising space added. I call it “Windroid”.
We’ve been using ‘Power Start Menu’ from the M.$ store since we switched to 11. It hides the search box and reccomended sections. It also does a bunch of other stuff we don’t care about. [u][b]But it keeps working after windows updates[\u][\b]. To us it was a $5 extortion fee but, it was a one time fee for up to 5 machines so, we paid it.
We miss the Win 10 start menu. It looked how “WE” wanted and did what “WE” wanted 🙁
Did not Microsoft try to remove Start Button a long time ago but had to bring it back after complaints? I think I remember there was a lot of hoopla around it.
The first software I have ever paid for is Start11. The second software I have ever paid for is Start11 v2. The third software I will gladly pay for, will be Start11 v3. The sheer joy of not ever having to look at Windows Shart Menu is pure bliss.
Open Shell will take care of the nuisance.
On Windows 10, I use the Stardock app. I realized I seldom use the Start Menu since my used-most-often programs are place on a dock, and I still use desktop icons arranged in Fences, so Windows 11 is the original Windows 11.
Not really an issue with all the 3rd party options.
Start Menu Reviver looks like a possible alternative.
But to ask MS to remove the Start Menu or provide a way to block the menu isn’t going to happen. It just won’t.